The PictureThis app is a powerful free option for identifying plants by photo, and you can download it from the App Store or Google Play below.
PictureThis Identify Plant
Using artificial intelligence technology, PictureThis allows anyone to recognize plants—including their scientific and common names—in seconds. It also offers diagnostics and care tips, becoming a true botanical assistant. Learn all the details below.
Advantages of PictureThis
Fast and accurate identification
The app uses a database of over 400,000 species and promises up to 98 % accuracy for the most common plants :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Simply take a photo or upload an image of the plant to receive immediate suggestions.
Plant health diagnosis
It doesn't just stop at the name: the app offers visual diagnosis of possible diseases or pests, highlighting specific areas of the plant and suggesting practical solutions :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Integrated care guide
Includes information on watering, light levels, fertilization, and toxicity. The free version allows you to schedule basic reminders, while the premium version offers advanced features. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
User-friendly interface and active community
The design is simple and intuitive. There's a space for sharing photos, questions, and answers, connecting users with botanical interests :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Available for iOS and Android
Compatible with both iPhones and Android phones, the app can be downloaded for free on both platforms :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Functional free version
Even without a subscription, you can identify plants, save IDs, and receive simple alerts. Many users claim to use it without paying :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
How to use PictureThis
- Open the app and take a photo of the plant, focusing on leaves, flowers, or fruit in good lighting.
- Upload the image: within seconds, a list of possible species will appear.
- Choose the most likely match; the app lets you confirm or adjust the identification.
- Get information on care, diseases, toxicity, and optimal light.
- In the settings, activate reminders for watering and fertilizing, and save identified plants in a virtual “garden.”
- You can also share photos and interact in the built-in community.
Limitations and considerations
Although praised, PictureThis has some weaknesses:
- Paid features limit free use: Unlimited identification and advanced diagnostics require a subscription, and there are reports of automatic charges after the trial period :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Accuracy may vary: It is very good with adult plants, but fails with seedlings and very similar species :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Ads in the free version: users report frequent ads that make the experience less fluid :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Internet connection required: recognition depends on online services; it only works offline to view already saved plans :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Automatic billing events: Some users have complained about unexpected fees and difficulty canceling :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Opinion of real users
In online communities, many approve of PictureThis:
“I've had it for years … I like being able to save all the plants I've seen” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
“PictureThis was extremely accurate … incredibly helpful” :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
But there are those who criticize:
“Misidentifies plants despite premium … waste of money” :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
“Requires subscription … some info helpful but not worth the price” :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Who PictureThis is ideal for
The app is recommended for:
- Beginning gardeners looking for quick and simple identification.
- People who want to diagnose visible signs of disease or deficiencies in everyday plants.
- Users who want to catalog their plants with basic reminders without investing in more advanced tools.
Now, those who are looking for:
- Identification of rare, seedling or very similar plants;
- Use in the field without internet;
- Full functionality without ads;
…maybe you prefer premium options or specific apps.
Conclusion
PictureThis stands out as one of the best free apps for identifying plants by image, especially for beginners. With speed, accuracy for common species, and visual diagnoses, it offers real value, even with limitations on the free plan.
Use it for convenience, quick identification, and basic care tips. If you want an ad-free experience, more scans per day, and more advanced diagnostic features, consider investing in a subscription.
In short, it's an excellent gateway for anyone who wants to learn botany and take better care of plants—all in the palm of their hand.
