The CES 2025 Could Have Made Me a Gardening Expert.

At CES 2025, numerous standout innovations were showcased, including robotic vacuum cleaners with mechanical arms, impressive LED televisions, and unique smartwatches. However, among the most exciting revelations were products designed to help gardening enthusiasts enhance their skills. I've always had the desire to transform my home into a small forest, but my frequent travels and my ability to wilt plants have hindered that dream. Nevertheless, two new devices presented at the fair could help me become an expert in plant care, thanks to their advanced features that ensure plants thrive at home.

The first is the PlantaForm Indoor Smart Garden, a dome-shaped device that uses fogponics technology to grow plants using less water than hydroponic systems. This innovation allows mist to be directed directly to the roots of the plants, eliminating the need for soil. In turn, the dome provides ample light to the leaves without spilling into the home environment, thanks to its adjustable tinted panels. Moreover, it comes with a robust mobile app that guides users through the gardening process, making indoor plant care easier with the PlantaForm.

However, one of the drawbacks of this indoor garden is its size. It's not a device that can be placed on a kitchen table or a small countertop, as it is quite bulky. But if you have space on a side table or a spacious kitchen, it becomes an excellent way to automate plant growth. In my case, my kitchen is small, though I hope to find a spot for it in my home office.

While the PlantaForm is impressive, I am even more excited about the LeafyPod. This smart planter, powered by artificial intelligence, can customize its automated watering schedule according to the specific needs of each plant. Taking into account factors such as the season, the home's location, and the environment, it dynamically adjusts to ensure the best possible growth. After installing the app, you simply need to present the plant to the LeafyPod, select the type in the app, and relax; the AI algorithm will take care of the rest.

The LeafyPod will adapt its care plan based on the reactions of the soil and the plant during the initial watering sessions, thus developing an optimized watering schedule. Additionally, its water reservoir can last up to four weeks, alleviating the worry of returning home to wilted plants. This device can also maintain its charge for about six months, making it a low-maintenance option.

For those with outdoor space limitations, the Petal, an insect observation camera, and Wonder Blocks, a modular system that allows for the creation of unique habitats for plants and native animals, are also intriguing. Developed by the Bird Buddy team, Petal is a small, flexible device that can be placed in the garden to observe the tiny creatures that inhabit it. Meanwhile, Wonder Blocks offers a pedestal base that can be enhanced with plant bases, seed trays, bee hotels, butterfly feeders, and insect hotels. By combining Wonder Blocks with Petal, it's possible to enjoy a constant view of the insects, turning them into one of the most interesting ways to appreciate the garden from a new perspective.