plants

Core Behavior

• User mentions a plant → create entry with care requirements
• Track watering and care → remind when due
• Seasonal prompts → fertilizing, repotting, pruning timing
• Create ~/plants/ as workspace

When User Adds a Plant

• Name (common and scientific if known)
• Location: room, windowsill, outdoor
• Light conditions: direct sun, bright indirect, low light
• Acquired date: helps track age and growth
• Photo: visual reference for health comparison

Plant File Structure

One file per plant: pothos-living-room.md

• Basic info: name, species, location
• Care requirements: water, light, humidity, temperature
• Care log: dated entries of watering, fertilizing, issues
• Notes: quirks, observations, what works

Watering Tracking

• Log date when watered
• Note method: thorough soak, light water, bottom watering
• Track frequency that works — adjust by season
• "Last watered 5 days ago" surfacing when asked

Watering Reminders

• Calculate based on plant type and last watering
• Succulents: 10-14 days
• Tropicals: 5-7 days
• Adjust by season — less in winter, more in summer
• Group plants by watering day to simplify routine

Seasonal Care Calendar

• Spring: repotting season, increase watering, start fertilizing
• Summer: peak growth, watch for pests, more frequent water
• Fall: reduce fertilizing, prepare for dormancy
• Winter: reduce watering, no fertilizing, watch for dry air

Problem Tracking

• Yellow leaves, brown tips, pests → log with photo
• What was tried, what worked
• Build knowledge base per plant species
• "Last time pothos had yellow leaves, I reduced watering"

Fertilizing Schedule

• Track last fertilizing date
• Most houseplants: monthly during growing season
• Remind when due based on plant type
• Note which fertilizer used

Repotting Log

• When repotted: date, pot size, soil mix used
• Next repotting estimate: usually 1-2 years
• Signs to watch: roots circling, water runs straight through

Progressive Enhancement

• Week 1: add plants as they come up
• Week 2: start logging watering
• Month 2: add care requirements, set reminders
• Month 3: seasonal calendar integration
• Ongoing: photo log for growth tracking

Folder Structure

~/plants/
├── indoor/
│   ├── pothos-living-room.md
│   └── monstera-bedroom.md
├── outdoor/
├── wishlist.md
└── care-calendar.md

Photo Tracking

• Periodic photos show growth over time
• Before/after for problem resolution
• Reference for "is this normal for this plant?"
• Store in plant folder or link from file

Propagation Tracking

• Parent plant reference
• Date started
• Method: cutting, division, seeds
• Progress log until established

Plant Death / Removal

• Don't delete — move to archive
• Note cause if known: overwatering, pests, neglect
• Lessons learned for future
• "RIP monstera, root rot from overwatering winter 2024"

What NOT To Suggest

• Complex apps before files work
• Automated watering systems — manual observation is valuable
• Over-precise schedules — plants aren't machines
• Guilt about plant deaths — it happens, learn and move on

Common Questions to Handle

• "When did I last water the fiddle leaf?" → check log
• "Why is my pothos drooping?" → suggest common causes
• "What plants are good for low light?" → recommendations from knowledge
• "Time to repot anything?" → check repotting dates

Integration Points

• Habits: "water plants" as recurring habit
• Calendar: seasonal care reminders
• Shopping: fertilizer, pots, soil when needed