How Alexa can help you take care of your plants

After new research shows that almost half of us already talk to our house plants, Alexa now has new features at its disposal to help your plants grow even stronger and healthier.

Amazon has partnered with leading botanist and TV presenter James Wong to bring new plant care expertise to Alexa, including a new routine, whispered affirmations and updated knowledge to help customers keep their indoor plants alive and healthy.

Starting today, Alexa users will be able to ask over 35 new questions about their favorite houseplants, including “How much light does my Aloe Vera need??” And “How often should I water my cheese plant?” and can activate a new recommended routine via the Alexa app that will create optimal growing conditions for their potted friends.

Customers can access the new routine via the Alexa app, which includes reminders to check and water houseplants, smart home connectivity for optimal light and temperature settings to keep plants alive and well*, and plant-friendly music playlists to encourage growth. Routine hits the app as new research shows almost a third (30%) of Brits struggle to remember how often their plants need watering and feeding.

Customers can also experiment with a range of new plant affirmations, as research shows that sound can have a positive effect on plant growth. Just tell: ““Alexa, be my plant whisperer” Hear Alexa whisper positive affirmations to your indoor plants. The affirmations come after research revealed that, like our King Charles, almost half (46%) of plant lovers in the UK have talked to their houseplants beforehand in an effort to encourage their growth.

With summer holidays on the horizon, Amazon’s devices may even help ease the separation anxiety customers may feel when leaving their green friends unattended for long periods of time. Because of them Indoor camera with ring (2^II gene.)customers can get live direct feed to keep an eye on their plants – perfect for the 28% of Brits who say it would give them peace of mind if they could see their plants through their home security camera when they were away from home.

But it’s not just plants that will benefit – over half of respondents (59%) agree that taking care of plants has a positive impact on their mental well-being, another 50% feel proud to see their plants bloom, and an additional third say that caring for them plants helps reduce stress and anxiety.

The new data was confirmed by psychologist Dr. Sophie Mort, who reiterates that plant care can be an instrumental method in helping to manage mental health. Dr Sophie said: “Caring for plants is an amazing way to practice mindfulness. It creates a sense of comfort and relaxation, as well as a sense of pride when we see plants that usually bloom – now Alexa makes it even easier.”

Speaking about his role in Alexa’s latest gardening upgrade, James Wong added: “It’s easy to get discouraged when a plant turns discolored or dies, so I loved working with Amazon to upskill Alexa in plant knowledge and develop a care routine plants that will help Brits become more confident in caring for their house plants”

Meryem Tom, country director for Amazon Alexa in the UK, said: “Alexa’s knowledge of plant care has been greatly enhanced, and with summer approaching, it’s the perfect time for our customers to play with Alexa’s new routine and improve their plant care skills in the process!

How to access Alexa’s new plant care routine:

1. Open the Alexa mobile app
2. Select “more” from the bottom navigation menu
3. From the options, select “procedures”.
4. Click “recommended” in the top sliding menu
5. Select “Plant Whisperer”
6. Select the devices you want to include in the procedure
7. Select “save”
8. To start the routine, simply say “Alexa, watch out for my plants!”

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