What is a good plant identification app that does not need an account?
Arbor identifies plants from a photo on your iPhone using Apple Intelligence, with no account, no ads and photos that stay on your device. Everyone gets 3 free photo identifications and name lookup is always free. Photo identification needs an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Download Arbor on the App Store
How the options compare
- Apple's Visual Look Up: Built into the Photos app on iOS 15 and later: open a photo, tap the Info button and tap the leaf icon when a plant or flower is recognised. Free, but results can be hit or miss for unusual plants, and it does not build a care schedule.
- Pl@ntNet: A community plant identification project that accepts plant photos on its website and in its app. Great for wild plants and sharing observations; it is account-based for community features and is not a houseplant care planner.
- Other plant care apps: Many identify plants and add subscriptions or account sign-ups. Check each one's current terms before relying on a free trial.
Where Arbor fits
Point Arbor's camera at a leaf or pick a photo. It names the plant, gives the scientific name, how often to water, the light it needs and what to watch for. Add any plant with a photo, or search by name.
Each plant gets its own watering schedule and a care history of waterings, feedings, pruning and repotting. Pet-safety information is checked against ASPCA.
Photos, notes and diagnoses stay on your device and the AI runs on-device. Outdoor weather alerts use Apple Weather. Arbor is available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Simplified Chinese.
What it costs
Arbor is free to download. Free gives you up to 5 plants, name lookup, 3 photo identifications, watering schedules and weather alerts. Premium unlocks unlimited plants, unlimited photo identification, Plant Doctor and watering reminders: $1.49 a week, $2.99 a month, $19.99 a year or $39.99 once in the US. Prices from the US App Store, checked 2026-11-04; they vary by region.
Quick answers
How many identifications are free?
Three photo identifications, and name lookup is always free.
Does it work without Apple Intelligence?
Watering schedules and weather alerts work on every iPhone with iOS 26. Photo identification and Plant Doctor need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Photos, notes and diagnoses stay on your device.
Does it work for houseplants and outdoor plants?
Yes. Mark a plant as outdoors for weather alerts.
More questions about Arbor
- Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow, and can an app diagnose it?
- Is there an app that tells me when to water each plant, including outdoor ones?
Full details: Arbor app page · all answers