dharā Support Centre

Every question,
answered.

From LED indicators to leaf health — find clear answers for every aspect of your dharā Smart Planter.

Device & Troubleshooting

dharā Smart Planter · OxyFlow™ System

// LED Indicator Guide

Blue Glow

Water level is sufficient. System operating normally — your dharā is running its OxyFlow™ cycle as expected.

// all good

Red Glow + Buzzer

Low water level in reservoir. Refill with clean water immediately to restore normal auto-watering cycles.

// refill reservoir

Yellow Glow + Long Buzzer

Every 30 seconds — pump malfunction or internal system error. Contact Plant1 Care Support for guided assistance.

// contact support

// Common Issues

My dharā is not powering on

Device

Don't worry — this is usually a simple power connection issue. Try these steps in order:

  • Check the USB Type-C cable is firmly plugged into the planter. Type-C can look connected even when not fully seated.
  • Plug the adapter into a different wall socket to confirm the outlet is working.
  • Try a different known-working 5V USB Type-C adapter to rule out a faulty power adapter.
If dharā still doesn't power on after these steps, please contact Plant1 Customer Support for further assistance.

The soil-free substrate feels too dry

Device

The substrate should feel lightly moist over time but not soaked. If it feels consistently dry, the most common reasons are:

Possible Causes

  • Low water level in the reservoir
  • Orbit Basket not seated properly — misalignment interrupts the water path
  • Mineral deposits or debris blocking water flow
  • Plant simply needs a more frequent watering cycle

Solutions

  • Refill the reservoir to a sufficient level
  • Lift, realign, and reseat the Orbit Basket fully
  • Clean pump area of any visible mineral deposits
  • Switch to a more frequent watering mode and observe for a few days

How do I fix a misaligned Orbit Basket?

Device
  • Lift the Orbit Basket out gently and check if anything is blocking it from sitting flat.
  • Align it with the reservoir grooves/slots and lower it back in slowly.
  • Make sure it's fully seated and stable — it shouldn't wobble or sit at an angle.
  • Let dharā run its next cycle and check the substrate after a while.
A misaligned basket interrupts the water path — the root zone may stay drier even when the reservoir has water.

Mineral deposits or debris blocking the pump

Device
  • Unplug the device for safety before doing anything.
  • Remove the Orbit Basket and inspect the reservoir and pump area for visible deposits or debris.
  • Drain the reservoir and rinse with clean water to flush out any loose particles.
  • Gently clean around the pump area and remove any visible buildup.
  • Refill with clean water, reinsert the Orbit Basket properly, and run the next cycle.
If the issue continues after cleaning, contact Plant1 Customer Support — our closed-loop system is designed to be easy to clean and maintain.

Yellow light with long buzzer every 30 seconds

Urgent

A yellow light with a long buzzer every 30 seconds signals an issue that requires technical assistance.

This is not a standard user-fixable issue. Please contact Plant1 Care Support immediately for guided troubleshooting. Do not attempt to open or modify the electronics yourself.

Watering Cycles

OxyFlow™ Hydration Modes · dharā Smart Planter

Your Plant1 Smart Planter is designed to adapt to your plant's rhythm — delivering water and oxygen precisely when needed. Choose based on your plant type and how quickly moisture dries in your space (heat, light, humidity, airflow).

How to select your watering cycle

Setup
  • Ensure your planter is powered on.
  • With your planter facing you, long press the Control Button to enter watering cycle selection mode.
  • A single beep sound and a blue LED glow confirm you're now in watering cycle settings mode.
  • Short press the Control Button to scroll through the cycles. Blue LEDs illuminate from left to right with each press.
  • If no button is pressed for 5 seconds, the planter automatically exits settings mode and returns to normal operation.
  • After 30 seconds, your selected cycle will be saved and watering will begin automatically.

How to select watering cycle ?

Step 1

While device is powered ON, press and hold the button at back until you hear a beep.

Step 2

Device will enter settings mode with display showing the current watering cycle.

Step 2

Step 3

Each subsequent button press will toggle through different watering cycles.

Step 3

// Available Modes

🌧️

Rain Rush

Best for thirsty plants — herbs, leafy greens, plants that prefer consistently moist conditions.

Every 3 hrs

🌿

Morning Dew

Frequent hydration, slightly gentler — for plants that like regular moisture without the most frequent cycle.

Every 6 hrs

🌳

Canopy Calm

Balanced everyday mode for most indoor plants. Ideal if your home is warmer, brighter, or has more airflow.

Every 12 hrs

⛰️

Mountain Mist

Calmer rhythm — better for cooler, more humid, or lower-light spaces where plants drink slower.

Every 24 hrs

🏜️

Desert Still

Minimal watering for succulents, cacti, and other low-water plants that prefer dry intervals.

Every 48 hrs

If you're unsure where to start, use Canopy Calm (Every 12 Hours) and adjust after a few days based on how your plant responds. You can change modes any time as your plant grows or seasons change.

Quick tips for choosing the right mode

Tips
  • If leaves look droopy or dry → move to a more frequent mode (e.g., Mountain Mist → Canopy Calm)
  • If substrate feels constantly soaked → move to a less frequent mode (e.g., Canopy Calm → Mountain Mist or Desert Still)
  • Check water level weekly — cycles work best when the tank is at least 30–40% full
  • You can change modes any time as your plant grows or seasons change
The watering cycles recommended are based on extensive Plant1 research across various plant species. However, every environment is unique — temperature, humidity, and light can influence your plant's needs. We encourage you to experiment and discover the cycle that suits your plant's growth.

Best Practices

Do's & Don'ts · What Can You Grow

// Do's & Don'ts

✅  Do's
💚

Use Plant1 nutrients only

Precisely crafted to balance water and LECA. Other fertilizers may disrupt the harmony of our OxyFlow™ cycles.

⚖️

Measure with care

Follow the recommended dosage. Small, consistent steps ensure lush and steady growth.

💧

Maintain clean water

Refill with fresh, potable water to prevent mineral build-up and keep roots thriving.

👁️

Observe your plants

Each plant tells its own story — adjust watering cycles to suit the plant's natural rhythm.

🔄

Keep it in balance

Combine light, hydration, and nutrients to create the complete ecosystem that Plant1 promises.

❌  Don'ts
🚫

Don't use garden soil

dharā is engineered for soil-free living. Soil clogs the system and disrupts the device.

🚫

Don't operate without water

Excess nutrients can stress roots instead of nurturing them. Precision is the key.

🚫

Don't overfill

Impurities can harm your plants and reduce efficiency of the closed-loop system.

🚫

Don't ignore indicators

The LED signals are the smart planter's voice — never overlook a low-water alert.

🚫

Don't pour dirty or stagnant water

Impurities can harm your plants and reduce efficiency of the closed-loop system.

// What Can You Grow in dharā

🌧️ Herbs & Edible Greens

Rain Rush · Every 2 hrs

Basil · Thyme · Lettuce · Spinach · Chillies

🌸 Flowering Plants

Morning Dew · Every 4 hrs

Lilies · Kalanchoe · Peace Lily · Anthurium

🌿 Ferns & Ornamentals

Canopy Calm · Every 8 hrs

Ferns · Monstera · Alocasia · Birds of Prey

🏔️ Orchids & Exotics

Mountain Mist · Every 12 hrs

Phalaenopsis · Cattleya · Dendrobium

🏜️ Cacti & Succulents

Desert Still · Every 24 hrs

Echeveria · Adenium · Cactus

Plant Care & Troubleshooting

18 known issues · 5 categories

// Watering & Moisture

Leaves turning yellow

Watering

Possible Causes

  • Watering mode too frequent
  • Roots staying too wet
  • Plant species prefers drier conditions
  • Old leaves naturally aging

Solutions

  • Shift to a less frequent watering mode
  • Check the roots for excess moisture stress
  • Remove fully yellow leaves if needed
  • Observe new growth over the next few days

Leaf tips turning brown

Watering

Possible Causes

  • Plant getting too dry between cycles
  • Low humidity
  • Salt or nutrient buildup
  • Roots not taking up water properly

Solutions

  • Refill the reservoir and check water flow
  • Move to a slightly more frequent mode
  • Clean the reservoir if buildup is visible
  • Monitor fresh growth

Leaves drooping

Watering

Possible Causes

  • Overwatering or underwatering
  • Transplant shock
  • Roots not settled properly in the basket

Solutions

  • Check reservoir level and watering mode first
  • Ensure plant is stable in the basket
  • Give it a few days to recover after transplanting

Soft stem base or collapsing plant

Urgent

Possible Causes

  • Excess moisture around the crown
  • Plant type may not suit current watering frequency
  • Early root or stem rot

Solutions

  • Shift to a less frequent watering mode immediately
  • Inspect the base of the plant
  • Remove damaged tissue only if necessary
  • Keep the setup clean

// Root Health

Roots are not growing well

Roots

Possible Causes

  • Plant transplanted with damaged roots
  • Too much old soil left on roots
  • Unsuitable plant condition at transfer

Solutions

  • Use healthy plants with strong roots
  • Clean excess soil gently before placing in the planter
  • Avoid disturbing roots repeatedly after setup

Roots turning brown or mushy

Urgent

Possible Causes

  • Roots staying too wet
  • Watering mode too frequent
  • Damaged roots transferred into system
  • Decaying root matter in basket

Solutions

  • Remove damaged roots if visible
  • Clean the basket area gently
  • Shift to a less frequent watering mode
  • Monitor response over the next several days

Roots look dry or shriveled

Roots

Possible Causes

  • Water not reaching the root zone properly
  • Watering mode too infrequent
  • Low water level in reservoir
  • Poor root contact with moisture

Solutions

  • Refill reservoir and check basket alignment
  • Shift to a more frequent watering mode
  • Ensure roots are positioned naturally inside the basket

Algae or slimy residue near roots

Hygiene

Possible Causes

  • Excess light hitting wet areas
  • Delayed cleaning
  • Organic debris in the system

Solutions

  • Clean the basket and reservoir gently
  • Remove visible residue and refill with fresh water
  • Keep the planter clean and avoid letting debris collect

// Leaf & Growth

New leaves are small or weak

Growth

Possible Causes

  • Plant not receiving ideal light
  • Roots still adjusting after transfer
  • Nutrient support may be insufficient

Solutions

  • Place the planter in better light
  • Keep conditions stable and avoid disturbing roots
  • Observe the next growth cycle

Plant is not growing

Growth

Possible Causes

  • Light is too low
  • Plant is in adjustment phase
  • Watering mode not suited to the plant
  • Root health is poor

Solutions

  • Move to a brighter suitable location
  • Check root condition and confirm proper water flow
  • Adjust the watering mode based on plant type

Leaves look pale or dull

Growth

Possible Causes

  • Insufficient light
  • Roots are stressed
  • Growth slowed after transfer

Solutions

  • Move to a brighter location suited to the plant
  • Keep the watering cycle stable
  • Observe whether new leaves appear healthier

Plant drops leaves suddenly

Growth

Possible Causes

  • Sudden environmental change
  • Transplant shock
  • Unsuitable watering mode
  • Low light or temperature stress

Solutions

  • Keep the plant in a stable indoor location
  • Avoid shifting it repeatedly
  • Verify watering mode matches the plant's needs
  • Observe new growth rather than focusing only on older leaves

// Transplant, Stability & Fit

Plant leans or wilts after setup

Setup

Possible Causes

  • Roots not anchored well
  • Insufficient substrate support
  • Transplant shock

Solutions

  • Add more substrate around the root zone for support
  • Reposition the plant gently
  • Avoid moving it repeatedly after setup

Older leaves drying out after transplant

Transplant

Possible Causes

  • Normal transplant stress
  • Root disturbance during cleaning
  • Plant adapting to new environment

Solutions

  • Remove only fully dried leaves
  • Keep watering mode stable
  • Avoid repeated handling and allow time to adjust

Plant unstable in basket

Setup

Possible Causes

  • Insufficient substrate support
  • Poor root placement
  • Plant size too large for basket

Solutions

  • Reposition plant and add enough substrate to hold it upright
  • Ensure roots are spread naturally
  • Use plants suited to the basket size

Plant outgrows basket space

Growth

Possible Causes

  • Root mass too large for the basket
  • Plant matured beyond recommended size

Solutions

  • Transfer plant to a larger suitable setup
  • Avoid forcing oversized roots — this affects stability and water flow

// Reservoir Hygiene

Unpleasant smell from reservoir

Hygiene

Possible Causes

  • Stagnant water due to delayed cleaning
  • Organic residue in water
  • Decaying root matter

Solutions

  • Empty the reservoir and rinse thoroughly with clean water
  • Remove any decayed root material
  • Refill with fresh water and maintain regular cleaning

Persistent bad smell despite cleaning

Hygiene

Possible Causes

  • Stagnant water or root decay
  • Dirty reservoir with residue buildup

Solutions

  • Empty, rinse thoroughly and remove all debris
  • Refill with fresh water
  • Clean the reservoir regularly to prevent buildup

Care & Maintenance

Storage · Substrate · Cleaning

Storage When Not in Use

  • Empty all water and nutrients from the planter completely.
  • Dry the reservoir, orbit basket, and substrate completely before storing.
  • Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Substrate Replacement

  • Over time, substrate may lose its porosity due to mineral deposition.
  • Replace with fresh Plant1 premium substrate aadhār to maintain the perfect balance of oxygen, water, and nutrients.
  • We recommend replacing the substrate every 12 months for optimum performance.

Safety & Compliance

Electrical Safety · Placement · Regulatory Information

Device Specifications

CE CertifiedYes
Operating Temperature5°C to 50°C
Rated Input5V, 250mA — 2W
Power Rating5V DC — 2W
UsageIndoor use only
Country of OriginIndia
Designed & Innovated byGreenGraffiti Private Limited

Electrical Safety

  • Use only the power adapter supplied with your Plant1 Smart Planter.
  • Do not expose the cable, plug, or power port to water.
  • Disconnect from power before cleaning or moving the planter.
  • Do not attempt to open, modify, or repair the electronics yourself. If something seems faulty, unplug immediately and contact Plant1 Customer Care.
⚠️  Any unauthorised modifications, third-party accessories, or improper use may void the warranty.

Placement & Usage

  • Place on a flat, stable surface in an indoor environment.
  • Don't operate without water.
  • Never overfill beyond the maximum water level indicator.
  • Keep the device away from sources of heat and fire.
  • Do not expose to extreme heat, direct flames, or outdoor rainfall.
  • Keep out of reach of young children unless supervised.
  • Do not allow pets to drink water from the reservoir.

Regulatory & Legal

  • Equipment Type: Plant1 Tabletop Smart Planter
  • Plant1 is a registered trademark of GreenGraffiti Private Limited.
  • This manual may not be copied or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior permission of GreenGraffiti Private Limited.
  • While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, GreenGraffiti Private Limited disclaims any liability for errors in typography or photography.

Chat with us

Our support team is available to help you troubleshoot in real time.

Chat with Us

Email support

Send us a detailed message and we'll respond within 24 hours.

onecare@plant1.in

Connect with us

Connect with other dharā growers and share your growing experience.

Schedule a meet