Sense light: enhancing plant care with sensor integration and optical wireless communication (OWC) for energy-efficient continuous monitoring in indoor environment

Purpose This paper aims to design and implement real-time indoor plant health monitoring system using optical wireless communication (OWC) integrated with various environmental sensors and an Arduino microcontroller. The system continuously monitors and transmits plant care parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, pH level and light intensity using light-emitting diode (LED) based on OWC system ensuring timely insights and responsive care for maintaining indoor plant health through a user-friendly interface. Design/methodology/approach The environmental sensors are integrated with an Arduino Uno-based prototype to monitor key plant care parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, pH level and light intensity. Three plant samples Coleus amboinicus, aloe vera and Tabernaemontana divaricate were chosen for continuous observation. The sensor data is modulated and transmitted using an LED-based OWC link. The photodetector at the receiver end detects the incoming light pulses that are demodulated and displayed through an accessible interface, enabling real-time observation of indoor plant health metrics. Findings The sensor data is transmitted over distances up to 390 cm using LED-based OWC link. The temperature and humidity ranges are maintained for healthy growth of three plant samples. Coleus amboinicus and Aloe vera are exposed to alkaline conditions, while Tabernaemontana divaricate thrived in acidic soil. High retention of moisture is observed for Coleus amboinicus while its variability is moderate for aloe vera and Tabernaemontana divaricate. Light intensity readings are monitored to assess system responsiveness to varying lighting conditions. Originality/value The work presents real-time environmental sensing integrated with OWC for indoor plant health monitoring. The sensor data is transmitted over varying distances, enabling sustainable indoor plant care.