Review

This app presents a virtual simulation of succulent gardening that allows users to plant, nurture and watch a wide variety of succulents grow in beautifully designed pots. While not as realistic compared to our previously reviewed Flower Garden, this app contains very clear graphics along with calming background music and creates a relaxing getaway from everyday activities. Control methods for planting and watering and simple to use, making the app suitable for users of all ages.

Users are able choose their pot design, name their garden and select succulents to plant and nurture. Unlike our Flower Garden app, this game does not require frequent watering (as succulents are more forgiving) and therefore users do not have to visit the game as often. However, do be careful as these succulents can die from over or under-watering! For plant-curious users and avid botanists, each succulent displays its scientific name when touched. Users can even find more information about each plant such as the place of origin and the meaning of each name within the nursery.

The free version of the app includes 13 initial pots for planting and 3 different starter sets of succulents (each set comes with approximately 5 different plants). Users can purchase additional seeds in the nursery for a small fee (requires authorization of in-app purchase) or can be earned by visiting the nursery each week for a ‘free weekly seedling’. At this time, the free app only allows one pot of succulents to be planted at a time. If users would like to plant additional pots, in-app purchases are required to access this premium feature.

Tip: In-App Purchases do require a password before completion, but they can be completely restricted on your device, if preferred. For information on how to do this for the Apple iPad, read our step-by-step guide.

How to Navigate the App & Recommended Settings

Within the ‘Single Pot’ view (see picture), users can quickly access the gardening and watering tools.

• Water Tool (bottom right corner)

  • To check whether a plant needs water, tap on the individual succulent and an information banner will appear along the bottom of the screen (see photo). Tap on the spray bottle button once to water the plant to the appropriate level. Repeat for every plant in your pot.

  • A ‘thirsty’ plant requires water. A ‘sated’ plant does not require water. Make sure not to overwater the plant as it can become waterlogged and die!

• Digging Tool (bottom left corner)

  • This is a useful tool to use if a succulent has died from overwatering or you are running out of room in your pot and would like to remove a plant.

  • Tap on the plant you would like to dig out. Tap the bottom left-hand icon on the screen (plant with upwards arrow). Tap again to confirm selection.

Tips:

• You can rotate the pot to view succulents from different angles. Simply tap on the rim of the flower pot and swipe left or right to rotate.

• You may find a snail on the rim of your pot. It is there to keep your plants company and is completely harmless!

To visit the nursery:

• Tap on the hollow white circle on the bottom right-hand side of the screen

• Tap the greenhouse icon along the bottom banner

  • Here you can purchase additional seeds for 99¢.

    • Swipe to select which succulent seeds you would like and confirm your purchase using the checkmark (requires in-app purchase authorization)

    • Tap on the lightbulb icon on the top right-hand corner to access background information on the plant (origin, name meaning, etc.)

  • Access this same menu to collect one free seedling every week (no purchase required)

• Swipe to the right and click on the garden shovel icon (4th icon from the left)

  • Here you can repot your original plants into a new pot design

• Tap on the ‘back’ button on your tablet to return to your potted succulents

To plant your free seedlings:

• Tap on the hollow white circle on the bottom right-hand side of the screen

• Tap on the middle icon (plant with downwards arrow)

• Any available seedlings will appear along the left side of the screen

• Tap on the seedling you would like to plant

• Select where you would like to plant it within the pot

  • If red outline appears, select a different location within the pot to ensure the plant has enough space to grow.

• Water your new seedling and watch it grow!

To access sound settings:

• Tap on the hollow white circle on the bottom right-hand side of the screen

• Tap on the sound icon (left most icon with a horn)

  • Horn with circle: sounds play continuously on loop (recommended)

  • Horn with lines: sound plays once and stops

  • Horn with X: all sounds within the app are turned off