What is Kickstarter?
Kickstarter is a launchpad for creators to raise funds for the initial production of their invention. Backers (that’s you!) can support the creator by pre-ordering the product at a discounted price.
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What does it mean to back a project (pledge)?
When you back a project, you’re pre-ordering the product. That means you’ll get it once it’s produced. Besides getting the product itself, you’re also joining a community. Follow along the production process, take part in important surveys and give the creator valuable feedback.
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How do I pledge?
In order to pledge, click that green button that says “Back this project”. You’ll get to select your shipping country and choose your desired pledge level and reward.
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When is my money collected?
Your money will be collected only after the project ends on October 30th, 2025. If the project is cancelled for any reason, you won’t be charged.
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What payment methods can I use?
You can use any debit or credit card associated with Visa, Mastercard or American Express, as well as Discover and JCB cards. Kickstarter does not accept payments with PayPal.
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When will I get my pre-order?
The ARK smart planters are set to ship in April 2026. Depending on your location, you’ll get them sometime in April. Please note that this is an estimate, as you’re pre-ordering the product and production delays could arise.
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What is ARK?
ARK is a fully automated smart terrarium that creates the perfect environment for your plants by monitoring and controlling light, humidity, watering, and airflow. It’s designed to make plant care effortless—even if you don’t have a green thumb.
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How does ARK water and mist my plants?
ARK has a built-in water tank and pump that automatically drips water into the soil based on moisture sensor readings. It also includes an ultrasonic misting system that maintains the right humidity levels for your plant’s ecosystem based on readings from the humidity sensor.
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Do I need to refill the water tank often?
On average, the 2-liter tank lasts 2–4 weeks depending on plant type, climate, and how often the system activates watering and misting. The app will notify you when it’s time to refill.
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What plants can I grow in ARK?
Nearly any plant that fits! From bonsai trees and succulents to tropical ferns and carnivorous plants. We’re also offering optional Plant & Decoration Kits (Desert Oasis, Woodland Grove, Rainforest Escape, Carnivorous Kingdom) to make setup easy and themed. Some bonsai trees such as evergreens are best suited for outdoors and are therefore not the best choice
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How do I control ARK?
You can control ARK directly through the Plantelligence mobile app (iOS & Android). The app lets you choose plant profiles, monitor real-time data, and adjust settings like light cycles, humidity, and watering. You also get notifications if any maintenance is needed or problems occur such as high temperature or low water.
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Does ARK require Wi-Fi to work?
Wi-Fi is recommended for full smart features and app connectivity, but ARK can still function independently. It will automatically maintain the environment based on its built-in sensors even without internet.
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What makes ARK different from other smart planters?
ARK is the only device that combines full automation, modular design, and premium aesthetics. Its clear glass-like pot, seamless dome, and minimal spine make it a design piece for any space, while its smart ecosystem control takes the guesswork out of plant care. While most planters focus on growing herbs hydroponically, ARK uses real soil and is focused on highlighting the beauty of plants.
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How big is ARK?
ARK is roughly the size of a small tabletop appliance (9” diameter x 20.” height). It’s large enough to support meaningful plants like bonsai or small ferns, yet compact enough to fit on a desk, shelf, or coffee table. It can fit 6-10 small 2” plants comfortably or 3-5 slightly larger plants. You also can plant one larger plant if you wish
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When will I receive my ARK?
We’re on track to ship April 2026. Backers will receive updates throughout the process, and you’ll be asked to confirm your plant kit and add-ons in a survey before shipping.
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What happens if I’m not satisfied with ARK?
We stand behind ARK 100%. If you experience issues, we’ll work with you to troubleshoot, replace parts if necessary, or honor our Kickstarter backer guarantee. Your support is helping us launch, and we’re committed to your satisfaction.
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What are the Plant Kits?
Each kit (sold as add-ons)includes live plants and correlating substrates to instantly create a complete ecosystem inside ARK. You can choose from Desert Oasis, Woodland Grove, Rainforest Escape, or Carnivorous Kingdom to match your style and plant preferences. Each plant is sourced from reputable growers in the USA and shipped directly. Add both a plant and decoration kit to make an awesome gift along with your ARK!
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Do I need to buy a kit, or can I use my own plants?
You can absolutely use your own plants! The kits are optional and simply make setup easier while adding decorative flair. ARK is compatible with nearly any small-to-medium plant that thrives in controlled environments. Feel free to go on a hike and forage plants or purchase from your local nursery!
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What comes inside the Decoration Kits?
Each kit includes a mix of natural and decorative items, such as driftwood, moss, stones, or themed ornaments (like a torii gate or miniature gnome). They’re carefully chosen to complement the plants and bring the theme to life. Add both a plant and decoration kit to make an awesome gift along with your ARK!
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Will the plant and decorations arrive together with ARK?
The ARK device and plant kits will ship separately. Because live plants are sensitive to timing and shipping, you’ll receive your ARK first and your chosen kit shortly after. This ensures the plants arrive fresh and healthy.
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What if a plant in the kit isn’t available at the time of shipping?
Due to seasonality and supply, some plants may vary. If substitutions are necessary, we’ll provide a similar plant that fits the theme and thrives in ARK’s ecosystem. You’ll also be able to confirm your selection through a backer survey before shipping.
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Do the kits include soil?
Yes! Each Plant Kit comes with the proper soil or substrate needed for your chosen ecosystem—whether that’s sandy mix for Desert, nutrient-rich soil for Woodland, or mossy substrate for Carnivorous plants.
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Are the kits beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Each kit includes a quick-start guide tailored to the plants inside. With ARK’s automation plus simple care tips, even beginners can enjoy a thriving miniature ecosystem
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Can I switch my kit choice after pledging?
Yes. After the campaign ends, you’ll receive a survey to confirm your kit choice and add-ons. At that time, you can switch to a different theme if you’d like.
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Will I be able to order extra kits later?
Yes! Additional plant and decoration kits will be available after the campaign both as Kickstarter add-ons as well as the backer survery when shipping is closer.Eventually they will be available through our online store. This way you can change themes or refresh your ARK ecosystem anytime.
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How are the plants shipped safely?
Our verified and reputable plant suppliers use specialized packaging to ensure plants arrive healthy and undamaged. They’ll be shipped from trusted growers and nurseries, timed to minimize stress during transit. You’ll get tracking information once they’re on the way.
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How easy is it to set up ARK?
Setup takes just a few minutes. Add water to the tank, place your plant or kit inside, plug in ARK, and connect to the app. The rest is automated—no tools required.
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Can ARK help me learn more about my plants?
Yes! The app provides insights into plant health, growth trends, and environmental conditions. It’s a fun and educational tool for beginners and even a great STEM learning experience for kids.
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What happens if the power goes out?
ARK will resume normal operation as soon as power returns. Your plants won’t suffer from short interruptions, and the system retains your saved settings. For longer outages, we recommend putting the ARK pot outside.
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Is ARK noisy when it runs?
Not at all. The fan and misting system are whisper-quiet, making ARK suitable for desks, bedrooms, and shared spaces. Some light noise from the humdifier will happen periodically but only lasts a few seconds until proper humidity is reached
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How strong are the grow lights?
ARK uses a full-spectrum LED panel that simulates natural sunlight, adjustable for brightness and duration. It supports plant growth and can also be used for a gentle sunrise/sunset effect in your space.
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Does ARK need maintenance?
Very little. You’ll just need to occasionally refill the water tank, clean the dome, and wipe down components. Maintenance kits with tools and gloves will be available as optional add-ons. Trim the plants as you wish
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How do I clean ARK?
The dome lifts off easily, and the soil pot is removable for rinsing. All components are designed to be user-friendly, with water-safe materials that can be wiped clean.
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Will ARK overwater or underwater my plants?
No. ARK uses precision soil moisture sensors to water only when necessary. Each plant profile is programmed with optimal ranges, so it won’t drown succulents or leave tropicals too dry.
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What makes ARK a good Kickstarter project to back?
Unlike many early-stage concepts, ARK is already prototyped, engineered, and tested. Your pledge helps us move into manufacturing and deliver a polished, ready-to-use product backed by a passionate team with proven product development experience.
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What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.