Consultation History & Best Practices

🎯 What You'll Learn

• Access history - Find past consultations
• Export conversations - Save for reference
• Privacy controls - Understand data usage
• Best practices - Maximize AI effectiveness
• Troubleshooting - Fix common issues

⚡ Quick Start

Access consultation history in 1 minute:

1. Open Plant Doctor
2. View sidebar - All past conversations listed
3. Click any conversation to reopen
4. Search by keywords to find specific advice

Result: Never lose valuable plant care advice!

📚 Complete Guide

Accessing Consultation History

Find Past Conversations

Conversation Sidebar

Left Panel Organization:

Display Format

Each Conversation Shows:

• 💬 Title - Auto-generated or custom
• 📅 Last Updated - Most recent message timestamp
• 🌱 Plant Icon - If linked to specific plant
• 📸 Photo Icon - If contains uploaded images
• 🔖 Preview - Snippet of last message

Sorting:

• Most recent at top (default)
• Pinned conversations first (if pinned)
• Archived at bottom (if enabled)

Opening Past Consultations

View Full Conversation:

1. Click conversation in sidebar
2. Full chat history loads
3. Scroll through entire conversation
4. All photos/uploads visible
5. Continue conversation from where you left off

No Time Limit: Conversations saved indefinitely.

Search Conversations

Find Specific Advice:

Search Interface

Access: Click 🔍 icon in sidebar

Search Queries:

• Plant Name: "Monstera"
• Problem: "spider mites"
• Treatment: "neem oil"
• Date: "August 2025"
• Symptom: "brown spots"

Search Results

Displays:

• Matching conversations highlighted
• Text snippet showing match context
• Click to open full conversation
• Jump to specific message with search term

Example:

Search: "neem oil"

Results (3):
1. "Spider mite treatment - Monstera"
   ...Apply neem oil spray every 3 days...
   Last updated: Oct 15, 2025

2. "Aphid infestation - Pothos"
   ...Alternative to neem oil: insecticidal soap...
   Last updated: Sep 22, 2025

3. "Fungal infection prevention"
   ...Neem oil also works as preventive...
   Last updated: Aug 10, 2025

Filter Conversations

Narrow Down Results:

Filter Options

By Plant (if linked):

• Select plant from collection
• Shows only consultations for that plant
• Great for reviewing plant's health history

By Date Range:

• Last 7 days
• Last 30 days
• Last 3 months
• Custom range

By Status:

• Active (ongoing issues)
• Resolved (problems fixed)
• Archived (old conversations)

By Content Type:

• With photos only
• With diagnoses
• Identification requests
• General questions

Pin Important Conversations

Quick Access:

How to Pin:

1. Hover over conversation
2. Click 📌 pin icon
3. Conversation moves to top of sidebar
4. Stays pinned until unpinned

What to Pin:

• Ongoing treatment protocols
• Frequently referenced advice
• Current active issues
• Seasonal care reminders

Limit: 5 pinned conversations max

Exporting Consultations

Save for Reference

Export Single Conversation

Download Consultation:

Export Options

PDF Format (Best for reading/printing):

1. Open conversation
2. Click ⚙️ (settings) → Export
3. Choose "PDF"
4. Customize:
   • Include photos ✅
   • Include timestamps ✅
   • Include Plant Doctor branding ⬜
5. Download PDF

PDF Includes:

• Conversation title and date
• Full message history
• All uploaded photos (inline)
• Clean formatted layout
• Page numbers

Use Cases:

• Print for reference while treating
• Share with friend/family for advice
• Email to professional consultant
• Offline reading

Markdown Format (Best for notes apps):

1. Export as Markdown (.md)
2. Import to Obsidian, Notion, Bear
3. Editable plain text
4. Photos as links (if enabled) or embedded

Markdown Structure:

# Spider Mite Treatment - Monstera

**Date**: October 24, 2025

## Conversation

**You**: My Monstera has fine webbing between leaves...

**Plant Doctor**: Based on your description and the 
photo you provided, this appears to be spider mites...

### Diagnosis
- **Issue**: Spider Mites
- **Confidence**: 92% (High)
- **Severity**: Moderate

### Treatment Plan
1. Isolate plant immediately
2. Shower to remove mites
3. Apply neem oil spray (3% solution)
...

JSON Format (Best for data analysis):

• Complete data export
• Machine-readable format
• All metadata included
• Photos as URLs
• Timestamps in ISO 8601

Use Case: Developers, data scientists, custom analysis

Export Multiple Conversations

Batch Export:

1. Click "Export All" in sidebar settings
2. Select conversations to export (checkbox)
3. Choose format (PDF, Markdown, JSON)
4. Download as ZIP file

Includes:

• Each conversation as separate file
• Index file (list of all conversations)
• Photos folder (all images)
• Metadata file (dates, plants, topics)

Use Case: Complete backup, migrate to another app, archive

Scheduled Exports

Automatic Backup:

Set Up (Premium):

1. Settings → Plant Doctor → Auto-Export
2. Choose frequency:
   • Weekly
   • Monthly
   • Quarterly
3. Choose format (PDF or JSON)
4. Email to yourself or save to cloud

Benefit: Never lose consultation history, automatic offsite backup

Privacy & Data

Your Information Security

What's Saved

Stored in Your Account:

✅ Always Saved:

• All conversation messages (yours + Plant Doctor's)
• Uploaded photos
• Conversation metadata (date, plant linked, etc.)
• Search history within Plant Doctor
• Timestamps

What's Private

Your Data Protection:

✅ Private to You:

• Conversations tied to YOUR account only
• Not shared with other PlantKeeper users
• Not made public or searchable by others
• Not sold to third parties

✅ Not Used For:

• Advertising targeting
• Selling to data brokers
• Training AI for other companies
• Public data sets

What Plant Doctor Knows

AI Context:

Within Conversation:

• Everything you've said in THIS conversation
• Photos uploaded in THIS conversation
• Follow-up questions and answers

If Accessed from Plant Details:

• Plant species
• Care schedule
• Location
• Health history from that plant's diary

What It Doesn't Know (unless you tell it):

• Your other plants (if starting from general menu)
• Previous unrelated conversations
• Your personal information (beyond plant care)

Photo Usage

Image Privacy:

Your Uploaded Photos:

• Stored securely in your account
• Analyzed by AI for consultation only
• Can be deleted anytime (in diary or conversation)
• Not used to train AI without explicit consent

Can You Opt Out?

• Yes! Settings → Privacy → "Don't use my photos for AI training"
• Does NOT affect your ability to use Plant Doctor
• Only affects broader model improvement research

Data Retention

How Long Stored:

Conversations:

• Stored indefinitely (until you delete)
• You control retention
• Export before deleting (permanent removal)

Deleted Data:

• Removed from active database
• 30-day recovery period (in case of accident)
• After 30 days: permanently deleted
• Cannot be recovered after permanent deletion

GDPR / Privacy Rights

Your Rights:

✅ Access: Export all your data anytime ✅ Correction: Edit or update conversations ✅ Deletion: Delete conversations or entire history ✅ Portability: Export in standard formats (JSON, PDF) ✅ Opt-Out: Don't use data for AI training

Request: Settings → Privacy → Data Rights Request

Best Practices

Maximize Plant Doctor Effectiveness

Before Asking

Prepare for Consultation:

Gather Information

Essential Details:

• 🌱 Plant Species (if known)
• 📅 When Problem Started (days/weeks ago)
• 💧 Current Care Routine (watering, light, fertilizing)
• 🌡️ Environment (temperature, humidity, location)
• 🔄 Recent Changes (repotting, moving, new fertilizer)
• 🛠️ Treatments Tried (what worked/didn't work)

Take Good Photos

Photo Checklist:

• ✅ Natural indirect lighting
• ✅ Clear focus (not blurry)
• ✅ Multiple angles (full plant + close-ups)
• ✅ Problem areas visible
• ✅ High resolution (1920x1080+)

During Consultation

Effective Communication:

Be Specific

❌ Vague: "My plant is dying" ✅ Specific: "My Monstera's lower leaves are turning yellow with brown edges, started 10 days ago after I increased watering"

Answer Follow-Up Questions

Plant Doctor May Ask:

• Watering frequency
• Light conditions
• Recent changes
• Photo uploads

Respond Thoroughly: More details = better diagnosis

Stay in Context

One Issue Per Conversation:

• ❌ Don't mix: "Brown spots AND how to propagate?"
• ✅ Create separate conversations for different topics
• AI focuses better on single issue
• Easier to find advice later

After Getting Advice

Take Action:

Follow Through

Implementation:

1. ✅ Read treatment plan fully before starting
2. ✅ Gather supplies needed (neem oil, new pot, etc.)
3. ✅ Document in diary with initial entry
4. ✅ Set reminders for treatment schedule
5. ✅ Take "before" photos for comparison

Monitor & Report Back

Weekly Updates:

• Update Plant Doctor on progress
• Upload new photos
• Ask questions if issues arise
• Celebrate successes!

Learn from Consultations

Build Knowledge:

Ask "Why?"

Understand Reasoning:

• "Why does overwatering cause yellow leaves?"
• "How do spider mites spread?"
• "What makes this a nitrogen deficiency?"

Benefit: Learn plant biology, apply to future situations

Review Past Successes

Before New Issues:

• Search past successful treatments
• Apply same methods to similar problems
• Build confidence in your plant care
• Share knowledge with others

Make It a Habit

Regular Consultations:

Weekly Check-Ins

Proactive Health:

• "Plant looks healthy, any care tips for this season?"
• "Preparing for winter, what should I adjust?"
• "Planning to repot next month, what size pot?"

Benefit: Prevent problems before they start

Pre-Purchase Research

Before Buying New Plants:

• "Thinking of buying a Calathea, can I provide the care it needs?"
• "What's easier, Pothos or Philodendron?"
• "Best beginner-friendly tropical plants?"

Benefit: Make informed buying decisions, avoid mismatched plants

Combine with Other Features

Integrated Care:

Diary + Plant Doctor

• Log consultations in diary
• Link treatments to specific entries
• Reference diary when asking questions ("Last entry shows...")

Reminders + Plant Doctor

• Set reminders based on advice
• Schedule follow-up consultations
• Track treatment schedules

Growth Tracking + Plant Doctor

• Correlate care changes with growth
• Ask: "Growth slowed after repotting, normal?"
• Optimize care based on growth response

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Plant Doctor Not Responding

Connection Issues:

Try:

1. ✅ Refresh page (F5 or Cmd+R)
2. ✅ Check internet connection
3. ✅ Clear browser cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear Cache
4. ✅ Try different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
5. ✅ Disable browser extensions (ad blockers may interfere)

Still Not Working?

• Check PlantKeeper status page (status.plantkeeper.com)
• Contact support with error message screenshot

Photos Won't Upload

Upload Failures:

Check:

• 📏 File Size: Max 10MB per photo
• 📄 Format: JPG, PNG, WebP supported (not BMP, TIFF)
• 🔐 Permissions: Allow camera/file access in browser
• 📶 Connection: Stable internet required
• 💾 Storage: Account has storage space available

Resize Photos:

• Use photo editor to reduce file size
• Optimal: 1920x1080 resolution (2MP)
• Compress JPEG to 80% quality

Unexpected or Unhelpful Responses

AI Confusion:

Possible Causes:

• Vague question (add more details)
• Poor photo quality (take clearer shots)
• Mixed topics (split into separate conversations)
• Rare species (AI may not recognize)

Solutions:

1. ✅ Rephrase question with more specifics
2. ✅ Upload better photos
3. ✅ Provide more context
4. ✅ Start fresh conversation
5. ✅ Ask for alternative explanations

If Still Unhelpful:

• Report issue (Feedback button)
• Consult plant community
• Seek professional help for complex issues

Cannot Find Past Conversation

Lost History:

Search Better:

• Try different keywords (species name, symptom, treatment)
• Check filters (date range, plant, status)
• Look in archived conversations
• Search by month (if you remember when)

Truly Deleted?

• Check "Deleted" folder (30-day recovery)
• After 30 days: permanently gone
• Future: Export regularly as backup

💡 Tips & Tricks

Create Conversation Templates

Common Questions:

• Save frequent questions as notes
• Copy-paste into new conversations
• Ensures you don't forget important details
• Example template: "My [Species] has [Symptom] that started [Date]. Current care: Water [Frequency], Light [Type], Fertilize [Schedule]. Photos attached."

Tag Related Diary Entries

Cross-Reference:

• Tag diary entries with consultation date
• #plant-doctor-oct24
• Link to consultation in diary notes
• Easy to find full conversation from diary

Share Success Stories

Help Others:

• Export successful treatment conversations
• Share in plant community
• Inspire confidence in Plant Doctor
• Build knowledge base

❓ Common Questions

Q: Can I edit my messages after sending?

A: No, but you can delete and resend. Or simply send clarification: "Correction: I water every 5 days, not 7."

Q: Does Plant Doctor learn from my corrections?

A: Currently individual learning is limited, but feedback helps improve the system for everyone. Future updates may include personalized AI.

Q: Can I share conversations with others?

A: Yes! Export as PDF and share. Or share link (if shared links enabled in settings). Recipient can view but not edit.

Q: What happens to conversations if I cancel subscription?

A: Conversations remain accessible on free plan. Premium features (advanced analysis, unlimited photos) restricted. Data never deleted due to downgrade.

Q: Can I use Plant Doctor in multiple languages?

A: Currently English only. Spanish support coming soon. AI understands basic plant terms in multiple languages but responds in English.

🔗 Related Topics

Essential Reading

• Consultation Process - How to start consultations
• Diagnosis & Treatment - Understanding diagnoses

Advanced Features

• Treatment Tracking - Monitor recovery
• AI Capabilities - What AI can detect

Documentation Tools

• Diary Entries - Log consultations
• Settings - Privacy controls

Last Updated: October 24, 2025
Document Version: 2.0 (Modular Structure)