International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
Leafling: Plant based social media and e-commerce site
Anshi Tiwari1 , Sadneya Samant2 , Anish Kulkarni3 , Nikita Chhabria4
Abstract - Leafling is a dynamic online platform that unites social media and plant-focused commerce, creating a vibrant hub for plant enthusiasts and those embracing greener lifestyles. At its core, Leafling fosters a thriving social network where users share their plant journeys, exchange inspiration, and build connections with fellow green-thumbedindividuals.Its intuitive marketplace offers a curated selection of unique plants, essential gardening tools, and accessories, catering to both seasoned gardeners and aspiring plant parents. Beyond commerce, Leafling shines as an educational resource, hosting forums that dive into diverse plant-related topics from succulent care and urban farming trends to exploring rare botanical species. By seamlessly integrating community, commerce, and content, Leafling empowers users to grow their knowledge, connect with others, and embrace the enchanting world of plants, making it the ultimate destinationfor cultivating greenpassions.
Key Words: Social network for gardeners, Plantbased e-commerce, Online plant marketplace, c2c plant marketplace ,Plant forums,Plant education and knowledge-sharing
1.INTRODUCTION
Thegrowingintegrationoftechnologyintoeverydaylife has transformed numerous sectors, including the world of botany and gardening. In this context, we introduce Leafling, a cutting-edge social media platform and marketplacedesignedtoenhancetheexperienceofplant enthusiasts and green-thumbed individuals. Leafling provides a comprehensive ecosystem with personalized user accounts, ensuring a seamless and tailored experienceforplantlovers.
For users, Leafling offers an array of enriching features such as connecting with a thriving community of plant enthusiasts, sharing plant care experiences, and exploring a curated feed of botanical content. Users can participate in engaging forums, access educational resources,andinteractwithanAIassistantforadviceon plantcareandgardening techniques.
Complementing its community-driven features,Leaflingalsohostsamarketplace where users can discover unique plants, gardening tools, and accessories, manage their orders, and track their plantcare journey. These integrated functions ensure that Leafling bridges the gap between passionate plant enthusiasts and the resources they need, all through a user-friendlyandvisuallyappealinginterface.Thispaper
delves into the development, implementation, and potential impact of Leafling in revolutionizing the way individuals connect with and care for the botanical world.
1.1 Importance of digital solutions in horticulture
Digital platforms have become pivotal in transforming traditional industries, and horticulture is no exception. The rise of digital solutions has made plant care more accessible, engaging, and collaborative for individuals. Platforms like Leafling promote knowledge-sharing, offering real-time advice and fostering a sense of communityamongplantenthusiasts.
Moreover, digital tools empower users by providing featuressuchasplantidentification,careschedules,and educational resources, enabling even novice gardeners to confidently nurture their greenery. Beyond individuals, these solutions are invaluable in supporting sustainable living initiatives and urban greening projects. By connecting users with resources and a community, digital horticultural solutions promote ecoconscious lifestyles and help bridge the gap between modernlivingandnature.
1.2 Issues faced by current plant-care solutions
Despite advancements in plant-care technologies, currentplatformsoftenfacelimitationsthathinderuser satisfaction. Many existing apps focus solely on specific features, such as plant identification or e-commerce, without providing a holistic ecosystem for plant enthusiasts. These fragmented offerings can lead to disjointed user experiences, requiring individuals to jugglemultipleappstomeettheirneeds.
Additionally,someplatformsareoverlycommercialized, prioritizing sales over user education and community building. This approach may result in inadequate guidance for users, leading to improper plant care and dissatisfaction. The lack of a community-driven focus also prevents users from building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, missing the opportunitytofostercollaborationandsharedlearning.
Leafling addresses these gaps by combining commerce, education, and community in a single platform. By prioritizing a user-first approach and offering transparent access to resources and expertise, Leafling providesacomprehensivesolutionthatempowersusers
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
to cultivate their passion for plants and create thriving greenspaces.
2. LITERATURE SURVEY
E-commerce has revolutionized various industries, including the plant business. Recent studies explore innovative solutions to enhance online plant sales, improve farming practices, and integrate advanced technologies like IoT and machine learning. This paper reviews literature focusing on best practices for ecommerce plant sales, decision-support platforms, ornamental plant business strategies, and the integration of smart technologies for plant health monitoring. These findings highlight the intersection of technology and agriculture, addressing customer needs andthegrowingglobaldemandforfoodandsustainable practices.
2.1 FINDINGS
2.1.1 E-Commerce Strategies for Plant Sales
Abhinav Chaudhary and colleagues (2023) identified effective strategies for online plant sales platforms. Persuasive product descriptions, eco-friendly offerings, anduser-friendlyplatformsbuiltonmodernframeworks like Next.js and MongoDB are key to success. Providing educationalcontentonplantcarewasalsohighlightedas a way to retain customers and build long-term relationships.
2.1.2 Comprehensive Decision-Support Platforms
In 2019, Edulsa, Bernardo, and Compo developed an e-commerce platform equipped with features like an auto-suggestengineforplantrecommendations,detailed product descriptions, and usability-tested interfaces. Communityengagementwasemphasized,allowingusers to share reviews and recommendations, fostering a collaborativeandenrichinggardeningexperience.
2.1.3 Ornamental Plant Business Advancements
Research by Hasanah and Tirtana (2019) explored howe-commercebenefitstheornamentalplantindustry. They emphasized the significance of attractive website design,clearproductdescriptions,andmultiplepayment methods to enhance user experience. These platforms not only increase market reach for farmers but also boost profits and competitiveness while fostering customertrust.
2.2 CONCLUSION
The reviewed studies collectively underscore the transformative role of technology in the plant industry. From engaging e-commerce platforms to smart greenhouses, these advancements cater to diverse
customer needs while supporting sustainable practices and addressing global food demands. Future developments should continue to integrate customercentricfeaturesandcutting-edgetechnologiestofurther innovateandenhancetheplantbusiness.
3. FEATURES
Leafling is a dynamic flora-focused social media and marketplace platform that brings plant enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers together in a vibrant community. With distinct features for every user, it fosters a holistic plant-focused experience. The platform offers secure user logins, a thriving social media space for sharing posts and interacting with fellow plant lovers, and a marketplace for buying and selling plant-related goods. Forums encourage in-depth discussions about specific plants and broader flora topics, while an AI chatbot with plant-specific filters provides instant guidance. Users can manage their profiles to reflect personal details and gardening interests and stay informed through notifications about plant care reminders and platform updates. A dedicated Learner’s Guide helps beginners learn the basics of plant care through articles and tutorials, while monthly subscription boxes deliver curated plant items directly to users’ homes. Admin login features ensure a safe, high-quality environment by allowing administrators to monitoractivity,approvecontent,andmaintainplatform standards.Leaflingisaone-stopsolutionforconnecting, learning,andthrivingintheworldofplants.
3.1. User Authentication
The User Login feature ensures a secure and personalized experience for all users. It allows individuals to create accounts, manage credentials, and log in with ease to access various features of the platform. With robust authentication methods in place, userscanconfidentlyexplorethewebsite,knowingtheir data is protected. Additionally, the feature enables seamless integration of user preferences and history across devices, ensuring a convenient and tailored experienceacrosstheplatform.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
3.2 Social Media
The Social Media platform acts as a vibrant, interactive spaceforplantloverstoengage,share,andconnectwith othersinthecommunity.Userscancreate posts,upload images, and share helpful tips about plant care, gardening, and sustainability. It encourages users to interact by liking, commenting, and sharing content, sparking meaningful discussions around plant-related topics. Users can also create and follow plant-centric groups and communities for more specialized conversations, promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration.Thisfeaturehelpsfostera global network of plant enthusiasts who can connect and learn from each other, deepening their passion for gardening and conservation efforts. With a robust notification system, users are alerted about new posts, likes, and comments on their content, ensuring active and engaged participationinthesocialecosystem.
3.3
Marketplace
The Marketplace serves as a dynamicplatformforusers tobuy and sell a wide range of plant-related products in a secure and user-friendly environment. Sellers can list a variety of items, including live plants, gardening tools, plant accessories, and eco-friendly products, complete with detailed descriptions, pricing, and shipping options. Buyers can easily browse, filter, and purchase items, with access to reviews and ratings that helpinformdecisions.Securepaymentmethodsandsafe transaction practices ensure peace of mind for both
buyers and sellers. The Marketplace encourages sustainable purchasing by offering eco-conscious optionsandconnectinglocalplantsellerswithabroader audience,enhancingtheoverallshoppingexperience.
3.4. Forums
TheForumsfeatureisaspacewhereuserscanengagein open discussions about various topics related to plants, gardening, and sustainable practices. Users can create newdiscussionthreads,askquestions,shareinsights,or debate specific plant care techniques, all while interacting with like-minded individuals. The platform allows users to subscribe to specific forums, follow discussions, and receive notifications for relevant updates.Specializedsub-forumscatertoparticularplant types, gardening challenges, or environmental topics, offering a space for both beginners and experts tolearn from one another. This feature enhances the sense of community, fostering an environment where members feel empowered to exchange ideas and cultivate their passion for plants. It also includes a search feature that helps users quickly find discussions relevant to their interests,improvingtheoveralluserexperience.
Fig-5 : ForumPage
3.5 AI Chatbot
The AI Chatbot offers real-time assistance to users, providing plant-related advice and support through an API tailored to plant care. It delivers accurate, actionable guidance on topics such as watering schedules, pest control, and plant species care.Byleveragingadatabaseof plant knowledge, the chatbot
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
can answer common questions, suggest products for specific plant needs, and help troubleshoot issues like plant diseases. This feature improves the user experience by offering instant, 24/7 support, reducing wait times for customer service, and empowering users with plant care knowledge.Itseaseofaccessensuresthatuserscanfind solutionsquickly,regardlessoftheirlevelofexpertisein gardening. The chatbot’s ability to remember past interactions allows it to offer more personalized suggestions over time, creating a continuously improvingsupportexperienceforusers.
3.6 My Profile
The Profile feature allows users to manage their personal information and gardening interests in an accessible and organized manner. Users can update details about their favorite plants, gardening preferences, and other flora-related interests. This section serves as a space where individuals can showcase their love for plants, track their gardening activities, and share their experiences with others. By keeping their profile up-to-date, users can celebrate milestones in their plant care journey, connect with others who share similar interests, and engage more deeply with the broader plant community through sharedpassions.
3.7 Notifications
The Notifications system ensures that users stay informed about important platform updates, plant care reminders, and relevant activity. Users can receive customized, timely notifications basedon their personal preferences, ensuring they never miss critical information. From reminders about when to water specific plants to marketplace sales and newly listed items, this feature helps users stay on top of their plant care routines and community activities. It’s a vital tool for maintaining organization, enhancing user engagement, and ensuring users remain connected with the platform’s dynamic plant care community and marketplace.
Fig-8 : NotificationsPage
The Learner’s Guide is a comprehensive educational resourceaimedathelpingusersexpandtheirknowledge of plant care. This guide offers in-depth articles, step-by-step tutorials, and expert advice on a variety of plant-related topics, including choosing the right plants for different climates, soil types, and lighting conditions. Whether a user is new to gardening or an experienced enthusiast, the guide covers all levels of expertise. Topics also include organic gardening, pest control, and sustainable practices that help protect the environment. The Learner’s Guide serves as an invaluableresourceforuserswhowanttoimprovetheir gardening skills and deepen their understanding of the plant world. Additionally, the guide regularly features updatedcontent, ensuring that users have access to the latestresearchandbestpracticesingardening.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
informed decisions. By equipping administrators with thenecessarytoolstomanageuserinteractions,resolve issues, and monitor content in real time, this feature helps maintain a trustworthy and efficient community while safeguarding the integrity of the platform. Administrators can also manage reported content, ensuring that any inappropriate material is promptly reviewedandremoved, contributing to a respectful and positiveuserenvironment.
The Subscription Boxes feature provides users with a monthly delivery of curated, plant-related products, perfectly suited to their gardening needs and preferences. Each box contains a selection of plants, gardening tools, accessories, and eco-friendly products, offering users the chance to discover new plantspecies and explore different gardening techniques. The contents are personalized based on the user’s profile andpreferences,ensuringthateachboxdeliversunique and useful items that enhance their gardening experience. This subscription service is an exciting way for users to receive a fresh variety of plants and gardeningsupplieseverymonth,makingitaperfectgift for plant lovers or a convenient way to try new gardeningproducts.Furthermore,usershavetheoption to modify their subscription preferences, such as selecting plant types or delivery schedules, offering a highlevelofcustomizationforeachsubscriber.
3.10. Admin Login
The Admin Login feature grants administrators the ability to manage and moderate the platform, ensuring that all content adheres to the platform’s guidelines. Adminshavefullaccesstouseraccounts,postapprovals, and marketplace listings, allowing them to approve or reject posts, monitor transactions, and maintain a safe, secure environment. This featurealso provides detailed analytics about platform activity, user engagement, and marketplace trends, empowering admins to make
The diverse range of features offered by this flora/plant-basedsocial mediaandmarketplacewebsite provides users with an enriching, secure, and seamless experience. From personalized user profiles and engaging forums to a thriving marketplace and educational resources,eachfeatureisdesignedtofoster community interaction, promote plant care knowledge, andsupportsustainablepractices.TheintegrationofAIpowered tools, subscription services, and robust administrative controls further enhances the platform’s functionality, ensuring smooth operations and continuous growth. Altogether, these features create a comprehensive, user-friendly environment that encourages plant enthusiasts to connect, learn, and explore the world of flora in an accessible and interactiveway.
4. Technologies Used:
The project was developed using the MERN stack, comprising MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, chosen for its versatility, scalability, and robust ecosystem. The backend, implemented with Node.js and Express.js, facilitates efficient data handling and API integration, while MongoDB serves as the primary database,ensuringsecureandstructureddatastorage.
For the frontend, React.js was utilized to create a dynamic and intuitive user interface, providing a seamless experience for users navigating the social media, marketplace, and educational forum features. To handle media uploads, such as plant images and videos, Cloudinarywasintegrated,offeringefficientcloud-based mediamanagement.
User authentication and secure sessions were implemented with JWT (JSON Web Tokens) to ensure safeandpersonalizeduserinteractions.Theapplication's emailfunctionalitywasbuiltusingNodemailer,enabling automated notifications for marketplace transactions, educationalforumupdates,andsocialinteractions.
Real-time interactions in the social media and forum sections were supported using WebSocket libraries like Socket.io, facilitating live chats and instant notifications. File and directory operations, including media uploads and management, were streamlined using the multer middleware in the backend. The application's educational content and resources, including plant care guides, were dynamically rendered from the database, providing users with tailored recommendations and information.
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN:2395-0072
Lastly, LeafLing's robust PDF generation capabilities, powered by the pdf-lib library, allow for the creation of receiptsformarketplacetransactionsanddownloadable guides for plant care. These tools combine to provide a rich,interactiveplatformforplantenthusiasts,fostering a community-driven ecosystem for education, commerce,andsocialengagement.
5. FUTURE SCOPE
As the platform evolves, we envision it becoming a key resource for the global plant and gardening community. Our goal is to enhance the user experience by incorporating advanced algorithms that offer personalized content recommendations, similar to the approachusedbytopsocial media platforms. Tofurther improve engagement, we plan to integrate innovative features like machine learning-based chatbots, augmented reality tools forplantcareandidentification, and gamification elements that will drive user interaction. With a continuous focus on innovation and the addition of new functionalities, we are confident that our plant-centered social media and marketplace platform will become the leading destination for plant enthusiasts, fostering a dynamic and supportive community while establishing a strong presence in both social media and e-commerce industries.
6.CONCLUSIONS
Inconclusion,Leaflinghasbeenmeticulouslycraftedto serveasacomprehensiveplatformforplantenthusiasts, eco-consciousindividuals,andentrepreneurstoconnect, share, and engage within a vibrant plant-based community. With its intuitive interface, powerful features,andoptimizedperformance,theplatformoffers invaluable resources and tools for users passionate about plants, sustainability, and a greener lifestyle. Our analysis suggests that the website holds significant potential to establish itself as a leading player in the plant-basedindustry.Throughongoingdevelopmentand continuous updates, it is well-positioned to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its users. We are confident that this platform will have a lasting impact in promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and a plantbased lifestyle, becoming the go-to destination for individuals looking to embrace a greener, more ecofriendlywayoflife.
REFERENCES
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