Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an expert to post?

Not at all. In fact, we wantbeginners to post! Rousseau Review isn't about showing off perfect botanical specimens; it's about documenting the reality of houseplant care. Your struggling rescue plant provides just as much valuable data to the community as someone's thriving greenhouse.

How often should I update my diary?

There is no strict rule, but we recommend logging an update whenever you make a significant change—like repotting, switching soil or fertilizer, or moving the plant to a different window. Alternatively, logging an update every few months just to show seasonal growth is incredibly helpful!

Should I report a plant that died?

Yes! While it's sad to lose a plant, documenting what setup and conditions led to its decline is crucial information for other growers. A diary that ends in failure is entirely valid and highly appreciated by the community who can learn from it.

What if I don't know the exact name of my plant?

That is completely fine. Describe it as best as you can—"Green vine", "Philodendron", or whatever common name you were given when you bought it. The community is far more interested in the setup variables and the growth results than a perfect Latin taxonomy. Someone might even help identify it for you in the future!

How is this different from a normal plant forum?

Structured data. Rather than wading through long, unstructured paragraphs on Reddit or Facebook trying to guess a grower's watering schedule, we break down lighting, soil, and outcomes into simple, comparable data points that read like an actual journal timeline.

Who can see my Plant Diaries?

By default, your submissions are public and added to the global Browse feed to help other growers. However, you can manage your personal collection and track your uploads effortlessly from your private "My Diaries" dashboard.

Do I need an account to browse?

Nope! You can browse the entire public library and view any plant's timeline without signing in. You only need an account when you want to start logging your own diaries to ensure no one else alters your data.