The compact soil sensor for potted plants – measures soil moisture and salinity directly in the substrate.
1. What is the FYTA Mini?
The FYTA Mini is a compact soil sensor for potted plants – indoors and outdoors. It measures two key parameters directly in the substrate:
Soil moisture (VWC) – how much water is actually in the substrate
Salinity (EC) – provides information about the nutrient supply of your plants
The Mini is the slimmer alternative to the FYTA Beam G2 – without light and temperature measurement, but especially compact and unobtrusive. It is ideal when you want to monitor multiple plants at the same time or when pot space is limited.
The Mini measures every 15 minutes and transmits data to your smartphone via Bluetooth. For a permanent connection – even when you're away from home – you can optionally use a FYTA WLAN Hub or the FYTA Terra as a hub.
It is compatible with all common growing substrates as well as hydro and semi-hydro systems, and can be adapted to any pot size thanks to interchangeable probe rods.
2. Where should I use the Mini?
The Mini is designed for potted plants and works particularly well for:
Houseplants – wherever an unobtrusive sensor is desired
Balcony and terrace plants – in pots and containers outdoors
Herbs and vegetables – in pots on the windowsill or balcony
Hydro plants – in expanded clay, Lechuza-Pon, and similar substrates
Grow tents – as a pure soil sensor in combination with the FYTA Sphere
Ideal placement in the pot: Insert the Mini into the substrate close to the root zone of the plant, but not directly at the stem.
💡 Bluetooth is enough without a hub
The Mini works without a hub – it transmits data directly via Bluetooth when your smartphone is nearby. For real-time notifications even when you're away, we recommend a FYTA WLAN Hub.
3. Choosing the right probe length
The Mini's probe rods measure moisture wherever they reach. For accurate readings, the probes should extend into the middle of the root zone. This table serves as a rough guide:
Pot height / substrate depth | Recommended probe length |
up to 10 cm | 3 cm |
10 – 15 cm | 7.5 cm |
15 – 20 cm | 11 cm |
20 – 30 cm | 14 cm |
30 – 40 cm | 20 cm |
40 cm and above | 25–35 cm |
💡 The probes should disappear completely into the substrate and not touch the bottom of the pot or a drainage layer (e.g. expanded clay) – this would distort the readings.
4. Components overview
Mini – parts
Housing – contains electronics and Bluetooth module
Status light
Probe rods – removable, available in various lengths; measure soil moisture (VWC) and salinity (EC)
Battery compartment – for 1× CR2450 coin cell battery
Button (back) – for pairing and resetting
Status light – what does it mean?
LED behaviour | Meaning |
Blinking blue | Pairing mode active |
Solid orange | Firmware update in progress |
Lights up green (once) | Successfully connected |
Blinking red (when the button is pressed) | Battery is flat |
5. Preparation
Before setting up the Mini, make sure you have the following ready:
What you need:
Your smartphone with the FYTA App installed (App Store | Google Play)
A FYTA account (or register directly in the app)
Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone
1× CR2450 coin cell battery (pre-installed in the package)
The right probe rod for your pot size (see section 3)
Prepare the app
Add a plant in the FYTA App before pairing the Mini. This speeds up the setup considerably, as you can assign a plant to the sensor straight away.
6. Setup – step by step
Phase 1 – Activate the Mini and pair via Bluetooth
Step 1: Activate the sensor
Turn the battery compartment cover on the back to the left to open it. Pull the protective film out of the battery compartment – the battery comes pre-installed. Close the cover by turning it to the right. The sensor is now active.
Step 2: Pair in the app
There are several ways to add a sensor in the FYTA App:
Tap the green menu button in the centre, then tap New Device
Go to Plant Pro and tap + New Device
Go to Garden and tap + Sensor
Go to the Devices menu and tap + in the top right corner
In the device selection screen, you will see all available FYTA devices – select "Mini".
Step 3: Press the button on the back
Press the small button on the back of the Mini for a few seconds. The sensor enters pairing mode and starts pulsing blue. Keep your smartphone close to the device – the app will connect automatically.
Step 4: Firmware update
After connecting, the app checks whether a firmware update is available and installs it automatically. This may take a few minutes. Keep your smartphone nearby and leave the app in the foreground.
Phase 2 – Set up the sensor
Step 5: Name the sensor and assign a plant
The app will ask you to give your sensor a name (e.g. "Keanu Leaves" or "Mr. Pringles") and assign a plant to it. Select an existing plant from your list or add a new one at this point.
Step 6: Select probe length
Choose the length of the probe rods you want to use (see section 3). The app shows the recommended pot height for each probe length as a guide. You can adjust this setting later in the device settings.
Phase 3 – Insert the sensor
Step 7: Attach the probe rods
Screw the probe rods into the connectors on the underside of the sensor housing.
Step 8: Insert the sensor into the pot
Insert the Mini vertically into the substrate – close to the root zone, but not directly at the stem. Press it down evenly without applying pressure to the probes.
⚠️ Never force the sensor into dry, hard substrate. Moisten the substrate slightly or pre-pierce with a thin stick to protect the probe rods from damage.
🌱 Tip for best results: Make sure the probes are fully submerged in the substrate with no air gaps between the probes and the soil.
Step 9: Finish in the app
Tap "Done" in the app. The Mini will now start collecting data. The first complete readings and an analysis will be available after approx. 24 hours.
7. Connectivity & data transmission
Without a hub – directly via Bluetooth
The Mini stores readings locally and transmits them to your smartphone via Bluetooth. To sync the data, you need to open the app near the sensor – automatic background transmission does not occur. This option is ideal for plants you see every day.
With the FYTA WLAN Hub – real-time monitoring
For continuous notifications and live data, we recommend the FYTA WLAN Hub. It permanently connects your Mini to the FYTA Cloud and sends you real-time alerts – even when you're not at home.
8. Replacing the battery
The Mini uses a CR2450 coin cell battery. The app will notify you in good time when the battery is running low. Battery life is typically 12 months.
Turn the battery compartment cover to the left and open it.
Remove the old battery and dispose of it properly (electronic waste / return to a retailer).
Insert the new CR2450 battery with the correct polarity.
Close the cover by turning it to the right.
The connection to the app will be restored automatically.
💡 CR2450 batteries are available at supermarkets, drugstores, and online.
9. Replacing the probe rods
Probe rods can be easily replaced when worn out or when moving the sensor to a different pot.
Unscrew the probe rods from the connectors on the sensor.
Clean the connectors with a dry cloth if needed.
Screw in the new probe rods firmly.
Compatible probe rods in various lengths (3–35 cm) are available HERE.
10. Troubleshooting & FAQs
Sensor not found in the app
Sensor not found in the app
On iOS:
Make sure that permission for Bluetooth and nearby devices has been granted so that the FYTA app can detect devices.
On Android:
Make sure that location and nearby device permissions have been granted and that Bluetooth is turned on.
App and device:
Press the button on the sensor.
If the sensor flashes blue, it is in pairing mode.
Start the setup process in the app
From the plant to 'New device'
In the device menu, tap the + in the top right-hand corner
Follow the instructions.
Troubleshooting
If the app cannot find any devices and skips straight to the next step, check the permissions and grant them again if necessary.
Restart your phone and try again.
How long does the battery last?
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is typically 12 months, depending on ambient temperature and connection frequency. The app will notify you when the battery needs to be replaced.
Can the Mini be used outdoors?
Can the Mini be used outdoors?
Yes, the Mini is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, it is not fully waterproof – protect it from direct heavy rain and frost. For permanent outdoor use in garden beds, we recommend the FYTA Terra.
What is the difference between the Mini and the Beam G2?
What is the difference between the Mini and the Beam G2?
The FYTA Beam G2 additionally measures light and temperature. The Mini is more compact and only measures soil moisture and EC – ideal when minimal footprint in the pot is a priority or when monitoring multiple pots at the same time.