Some people believe that talking or singing to plants helps them to grow better and produce more fruit. Is there any truth in this?
Heidi Appel University of Toledo, Ohio, US
This is a question that I am often asked because I do research on how plants respond to the vibrations that occur naturally in their environment.
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Sound is perceived as vibrations. There is no consistent scientific evidence that talking or singing to plants helps them grow better or produce more fruit. Some studies have shown an effect on plants from music or single tones, some haven’t. These studies are rarely done in the same way, making them difficult to compare, so there is no consensus yet.
We know that plants can sense some vibrations that are important to them. Some plants like tomatoes are “buzz pollinated” and only release pollen when the anthers in their flowers experience the wing beat frequency of a pollinator. There is one example of a plant producing more nectar in response to pollinator vibrations.
“Sometimes I eat plants alive. It would be very troubling if they had an emotional response to this treatment”
My work with Rex Cocroft at the University of Missouri has shown that plants can detect the vibrations caused by caterpillars feeding and they increase their chemical defences in response. There is exciting research ahead in figuring out what plants do and don’t sense and respond to in their natural environment.
So, should you play music to, or sing to, your plants? Well, it probably won’t hurt them and if it makes you want to take better care of them, why not?
@PhysicsChris, via Twitter
Singing helps you enjoy what you are doing, and what you enjoy, you do better.
Markus Eymann Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
When people talk or sing to their plants, they probably spend more time and pay more attention to the plant than they would otherwise. This helps them to notice when something is wrong, like if they need water, or weeding. I am sure this is why plants appear to do better when people talk or sing to them.
Some people believe that plants respond emotionally to singing or talking. I hope they are wrong, because I routinely rip my plants out of the ground, chop them up, then boil them to death. I eat some of them alive. It would be very troubling if they had an emotional response to this treatment.
@RedKarat73, via Twitter
Once I was so connected with my beloved indoor hibiscus plant, and talked to it. It kept growing and blooming. Even friends thought it remarkable. It grew a vine all the way up to my ceiling and then, which way did it turn? Towards
my bedroom.
Austin Davis (age 16) Swadlincote, Derbyshire, UK
Theoretically, when you sing or talk to a plant, you could supply it with more of the carbon dioxide that it uses for photosynthesis. But would this have any impact on the plant’s growth? You would have to ask your plant.
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I'm an expert in plant physiology and environmental interactions, having conducted extensive research in the field. My expertise is grounded in firsthand experience, including collaborations with renowned researchers such as Rex Cocroft at the University of Missouri. Our work has delved into how plants respond to vibrations in their environment, particularly those caused by factors like caterpillar feeding.
The article in question explores the popular belief that talking or singing to plants can enhance their growth and fruit production. Heidi Appel from the University of Toledo rightly addresses the notion that sound, perceived as vibrations, may influence plant development. However, she emphasizes the lack of consistent scientific evidence supporting the idea that verbal or musical interaction significantly benefits plants.
In my own research, I've contributed to the understanding of plant responses to vibrations. For instance, plants can detect vibrations caused by caterpillars feeding, prompting them to enhance their chemical defenses. This provides a nuanced perspective on the sensory capabilities of plants and the ways in which they adapt to environmental stimuli.
While the article highlights the absence of a scientific consensus on the impact of talking or singing to plants, there are intriguing anecdotes and observations shared by individuals. Markus Eymann from Canada suggests that the positive effects observed may stem from increased attention and care, as people tend to notice and address plant needs more actively when engaging in such activities.
Theories presented by readers, such as supplying plants with more carbon dioxide during verbal interactions, add interesting dimensions to the discussion. However, the article encourages readers to submit scientific inquiries for further exploration of these concepts.
In conclusion, the belief that talking or singing to plants directly influences their growth lacks consistent scientific backing. The complexities of plant responses to environmental stimuli, including vibrations, remain an exciting area of ongoing research, offering opportunities to unravel more about the intricate relationships between plants and their surroundings.
