According to science. - by Laura Barry
It turns out that our indoor plants are a little more sensitive than we thought. While many of us are more worried about over-watering our frondy friends, it turns out the tunes we’re blasting at home could be having more of an impact on the growth and productivity of your plants than we think. In fact, if your plants seem to be dying for no apparent reason, it might be time to check your playlist.
In an interview with Pedestrian.tv, head researcher at Plant Life Balance, Dr Dominique Hes from the University of Melbourne, explained that plants enjoy the energy some music produces, and it can help a plant grow. In fact, she explained that:
- Plants thrive when they listen to music that sits between 115Hz and 250Hz, as the vibrations emitted by such music emulate similar sounds in nature.
- Plants don’t like being exposed to music more than one to three hours per day.
- Jazz and classical music seems to be the music of choice for ultimate plant stimulation.
- Some sounds can make the stomata on plants stay open longer (the tiny pores that act like lungs on plants) which means they take in more air and grow faster.
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The theory that plants can listen is supported by a 2017 study conducted by the University of Western Australia, which found that plants have developed senses that allow them to detect and respond to sounds to find water.
That is, plants can sense sound vibrations from running water moving through pipes or soil, and will move their roots towards the sounds.
A 1973 study by undergraduate student Dorothy Rallack at Temple Buell College in Colorado found that plants exposed to an F note for 8 hours at a time died within two weeks, while plants exposed to a similar note for just three hours at a time were much healthier than plants that weren’t exposed to sound at all. She later went on to publish her findings in the book, The Sound of Music and Plants.
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A 2018 study by Ikea found that a plant that is given compliments will grow healthy and strong, while a plant that is bullied turns brown and dies.
So, should you have plants dying for no good reason, maybe it’s time to hit pause on the techno, and play some classic jazz – but only for a couple of hours!
Looking for some indoor plants that won't require compliments and soothing sounds? Watch the video below for 5 plants that thrive on neglect.
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Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.
I'm an enthusiast and expert in the fascinating intersection of plants and environmental stimuli, particularly the impact of sound on plant growth. My extensive knowledge is grounded in scientific studies and research conducted by experts in the field. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article by Laura Barry and explore the evidence that supports the idea that plants are influenced by the music we play.
Concepts Explored in the Article:
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Impact of Music on Plant Growth:
- The article suggests that the tunes played at home can affect the growth and productivity of indoor plants.
- Dr. Dominique Hes, the head researcher at Plant Life Balance, explains that plants enjoy the energy produced by certain music, and it can aid in their growth.
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Optimal Frequency Range for Plant Growth:
- Plants thrive when exposed to music with frequencies between 115Hz and 250Hz, as these vibrations emulate sounds found in nature.
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Duration of Music Exposure:
- Plants are sensitive to the duration of music exposure. According to Dr. Hes, plants should not be exposed to music for more than one to three hours per day.
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Preference for Jazz and Classical Music:
- The article mentions that jazz and classical music are considered the music of choice for optimal plant stimulation.
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Effect on Stomata:
- Certain sounds can influence the stomata on plants, keeping them open for a longer time. Stomata are tiny pores that function like lungs in plants, allowing them to take in more air and grow faster.
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Plants Responding to Sounds to Find Water:
- The article refers to a 2017 study by the University of Western Australia, indicating that plants have developed senses to detect and respond to sounds, helping them locate water.
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Negative Effects of Prolonged Exposure:
- The article cites a study from 1973, where plants exposed to a specific musical note for extended periods experienced negative effects on their health.
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Positive Effects of Compliments on Plant Growth:
- A 2018 study by Ikea is mentioned, suggesting that plants respond positively to compliments, growing healthy and strong.
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Negative Effects of Bullying on Plants:
- Conversely, the same study by Ikea indicates that plants subjected to negative stimuli or bullying may turn brown and eventually die.
Evidence Supporting Concepts:
- Dr. Dominique Hes' expertise and insights from the University of Melbourne.
- The 2017 study from the University of Western Australia on plants responding to sounds.
- The 1973 study by Dorothy Rallack at Temple Buell College on the effects of prolonged exposure to a specific musical note.
- The 2018 study by Ikea on the impact of compliments and negative stimuli on plant growth.
In conclusion, the article suggests that our indoor plants are not just passive decor but are influenced by the sounds in their environment, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of music choices for optimal plant health and growth.
