February 26, 2025 • 9 mins
Singing to plants is a popular idea, but is there any truth to it? Let's uncover the science and a little bit of the mystery behind whether music and voices can really help your garden grow.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
I Wonder Podcast (00:03):
Hey there, curious minds, welcome to
another episode of I Wonder, theshow where we explore the
questions you've been wonderingabout.
Today's question comes from Mia, and Mia asked "does it help to
sing to plants?
What a melodic question, Mia.
Singing to plants is a popularidea, but is there any truth to
(00:25):
it?
Let's uncover the science and alittle bit of the mystery
behind whether music and voicescan really help your garden grow
.
(00:55):
The idea that talking or singingto plants to help them grow
isn't new.
It dates back to the 19thcentury, when scientists and
poets alike were fascinated bythe connection between humans
and nature.
In 1848, a German professornamed Gustav Fechner suggested
in his book Nana or the SoulLife of Plants, that plants
(01:15):
might have emotions and couldrespond to human attention like
talking or singing.
Throughout history, manycultures have believed in the
power of sound to connect withnature.
Farmers in some indigenouscommunities sing or chant while
planting crops, believing thatit fosters harmony between
(01:37):
humans and the earth.
Even today, gardeners and plantenthusiasts swear that a little
attention and maybe a tune ortwo, makes their plants
healthier and happier.
Can plants hear?
Plants don't have ears likehumans or animals, but they can
(02:02):
sense vibrations.
Sound waves create tinymovements in the air and plants
can detect these throughspecialized structures in their
cells.
For example, when wind or rainrustles leaves, these vibrations
can trigger changes in theplant's growth patterns.
(02:23):
Scientists have discovered thatplants respond to specific
sound frequencies, usuallybetween 200 and 300 hertz.
These vibrations mightstimulate processes like
nutrient uptake or the releaseof growth hormones called auxins
.
Auxins help plants elongatetheir stems and grow taller,
(02:48):
which might explain why certainsounds seem to encourage growth.
Over the decades, researchershave conducted fascinating
experiments to explore whethermusic, singing or other sounds
influence plant growth.
In the 1960s, Indian botanistDr.
TC Singh found that playingclassical music for balsam
(03:11):
plants made them grow faster andtaller compared to plants left
in silence.
His studies showed that musicmight influence how plants
absorb nutrients or water.
Interestingly, he also observedthat plants exposed to
(03:36):
discordant or loud sounds didn'tgrow as well, suggesting that
sound quality matters.
In the 1970s, Dorothy testedhow different music genres
affected plants.
Tested how different musicgenres affected plants.
Classical music seemed toencourage healthy growth, while
(03:58):
plants exposed to rock musicbecame stunted or even died.
experiments hinted thatharmonious vibrations might
mimic natural environmental cues, while harsh sounds might cause
stress.
More recently, researchers inSouth Korea exposed rice plants
(04:19):
to specific sound frequenciesand found that the vibrations
helped the plants grow tallerand healthier.
The study concluded that soundwaves might stimulate the flow
of nutrients within the plant,improving its overall vitality.
(04:39):
Does singing to plants work?
Singing falls within the rangeof sound frequencies that plants
can detect, so it's possibleyour serenades could be having
an effect.
While there's no definitiveevidence that singing alone
makes plants grow faster, it'slikely that the vibrations from
(04:59):
your voice do stimulate theplant in some way.
However, scientists believe thecare and attention you give
your plants might be even moreimportant.
When you're singing to yourplants, you're probably also
watering them, checking theirsoil and ensuring that they have
enough sunlight.
This consistent care createsthe ideal conditions for growth
(05:25):
and who knows, the singing mightjust be the cherry on top.
In the wild plants Plantsrespond to natural sounds all
the time.
The rustle of wind throughtheir leaves, the patter of rain
or even the buzzing of nearbyinsects can trigger subtle
changes in plant behavior.
(05:46):
For example, studies have shownthat plants can sense the sound
of a bee's wings and producemore nectar to attract
pollinators.
These natural responses suggestthat plants are finely tuned to
their environment, andhuman-generated sounds, like
(06:08):
singing, might mimic thesenatural cues encouraging growth.
Today, scientists and farmersare using sound waves to boost
crop yields.
In some greenhouses, speakersemit low-frequency sounds to
stimulate plant growth.
This method is being studied asa sustainable way to improve
(06:31):
agriculture without relying onchemicals.
It's like singing to plants ona larger scale, using technology
to do the serenading.
And even if singing doesn'tturn your houseplants into
jungle giants, it can still bebeneficial for you.
(06:54):
Singing releases endorphins,which are the chemicals in your
brain that make you feel happy.
Singing also lowers stresslevels, improves breathing and
can even boost your immunesystem.
So, whether or not your plantsappreciate your serenade, it's a
great habit to sing while youtend to them.
(07:15):
Here's some fun facts aboutplants and sound.
Did you know that plants don'tjust respond to sound?
They can create vibrations too?
When plants move water andnutrients through their stems,
they produce tiny vibrations,almost like a hum.
Scientists have recorded thesesounds using sensitive
(07:37):
microphones, revealing a hiddenworld of plant communication.
Another fun fact is that loudor harsh sounds might stress
plants out rather than help them.
Some studies suggest that heavymetal music or shouting can
negatively affect plant growth.
Oh, so if you're going to singto your plants, maybe stick to
(08:02):
gentler tunes.
So, Mia, does singing to plantshelp them grow?
The science suggests that itmight, but the effects are
likely subtle.
Experiments have shown thatplants respond to vibrations
from music, voices and evennatural sounds with certain
frequencies encouraging growth.
(08:23):
Whether it's singing, talkingor playing music, giving your
plants attention and care iswhat really makes the difference
.
Plus, singing to your plantscan make you feel good too, so
it's a win-win.
(08:47):
Thanks again to Mia for such aharmonious question and remember
, if you have a question you'recurious about, submit it on our
website, iwonderpodcas t.
com, and we might just featureit in our next episode of I
Wonder.
Until next time, stay curiousand keep wondering.
.
Hey there, curious minds, welcome to
another episode of I Wonder, theshow where we explore the
questions you've been wonderingabout.
Today's question comes from Mia, and Mia asked "does it help to
sing to plants?
What a melodic question, Mia.
Singing to plants is a popularidea, but is there any truth to
(00:25):
it?
Let's uncover the science and alittle bit of the mystery
behind whether music and voicescan really help your garden grow
.
(00:55):
The idea that talking or singingto plants to help them grow
isn't new.
It dates back to the 19thcentury, when scientists and
poets alike were fascinated bythe connection between humans
and nature.
In 1848, a German professornamed Gustav Fechner suggested
in his book Nana or the SoulLife of Plants, that plants
(01:15):
might have emotions and couldrespond to human attention like
talking or singing.
Throughout history, manycultures have believed in the
power of sound to connect withnature.
Farmers in some indigenouscommunities sing or chant while
planting crops, believing thatit fosters harmony between
(01:37):
humans and the earth.
Even today, gardeners and plantenthusiasts swear that a little
attention and maybe a tune ortwo, makes their plants
healthier and happier.
Can plants hear?
Plants don't have ears likehumans or animals, but they can
(02:02):
sense vibrations.
Sound waves create tinymovements in the air and plants
can detect these throughspecialized structures in their
cells.
For example, when wind or rainrustles leaves, these vibrations
can trigger changes in theplant's growth patterns.
(02:23):
Scientists have discovered thatplants respond to specific
sound frequencies, usuallybetween 200 and 300 hertz.
These vibrations mightstimulate processes like
nutrient uptake or the releaseof growth hormones called auxins
.
Auxins help plants elongatetheir stems and grow taller,
(02:48):
which might explain why certainsounds seem to encourage growth.
Over the decades, researchershave conducted fascinating
experiments to explore whethermusic, singing or other sounds
influence plant growth.
In the 1960s, Indian botanistDr.
TC Singh found that playingclassical music for balsam
(03:11):
plants made them grow faster andtaller compared to plants left
in silence.
His studies showed that musicmight influence how plants
absorb nutrients or water.
Interestingly, he also observedthat plants exposed to
(03:36):
discordant or loud sounds didn'tgrow as well, suggesting that
sound quality matters.
In the 1970s, Dorothy testedhow different music genres
affected plants.
Tested how different musicgenres affected plants.
Classical music seemed toencourage healthy growth, while
(03:58):
plants exposed to rock musicbecame stunted or even died.
experiments hinted thatharmonious vibrations might
mimic natural environmental cues, while harsh sounds might cause
stress.
More recently, researchers inSouth Korea exposed rice plants
(04:19):
to specific sound frequenciesand found that the vibrations
helped the plants grow tallerand healthier.
The study concluded that soundwaves might stimulate the flow
of nutrients within the plant,improving its overall vitality.
(04:39):
Does singing to plants work?
Singing falls within the rangeof sound frequencies that plants
can detect, so it's possibleyour serenades could be having
an effect.
While there's no definitiveevidence that singing alone
makes plants grow faster, it'slikely that the vibrations from
(04:59):
your voice do stimulate theplant in some way.
However, scientists believe thecare and attention you give
your plants might be even moreimportant.
When you're singing to yourplants, you're probably also
watering them, checking theirsoil and ensuring that they have
enough sunlight.
This consistent care createsthe ideal conditions for growth
(05:25):
and who knows, the singing mightjust be the cherry on top.
In the wild plants Plantsrespond to natural sounds all
the time.
The rustle of wind throughtheir leaves, the patter of rain
or even the buzzing of nearbyinsects can trigger subtle
changes in plant behavior.
(05:46):
For example, studies have shownthat plants can sense the sound
of a bee's wings and producemore nectar to attract
pollinators.
These natural responses suggestthat plants are finely tuned to
their environment, andhuman-generated sounds, like
(06:08):
singing, might mimic thesenatural cues encouraging growth.
Today, scientists and farmersare using sound waves to boost
crop yields.
In some greenhouses, speakersemit low-frequency sounds to
stimulate plant growth.
This method is being studied asa sustainable way to improve
(06:31):
agriculture without relying onchemicals.
It's like singing to plants ona larger scale, using technology
to do the serenading.
And even if singing doesn'tturn your houseplants into
jungle giants, it can still bebeneficial for you.
(06:54):
Singing releases endorphins,which are the chemicals in your
brain that make you feel happy.
Singing also lowers stresslevels, improves breathing and
can even boost your immunesystem.
So, whether or not your plantsappreciate your serenade, it's a
great habit to sing while youtend to them.
(07:15):
Here's some fun facts aboutplants and sound.
Did you know that plants don'tjust respond to sound?
They can create vibrations too?
When plants move water andnutrients through their stems,
they produce tiny vibrations,almost like a hum.
Scientists have recorded thesesounds using sensitive
(07:37):
microphones, revealing a hiddenworld of plant communication.
Another fun fact is that loudor harsh sounds might stress
plants out rather than help them.
Some studies suggest that heavymetal music or shouting can
negatively affect plant growth.
Oh, so if you're going to singto your plants, maybe stick to
(08:02):
gentler tunes.
So, Mia, does singing to plantshelp them grow?
The science suggests that itmight, but the effects are
likely subtle.
Experiments have shown thatplants respond to vibrations
from music, voices and evennatural sounds with certain
frequencies encouraging growth.
(08:23):
Whether it's singing, talkingor playing music, giving your
plants attention and care iswhat really makes the difference
.
Plus, singing to your plantscan make you feel good too, so
it's a win-win.
(08:47):
Thanks again to Mia for such aharmonious question and remember
, if you have a question you'recurious about, submit it on our
website, iwonderpodcas t.
com, and we might just featureit in our next episode of I
Wonder.
Until next time, stay curiousand keep wondering.
.
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