It’s common knowledge that plants grow more quickly when music is played for them and when the garden has garden screens. So, is this simply another urban legend, or can music actually speed up plant growth? Are noises truly audible to plants? Do they genuinely like listening to music? Continue reading to find out what specialists have to say about how music affects plant development.
Can Plant Growth Be Accelerated by Music?
It may surprise you to learn that many studies have shown that providing music to plants really encourages quicker, healthier development. An Indian botanist experimented with music and plant development many times in 1962. He discovered that when exposed to music, certain plants gained an additional 20% in height and much more biomass.
A Colorado greenhouse owner experimented with a variety of musical genres and plant species. She discovered that whereas plants that were exposed to classical music flourished, those that were “listening” to rock music rapidly declined and perished within a few weeks. A scientist in Illinois conducted some carefully monitored greenhouse trials because he didn’t think plants would react well to music.
How Does Plant Growth React to Music?
It seems that the vibrations produced by the sound waves have more to do with understanding the effects of music on plant development than the actual “sounds” of the music. To put it simply, the movement caused by the vibrations in the plant’s cells encourages the plant to create more nutrients. Plants do not “like” classical music more if they do not respond well to rock music. Loud rock music, on the other hand, produces vibrations that increase pressure, which is detrimental to plant development.
Sound and Plant Development: An Alternative Perspective
University of California researchers aren’t too eager to draw conclusions about how music affects plant development. They claim that additional research is necessary, with strict control over variables like light, water, and soil composition, and that there is currently no solid scientific proof that plants benefit from listening to music. It’s interesting that they propose that plants that are exposed to music could do well because their caregivers give them excellent care and extra attention. Something to ponder!