The Best Music to Make Your Plants Grow

Have you ever wondered if music can help your plants grow? 

Nope, it’s not sci-fi… research suggests that sound vibrations can influence plant growth (although it can of course be a hard one to prove - there’s a lot of variables).

Let’s look at the best types of music to play for your plants and why they might help them thrive.

How does music affect plants?

Plants might not have ears, but they can sense vibrations. Sound waves travel through the air and can stimulate plant cells, potentially enhancing nutrient absorption, improving growth rates, and even making plants more resilient to pests and diseases. 

One of the earliest studies of the effect of music on plants was conducted in 1962 by Dr. T. C. Singh, Head of Botany at Annamalia University. He exposed balsam plants to classical music and found that their growth rate increased by 20% compared to a control group, along with a 72% increase in biomass. He then exposed crops to raga music over loudspeakers and found they yielded 25% - 60% more than the national average.

These researchers also experimented with flute, violin, harmonium and reena music, and even saw positive results exposing plants to the vibrations from traditional Indian dance, with violin being the most effective instrument. Canadian engineer Eugene Candy also replicated these results, exposing his wheat fields to J.S. Bach’s violin sonata and experiencing a 66% increase in yield. 

So, it’s clear that there is some correlation between music and the health of plants. Now, let’s look at the best genres. 

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Best music genres for plant growth

1. Classical music

Classical music, particularly pieces by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, is often associated with positive effects on plant growth. The harmonious and structured melodies create gentle vibrations that may promote healthier and more robust plants. A famous study by Dorothy Retallack in the 1970s found that plants exposed to classical music grew faster and had stronger stems.

2. Jazz and blues

Jazz and blues, with their smooth and relaxing tones, can also benefit plant growth. These genres create a pleasant atmosphere and may encourage plants to flourish in a calm and stress-free environment.

3. Indian classical music

Ragas and traditional Indian classical music are known for their rhythmic and melodic structures that mimic natural sounds. Many gardeners claim that playing Indian classical music helps their plants grow stronger and greener.

4. Nature sounds and ambient music

Nature sounds, such as bird songs, running water, and wind chimes, create an environment similar to what plants would experience in the wild. Ambient music with soft instrumental tones can also provide a soothing effect, helping plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.

5. Soft rock and folk music

While heavy rock and loud, aggressive music have been found to stress plants, softer rock and folk music with mild tempos can have a positive impact. Music from artists like Simon & Garfunkel or Fleetwood Mac can create a peaceful setting that might encourage growth.

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Music to avoid

Harsh and loud genres, such as heavy metal or high-tempo electronic music, have been shown to cause stress and inhibit growth. Researcher Dorothy Retallack conducted experiments with different types of music, including classical, jazz, and rock. Plants exposed to “discordant” rock music grew away from the speakers and showed signs similar to overwatering.

While the idea of playing music for plants is still debated, many plant lovers swear by it. If you enjoy having music in your home or garden, why not experiment with different genres and see how your plants respond? Whether it's the soothing strains of classical music or the calming sounds of nature, your green companions might just appreciate a little melody in their lives.