Does classical music help plants grow?

I’ve often heard it said that plants grow better if you play them music. Classical music in particular is supposed to work wonders. But is that really true?

The short answer is: no, probably not.

Questionable studies

Researchers have looked at the effect of music on plants. Some of their studies found that plants exposed to classical music did seem to grow faster than plants that were not exposed to music.

But other scientists have questioned these studies. Was the music really making the plants grow faster, or was it just a coincidence? Unfortunately, the studies have not been repeated often enough for us to be sure.

A kind of hearing

Yet plants do appear to have a kind of hearing. For example, some plants respond to the buzzing of bees. But more research needs to be done in this area too.

So there’s lots more to discover about the listening habits of plants. Hopefully we’ll hear more soon!

Answered by Rik Peters