Plants Beg for Help When They Get Stressed, Study Shows

According to a recent study, stressed-out plants start to cry out for assistance.

Owners of indoor plants show their plants affection by conversing with them or providing them with the best lighting. Some people even gave their plants music to listen to.

For those who have ever hoped that their plants could actually communicate, the recent discovery by researchers that those suffering and stressed-out plants may literally be crying out for help may be of interest.

Crying Stressed Plants

According to a new study, plants that are under stress emit ultrasonic airborne sounds that communicate information about their health. These noises, which ranged from clicks to pops, were reminiscent of bubble wrap being pressed or popcorn popping. Additionally, their study revealed that depending on the source of their stress, the plants under study made a variety of noises.

For instance, cut plants cry out differently than plants that are thirsty. Mice and moths, among other insects and mammals with sensitive hearing, could hear these sounds from a distance of 9 to 16 feet.

In a Tel Aviv University video, Lilach Hadany stated that her team's research has cleared up a very old scientific debate by demonstrating that plants do emit sounds. The study's lead author, Hadany, added that it appears that even a picture-perfect field of flowers can be quite noisy; the only problem is that people cannot hear the noises.

Since it is obvious that plants lack vocal cords, it is thought that the sound is produced by cavitation, a term used to describe the behavior and movement of bubbles or voids in liquid. Cavitation is the same reason knuckles pop when they are being cracked.

Plant Stressors

There is still much to learn about plant stressors and the causes of plant cries for help, but the plant community is very interested in the messages that plants are sending to one another and the ecosystem around them. The results might also have a significant effect on agriculture.

According to Hadany, their research suggests that the world is replete with plant sounds. Given the proper tools, such as sensors that alert growers when plants require watering, the research team asserts that humans can also make use of this information.

Scientists are particularly hopeful that the studies will enable them to more precisely estimate agricultural needs, such as water, on a larger scale. The team will pick up and grow a few more plants in the interim so they can all keep each other company, Better Homes & Gardens reports.

The study by Hadany and several other colleagues was recently published in the journal Cell.

Guttation is Not Crying

Guttation is the process by which leaves lose water as a liquid phase through unique cells called hydathodes, according to Plant Care Today.

The various salts, sugars, and other organic compounds found in these guttation "tears" are present at the outer edges or tips of the leaf.

Additionally, the guttation process can result in the penetration of undesirable bacteria that can result in plant disease issues. Some leaf shines and cleaners can clog the hydathodes and result in browning tips.