What's The Best Music For Plants? Discover How Music Can Help Your Garden Grow

Playing music for plants is crazy, right? Listening to music while gardening or working on houseplants might not be that crazy after all. Although far from conclusive, there is some evidence that plants respond to music by growing more.

Using music to help plants grow is not definitive, but why not try it? And have you tried it yet? What kind of music do your plants like? Here’s everything you need to know about the best music for plants.

Do Plants Grow Better with Music?

Some scientific studies have shown that plants grow better with music playing. The first study came from Indian researchers in 1962, who found plants grew 20% more when exposed to classical music.

A few other studies followed, but critics say the research wasn’t rigorous enough to be conclusive. The studies did not control for other factors that affect plant growth. This area of research isn’t pseudoscience, but it also isn’t well enough studied to draw firm conclusions.

How Does Music Affect Plants?

Humans hear music in a unique way. Our ears pick up the vibrations and send signals to the brain, which interprets them to create what we call music. Plants don’t exactly hear music, but they sense vibrations.

The effects of music on plants are probably due to cytoplasmic streaming. The vibrations trigger the movement of nutrients, proteins, and other substances in the fluid inside cells, stimulating growth.

Critics of the idea that plants respond to music point out that anyone playing music to their plants is also likely to take very good care of their plants. It may be the latter that stimulates growth, but it doesn’t hurt to play some tunes for your favorite plants.

What Music Do Plants Like?

A study from the 1970s used different types of music for plants to grow and firmly concluded that they don’t like rock and roll. Or, rather, they don’t respond to those vibrations. The researchers saw positive results with classical, jazz, and single notes.

Another study tried comparing music to non-rhythmic sounds, like traffic noise. Plants actually grew away from the latter. So, music is best, and classical music for plants consistently produces results. Have fun with it. Here are some ideas:

1. Antonio Vivaldi String Concertos

Classical music for plants is a common theme in this type of work and is likely the best option based on the available evidence. Some research suggests plants prefer string instruments, so try Vivaldi’s famous concertos for string instruments. There are several to choose from, so you can create a long playlist.

2. Johannes Brahms String Quartets

Also famous for pieces written for string instruments, Brahms wrote many string quartets. Add these to your classical playlist to keep your plants happy. Some examples include ‘String Quartet in C minor, op. 51 No. 1’ and ‘String Quartet in B Flat major, op. 67.’

3. ‘Clair de Lune’ by Claude Debussy

Debussy is famous for his classical pieces for piano. Piano music, especially the light sounds of ‘Clair de Lune,’ is relaxing and sounds a little like birds singing outside. Plants may respond well to the similarity. Try any piano pieces by Debussy.

4. ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Like Debussy’s piano pieces, Mozart’s music is light and fast and similar to birdsong. ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ is one of his most famous works. It’s fast and fun to listen to and might just get your plants vibrating. The name in English is ‘A Little Night Music.’

5. A Morning Raga/An Evening Raga by Ravi Shankar

Here’s an entire album to try playing for your plants. The first study of plants growing in response to music took place in India and included both Western and Indian classical music. They played songs called ragas, which produced similarly good results, so add this Indian classic to your playlist.

6. Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants” by Stevie Wonder

If classical music isn’t your thing, how about Stevie Wonder? This 1973 album may just have some of the best songs for plants because it was inspired by them. Wonder wrote the album as a soundtrack to a film based on the book The Secret Life of Plants, which described some of the early music-plant research.

Get Your Groove On For Plant Growth

There is no evidence to show the best way to deliver music to your plants. A stereo or speakers nearby but not tight up against plants may be best. Don’t play it too softly, or your plants might not pick up the vibrations. Blasting music could be too much. Find a happy medium. And, don’t forget to provide the basics of plant care.