Blog Post #4 – Inquiry Research Round #2 – How Does Different Genres of Music Affect Different Living Beings?

“How Does Different Genres of Music Affect Different Living Beings?”

How Does Music Affect Plants?

By: Karen Zoulau

          In 1962, Dr. T.C. Singh, Head of Botany at Annamalia University made one of the earliest studies on how music affected plants [1]. He experimented on Balsam plants. When they listened to classical music, they grew 20% more and had an increase of 72% in biomass when compared to the other plants that did not get music [1]. The plants that were exposed to classical and jazz music grew towards the speaker [1] while the plants that listened to rock music grew away from the speakers and showed signs that are similar to overwatering [1]. The vibrations of certain types of music and sounds can stimulate the plant’s growth [1]. Plants do not have ears, so they cannot hear sound [2]. They can only feel vibrations that the sound waves emit [2]. The vibrations stimulate the plant cells and can make the nutrients feel encouraged to move through the plant’s body [2]. It promotes new growth and strengthens their immune system [2]. Most sounds have the ability to stimulate growth in plants [3]. Plants that are exposed to sounds six hours a day, had more growth when compared to the plants that didn’t listen to anything [3]. Music gives off the same effects as non-musical sounds [3]. One type of sound is not better than the other. Studies have shown that exposing plants to music for more than three hours a day can endanger the plant’s health [4]. An overdose on music can contribute to more negative effects, for example: shell resonance [4]. Plants that listened to rock music seemed to deteriorate more quickly and died within a few weeks [5]. It seems as if the vibrations caused by rock music gives off a large amount of pressure for the plants, which does not benefit the plant’s growth [5]. Even with all of these tests and experiments. there is no concrete, conclusive evidence that music actually helps plants grow [5]. More scientific tests are needed [5]. Interestingly, plants can listen to vibrations from other plants [3], when being near other plants, there will be better growth [3]. 
This is why plants grow better near other plants rather than growing alone. It’s especially strange to know that plants have specific tastes in music, just like humans [2]. Roses seem to like violin music [2] the most when compared to other genres of music. Most plants appreciate classical or jazz music, as it often increases their growth [2]. Metal music induces a lot of stress in plants [2]. The vibrations of metal seem to be just a bit intense for the plants, because it stimulates their cells a little too much [2]. So, if you have plants at home, you could try giving them some classical music from time to time. It could really aid in their growth.

Works Cited:

1. Nursery, Pistils. “Should You Sing to Your Plants? Here’s What the Science Says.” Pistils Nursery, Pistils Nursery, 19 Feb. 2020, pistilsnursery.com/blogs/journal/music-and-plant-growth-heres-what-the-science-says.
2. Pink, Andrea. “Fact or Myth: Does Music Affect Plant Growth?” Bloomscape, 15 May 2020, bloomscape.com/does-music-affect-plant-growth/.
3. Michelle, M. (2019, March 02). Does Music Affect Plant Growth? Retrieved November 28, 2020, from https://sciencing.com/does-music-affect-plant-growth-4596442.html
4. MSc., D. (2020). Influence of music on plants. Retrieved November 28, 2020, from https://www.canna.ca/influence_of_music_on_plants
5. Dyer, M. H. (2019). Playing Music For Plants – How Does Music Affect Plant Growth. Retrieved November 28, 2020, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/how-music-affects-plant-growth.htm