Do Plants Have Feelings? The Science Behind How They ‘Sense’ the World

Ever wonder if your plant gets sad when you forget to water it? Or if it enjoys the music you play in your room? While plants don’t have brains like humans or nervous systems like animals, research suggests they might be more aware than we think.

So, do plants have feelings? Let’s dig into the science.

🌿 Plants Can “Hear” and Respond to Sound

It sounds crazy, but studies show that plants react to vibrations. In 2014, researchers found that plants can “hear” the sound of caterpillars munching on leaves and respond by releasing defensive chemicals. Some studies even suggest that plants grow better when exposed to music!

So yes, your monstera might actually vibe with your playlist.

🌞 Plants Can “See” Light and Move Towards It

Plants have special proteins called photoreceptors that allow them to detect light. This is why they grow towards windows or even track the movement of the sun—like tiny, green solar panels adjusting for maximum energy intake.

💧 Plants “Feel” Touch—And Some Even Move

Ever heard of the Mimosa pudica, aka the “sensitive plant”? It folds its leaves the moment you touch it. Other plants, like the Venus flytrap, snap shut when an insect lands inside. This means plants aren’t just passive—they actually react to their surroundings.

🌱 Plants Communicate With Each Other

Through their roots, plants send chemical signals to warn neighbors about dangers like pests or disease. Some trees even share nutrients with weaker trees through underground fungal networks (think of it as a plant version of the internet). Scientists call this the “Wood Wide Web.”

🧬 So, Do Plants Have Feelings?

Not in the way we do. They don’t have emotions like happiness or sadness, but they do respond to their environment, protect themselves, and even communicate in surprising ways.

At the very least, this means your plants might appreciate the occasional pep talk. Or, at the very least, they won’t mind.