PLANTS: Who are they?
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that individual preferences and responses can vary. However, the overall positive impact of nature and plant life on human emotions and mental health is widely recognized.
“Plants, in their quiet and resilient way, have been the foundation of our world, providing oxygen, sustenance, and beauty. From the depths of oceans to the highest peaks, they are the unsung heroes, writing life’s tale in leaves, petals, and roots.”
FEEL THE JOURNEY!
ORIGIN:
Long ago, tiny algae started life in oceans, making oxygen. Some moved to land, becoming mosses and ferns. Seed-bearing plants like conifers appeared, spreading with protective seeds. Then came flowering plants, using flowers and fruits to thrive. Plants and animals formed diverse ecosystems. Humans later cultivated crops, turning nature into sustenance. Plants, from algae to forests, shaped Earth’s story, bringing life to every corner and enriching our world.
PLANT CONSCIOUSNESS?
NOT SO STUPID QUESTIONS! (My Assumptions)
Q) Do plants talk?
Well, plants may not communicate in the same way as humans do, but they have complex systems for sending chemical and physical signals to respond to their environment and interact with other organisms. Of course, it could have an opposite answer while research is going on.
Q) Why does every plant have a different requirement for its development?
We see snake plants, money plants, monsteras, wandering jew, etc. all of them need water to grow but the amount of it varies. For instance, the snake plant never cries for water for a week or a month whereas many others in the line couldn’t resist.
Q) Who assigned the name “PLANTS”?
There is no specific person to assign this name, in Latin it is known as “Planta”. So, over the passage of time we came out with this common name for everyone.
Q) Do plants have maximum height?
No, they can grow as much as they can. It is just like a competition with fellow players while there are many other factors.
Q) How does the plant know the concepts of gravitropism and phototropism?
Plants detect light through a process called photoreception. They have specialized cells called photoreceptors, with the most important ones being phototropin. These photoreceptors can sense the direction, intensity, and quality of light. When light hits these cells, it triggers chemical reactions that send signals to the plant to grow toward the light source. This process is called phototropism and helps the plant position its leaves and stems optimally for photosynthesis. (Does that mean they understand gravity and light ?)
Q) Are they similar to human beings?
I think that as human beings our nervous system is vital for us. It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves throughout our body. (body’s command centre). So, maybe in this case , the same way roots help in absorbing water and minerals from the soil. When a plant root gets too dried or wet or when there is a problem in its root system the whole plant starts looking unhealthy and later dies due to widespread of the disease. Therefore, I assume this could be their command centre.
Q)Do plants have a secret life?
Yes, some plants showcase weird behaviours . They might be listening to our secrets and watching our every move. So be careful what you say and do when there is a plant nearby. You never know what they might hear or see.
Q) Have you heard about the walking plant?
The term “walking plant” doesn’t refer to an actual type of plant that walks like an animal. However, it could be a way to describe certain plants that exhibit movements or behaviours that might give the illusion of walking.
- Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant): This is a type of plant that is known for its rapid leaf movement in response to touch. When the leaves of the Mimosa pudica are touched or disturbed, they fold up and droop.
- Carnivorous Plants: Some carnivorous plants, like the Venus flytrap, have specialized leaves that can close rapidly to trap insects. While not exactly “walking,” these plants do exhibit quick and purposeful movements to capture prey.
- Vine Movement: Some climbing plants, like certain species of ivy, can “walk” in a way by extending their tendrils and clinging to surfaces as they grow. This can give the appearance of the plant gradually moving and covering new areas.
- Tropisms: Plants also exhibit movements in response to various stimuli like light and gravity. Phototropism is the growth or movement of plants toward or away from light, while gravitropism is the growth or movement of plants in response to gravity. These movements might not resemble walking, but they do show how plants can respond and adjust to their environment.
Q)Do plants feel pain?
Yes, Plants are living beings that can sense and react to their environment. They have hormones, and chemicals that help them cope with stress and injuries. Imagine how you would feel if someone randomly slapped, pinched, or pushed you. That’s how plants feel when we pluck their leaves, stems, or flowers without any reason. So be kind to plants and treat them with respect.
Q) Is there any competition of plants?
Yes, competition among plants is a common phenomenon in nature. This competition occurs when plants compete for essential resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and space in their environment.
- Light competition: Plants in a dense stand or forest often compete for access to sunlight. Taller plants might shade out shorter ones, leading to a struggle for light exposure.
- Nutrient competition: Plants require various nutrients from the soil for their growth and development. In areas with limited nutrient availability, plants may compete for access to these essential elements.
- Water competition: In arid environments or during drought conditions, plants may compete for water resources. Those with more efficient water uptake mechanisms or deeper root systems might have an advantage.
- Space competition: Plants also compete for physical space to grow and spread. This is particularly evident in crowded environments where plants might need to compete for room to expand their branches, stems, and roots.
- Allelopathy: Some plants release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of neighbouring plants. This is a form of chemical competition where plants attempt to suppress competitors by producing toxins.
- Root competition: Plant roots can compete underground for space and resources. Plants with more extensive root systems can outcompete others for water and nutrients.
- Reproductive competition: Some plants compete for pollinators, like bees or butterflies, for successful reproduction. They might produce attractive flowers, nectar, or other rewards to lure pollinators away from other plants.
- Successional competition: In ecological succession, different plant species compete for dominance in different stages of ecosystem development. Pioneering species might give way to more competitive or specialized species over time.
Q) Do plants understand that whether our intention is good or bad?
Yes, there could be a probability as I and people around me have witnessed these scenarios when we tend to tell the plant or better scare the plant showing no growth or not growing well (even after providing it with favourable conditions) , that we will “cut you off”. And in a few days, you see new growth (with the same climatic conditions it had). What are they really hiding? Was that plant in stress ?
Q) VEG, NON-VEG and VEGANS?
We as human beings can eat almost all kinds of food leaving few who have allergies or preferences. I don’t understand why some people say eating meat is cruel, but eating plants is not. Plants are also living organisms with seeds that can grow into new plants. Is that not life? We are part of a food chain and we need fruits and vegetables for our health. After all, it is not always about being good or bad but meeting the requirements for continuing life on earth also, keeping all aspects in mind such as people’s beliefs, life cycle, etc.
Q) How plants make us happy?
The person who will be around nature or plants will have an optimistic and cheerful attitude toward life. Plants have a hidden meaning behind them i.e. HOPE. “No matter what happens, find a way out of every situation,” like these guys found their way out of walls and floors in our localities.
- Aesthetic Pleasure: The visual appeal of plants and their natural green colours can be aesthetically pleasing and evoke positive emotions. Exposure to natural elements, even in the form of potted plants indoors, can create a sense of calm and beauty.
- Biophilic Connection: Humans have an innate connection to nature, known as biophilia. Having plants around us can help satisfy this inherent need for nature, leading to increased feelings of contentment and happiness.
- Air Quality: Plants play a significant role in improving indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Better air quality can lead to improved cognitive function and overall well-being, contributing to a happier mood.
- Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and anxiety levels. The presence of plants in indoor environments or spending time in natural settings can have a soothing and calming effect on our nervous system.
- Mindfulness and Focus: Taking care of plants requires attention and care, which can promote mindfulness and focus. Engaging in activities like watering, pruning, and repotting plants can help divert attention from stressors and promote a sense of accomplishment.
- Connection and Responsibility: Caring for plants can create a sense of responsibility and connection. Nurturing a living thing and watching it grow can foster a positive sense of achievement and purpose.
- Natural Environments: Spending time in nature-rich environments, such as gardens, parks, or forests, has been linked to improved mood and reduced feelings of depression. Surrounding oneself with plant life can help people reconnect with the natural world and experience these benefits.
- Sensory Stimulation: Plants can stimulate our senses through their textures, scents, and sometimes even tastes (in the case of edible plants). Engaging with these sensory experiences can contribute to a greater sense of happiness and well-being.
- Social Interaction: Gardening and plant-related hobbies can also promote social interactions. Sharing tips, experiences, and even plants with others can create a sense of community and connection, enhancing happiness.
- Biochemical Effects: Some studies suggest that certain compounds emitted by plants, such as phytoncides, can have positive effects on our physiological and psychological well-being. These compounds are thought to influence mood and stress levels.
I believe plants have a secret life that they communicate in ways we can’t imagine. I don’t want to argue or be controversial, but I want to explore and learn more. I found some books that talk about plants and their intelligence, like The Secret Life of Plants, Planta Sapiens, and Sacred Plants of India. “Planta Sapiens” is an amazing book that I am going to read soon. These were a few questions that popped into my mind. Readers are requested to share their thoughts with us. Plants are real stars captured everywhere, in movies, photos, and stories. I hope this blog reaches many people who care about plants. I think this is important to share. Thank you!
Imagine what world would be like with no plants!
Q) Do plants select where they want to be planted?
Q)Do plants get bored standing still at same place?
IMAGE CREDITS:
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Frunuhwjf3c541.jpg
SOURCES:
TLDR:
Plants have been a major part of life on Earth for a long time, providing oxygen, sustenance, and beauty. They have complex systems for sending signals to respond to their environment and interact with other organisms. Humans later cultivated crops turning nature into sustenance. Plants can compete for resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. They also have specialized cells to sense light and have responses to other stimuli like gravity. There is evidence that plants may feel pain.
