Do plants have feelings?

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   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   Do plants have feelings?
   
   I was watching a gardening channel and they showed a plant that curled up its leaves when it was touched. That made me wonder whether or not plants have feelings. I know, it's a silly question. But, if plants react to touch, could it be possible that they have feelings, enjoy certain music, grow better when we talk to them? I just want to know what you think.

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Yes. Indian Scientist Dr. Jagadishchandra Bose invented a instrument named crescograph & did many experiments on plants.
   
   Suppose there is a lush green plant and its leaves are a sparkling green in the shining sunlight. We feel like pulling out a leaf to feel it. But we do not think of what goes on inside the plant. Maybe, we feel that the plant does not suffer like us. But the plant does suffer. In fact the pulsation of the plant stops where the leaf was plucked. In a short time the pulsation again begins at the spot, but this time very slowly. And then it completely stops. That spot is as good as dead for the plant.

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      Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think that everthing alive... or that even was once alive has some sort of tie-in to the Universe and God ...just like animals...if it lives...it feels; however we have to priortize and know where plants and animals are on the scale of importance

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Until I saw that gardening program, I really had not thought of plant "life". Thank you,  JThomp42 and Laurinzo Scott, for taking time to share your comments. I see things a little differently now.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are so welcome Marlene.

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   heidithorneposted 11 years ago

   I've always thought they do. Life has many forms, but all life forms have the capability to communicate and respond to their environment. Reminds me... gotta repot those houseplants before they start "talking" to me.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, and the thing about houseplants is that they are so full of drama - turning all sorts of colors just to get their way. I have one plant whose leaves are threatening to turn brown all because I forgot to water it in time.

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   peachpurpleposted 11 years ago

   yes, in malaysia, there is a wild plant that is called " daun semalu" which literally means shy leaves. When you touch the leaves, it will closed up and open up later. There are torns and bushy flower on it. I do believe plants have feelings too. When you play a classical music, the plants will bloom beautifully.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have heard this to be true about classical music. I think I'd like to try playing classical music to grow prettier plants.

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   connorjposted 11 years ago

   
   
   I cannot discern if this is indeed a crazy question or not. I certainly am ignorant when it comes to this topic. Yet in a hope to shed light or perhaps it should be construed as darkness I have included this significant link:
   http://youtu.be/KmK0bZl4ILM

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Lettuce be! This video offers a whole new take on the concept of vegetables and feelings. I ponder, does carrot juice constitute murder? Cute video. Thanks.

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   howtobeasuccessposted 11 years ago

   For me its NO. Only humans have feelings. The closest to human that might have feelings would be the animals like cats, dogs and lions. But, i believe that they do not have feelings either. They act out of instinct and not on feelings.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Instinct is a good word. In fact, I heard that the leaves curled up so that herbivores would think they were dead and would not eat them. It was a response to being touched.

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   Express10posted 11 years ago

   I don't know about having feelings but plants certainly can be responsive to their environments. Also, many people have found their plants actually grow better when classical music is played frequently. I also believe there have been studies showing this as well. As for touch, the plant probably developed that response of curling up it's leaves as a defense mechanism.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yes. On the show that I watched, the botanist said that the leaves curled so that herbivores would not eat them.

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   rameschgfposted 11 years ago

   IF THEY ARE JUST PLANTS-THEY HAVE FEELING-BUT NOT FEELINGS-IF THERE ARE HUIMAN SOULS TRAPPED IN THOSE PLANT BODIES-THEN THEY " SHOUT BACK" TOO

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      ...but not "feeling(s)". I get it! Thank you very much for your response to this question.

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