90% of People Have No Idea Plants Can Do This - Do You?

Let’s be honest—most people think plants are just… there. They sit on your windowsill, soak up sunlight, and if they’re lucky, get watered before they become a crisp, brown tragedy!

But what if I told you plants have been out here doing the most—pulling off moves that sound more like science fiction than reality?

Yep, plants have something up their ̶s̶l̶e̶e̶v̶e̶s̶ twigs that most people have never heard of. If you know all of these, congratulations—you’re among the elite 1% of plant geniuses. If not, well… prepare to have your mind photosynthesised!

1. Plants Can Call for Backup (Like a Mafia Boss)

Plants may not have mouths, but that doesn’t mean they can’t yell for help. When they’re under attack by insects, some plants release airborne chemicals that summon reinforcements—usually bigger predators who will happily take out their enemies. It’s their version of "Hello, haan bhai, bande leke aa aaja"

For example, when a corn plant gets chewed on by caterpillars, it sends out a chemical distress signal that attracts parasitic wasps. These wasps swoop in, lay their eggs inside the caterpillars, and, well… nature takes care of the rest.

2. They Can Count (Better Than You on a Monday Morning)

Meet the Venus flytrap, the plant that refuses to waste energy on false alarms. Instead of snapping shut the moment something brushes against it, it counts touches before making a move.

• One touch? Nothing.
• Two touches? Still not sure.
• Three touches? Alright, dinner is served.

This ensures the plant doesn’t waste its time on things like raindrops or falling leaves. Meanwhile, most of us struggle to count change at the coffee shop.

3. Some Plants Can Explode (Not Even Kidding)

If you thought plants were peaceful, meet the sandbox tree—aka "the dynamite tree." When its seed pods ripen, they literally explode, launching seeds at speeds of up to 240 km/h. Other plants, like the touch-me-not, use a similar technique to scatter their seeds far and wide. Turns out, some plants have quite an explosive personality.

4. They Fake Their Own Deaths to Avoid Being Eaten (The Ultimate Drama Queens)

Some plants are Oscar-worthy actors. The Mimosa pudica, also known as the “sensitive plant,” collapses its leaves instantly when touched. Why? Because if it suddenly looks dead and unappetising, herbivores lose interest. It’s the plant equivalent of playing dead when your responsibilities come knocking.

5. They Can Recognise Family and Play Favourites (Nepotism, But Make It Nature)

Be-leaf it or not, plants know who their relatives are. And unlike you, they don't hide away from them. If you plant a bunch of plant siblings together, they’ll cooperate—sharing resources and growing in harmony. But if a stranger plant joins the party? It’s war. Roots get competitive, space becomes an issue, and suddenly, it’s a full-blown family drama. So, you are not alone; nature also has its own khaandaani politics going on!

6. Some Plants Can "Hear" and React to Sound (They have a favourite playlist too)

Yes, really. Studies show that plants respond to vibrations—including music, insect sounds, and even running water. Pea plants, for example, can detect the sound of water flowing nearby and grow their roots toward it—without ever touching the water. Meanwhile, some plants grow faster when exposed to classical music but get stressed out by loud noise. So if your houseplant is looking rough, maybe it’s not dying—just silently begging you to stop blasting T*ny Kakkar on repeat.

7. They Make Their Own Sunscreen (Skincare Influencers, Who?)

Sunburn? Not a problem for plants. While we’re out here slathering on SPF 50, plants produce their own UV-blocking chemicals to protect themselves from the sun’s harsh rays (Must be nice). Scientists have even studied these natural compounds to develop better sun protection for humans. Meanwhile, we’re out here getting roasted & toasted like it’s our full-time job!

8. Some Can Control the Weather (Sort Of)

Ever heard of rain-making trees? Some forests—especially tropical ones—release chemicals that rise into the air and help form clouds. More clouds = more rain, which means the plants literally influence the weather to make sure they get enough water. And here I am, still struggling to control my ceiling fan’s speed during the changing seasons!

Wrapping Words: Are Plants Smarter Than We Think?

Honestly? Looks like it!

At this point, plants are doing things that should not be possible. They’re getting into petty fights, eavesdropping, calculating, and pulling off stunts you wouldn’t have even imagined.

So, next time you water your houseplant, be extra nice—it might be paying more attention than you think.