The 7-Day “Talk to Your Plants” Challenge That Might Actually Fix Your Life

Have you ever looked at your houseplant and thought, “Maybe it’s the only one who really gets me”? No? Just me? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to give you one of the weirdest and most fun scientific challenges you’ve ever heard of. It’s easy, it’s cheap, it won’t make you sweat (unless you get emotionally attached), and it might just change your life.

Yep. It’s exactly what it sounds like. You, talking to your plants like they’re your therapist, gym trainer, or nosy neighbor.

But Wait—Is Talking to Plants Actually Scientific?

Believe it or not, science says yes (well, kind of). Researchers at the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK found that plants do respond to sound. In fact, plants that were “spoken to” grew faster than the silent treatment ones.

Even better? The ones spoken to by female voices grew faster than the ones serenaded by men. Sorry, fellas. Apparently, ferns prefer the feminine tone.

So, scientifically speaking:

Plants dig good vibes. And when you're chatting with them, you're also talking to yourself, which has been linked to lower stress levels, better emotional control, and a strange feeling of “Hey, I’m kind of wise!”

Day 1: Name Your Plant (It Deserves an Identity)

Step one is giving your plant a name. Don’t skip this. How would you feel if someone talked to you every day without knowing your name?

Some popular name ideas:

Leaf Erickson 🌿

Photosynthia ☀️

Groot Jr. 🌱

Sir Sprout-a-lot 👑

Now say hello and start small. “Hey, Photosynthia, how’s the photosynthesis going today?” That’s it. Easy peasy.

Day 2: Share a Secret (Therapy Time)

Today’s challenge is to open up. Tell your plant something silly or embarrassing. Science shows that talking out loud, even to yourself, reduces anxiety and improves focus.

Example:

“Dear Sir Sprout-a-lot, I once ate an entire family pack of Oreos and blamed it on my cousin. I feel... both ashamed and accomplished.”

Day 3: Give Compliments (Yes, Even to the Brown Leaf)

Be nice. Say things like:

“Wow, your leaves are looking extra chlorophyll-y today.”

“You really bring oxygen into this room like a champ.”

“If I had a penny for every root you grew, I’d have... a lot of pennies.”

Giving compliments boosts your own mood too. It’s a win-win. Plants don’t argue. Unlike that one co-worker who always needs to one-up you.

Day 4: Dance for Your Plant

Okay, now we’re pushing the envelope. But hear me out: playing music and dancing improves brain function, releases endorphins, and stimulates plant growth. Blast your favorite tune. Dance like nobody’s watching—except your cactus, silently judging you from the corner.

Bonus: Dancing is exercise. Your Fitbit will thank you.

Day 5: Ask for Advice (And Pretend You Got an Answer)

Today’s task is to ask your plant for help. Seriously.

Example:

“Leafy, should I text my ex back?”

(Pause dramatically.)

“Oh wow, you’re right. That’s a terrible idea. Thanks, bestie.”

This method—called externalized self-talk—helps with decision-making. Plus, your plant is now officially wiser than your group chat.

Day 6: Deep Conversation—Yes, Go Philosophical

Today, we talk deep stuff:

“What is time, Leaf Erickson?”

“Why do socks disappear in the washing machine?”

“Do you think pineapple belongs on pizza?”

This isn’t just for laughs. When you think about big questions and vocalize them, you stimulate parts of the brain responsible for creativity and reflection. Bonus: It’s cheaper than therapy.

Day 7: Gratitude (Because You’re Both Still Alive)

Congrats, you made it to the final day! Today, simply thank your plant.

“Thanks, little buddy, for giving me fresh air and not judging me when I danced to Shakira at midnight.”

Practicing gratitude regularly increases happiness and reduces depression. You might think this challenge was about the plant—but really, it was about you all along. 💚

What’s the Point of This Challenge?

Here’s the real juice:

✔ It’s based on psychology, plant science, and humor.

✔ It improves your mood, mindfulness, and self-talk.

✔ It’s silly, which makes it fun—and fun things are easier to keep doing.

You don’t have to own a plant to do this. Use a pillow, a toaster, or your cat. The point is: talk kindly, talk funny, and talk out loud.

My Honest Gamer-Blogger Opinion?

As a gamer, I’m all about challenges. But this one? Zero rage quits. No lag. And no need to unlock cheat codes. Just your voice, your brain, and one slightly confused houseplant. And let me tell you—my plant is now my biggest fan. We’re working on a YouTube channel. He’s got mad leaf presence.

Final Words: Take the Challenge. Laugh a Bit. Grow Inside (Like a Plant).

If you take this challenge, you’ll laugh, feel weird, and maybe learn something about yourself. Life is serious enough. Let’s give it seven days of green-fueled weirdness.

Who knows? You might grow... just like your plant.