10 Surprising Facts About Green Plants

It goes without saying that at Tropex, we love green plants. Green plants are an essential part of our world, adding oxygen, food, and beauty to any environment. But did you know that there’s more to these living organisms than meets the eye? Here are 10 surprising facts about green plants that you may have never heard before.

1. Plants “Talk” to Each Other: Plants can communicate with each other, releasing chemicals to warn neighboring plants about insect attacks or other threats. When a plant is being attacked by herbivores, it may release a chemical into the air that signals other plants to activate their defenses, such as producing toxins or attracting predators that eat the herbivores.
2. Plants Can “Hear” Sounds: Recent studies have shown that plants are sensitive to sound waves. Some plants can detect sounds, such as the vibrations caused by grazing animals or the sound of water flowing. This allows them to respond in ways that can help them protect themselves or find needed resources.
3. Photosynthesis Happens in the Leaves: We all know plants perform photosynthesis, but what exactly happens during this process? Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, and energy from sunlight, then use chlorophyll in their leaves to convert this into glucose and oxygen. This process is what fuels plant growth and provides oxygen for all living things.
4. Plants Can “Move”: While plants don’t move like animals, they can actually exhibit movement. Some plants, like the sensitive mimosa plant, can rapidly close their leaves when touched. Additionally, vines can grow toward light sources (phototropism) or around objects (thigmotropism) to support their climbing.
5. Some Plants Can Live for Hundreds of Years: Many plants have incredibly long lifespans. For example, the Bristlecone Pine, found in the U.S., is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some trees living for over 5,000 years! Certain species of sequoia trees also live for thousands of years.
6. Plants Can “Breathe”: Plants take in carbon dioxide through tiny pores called stomata on the undersides of their leaves. They also release water vapor through a process called transpiration, which helps with nutrient uptake and temperature regulation. Plants essentially “breathe” in CO2 and “exhale” oxygen, which is vital for most living organisms on Earth.
7. Some Plants Are Carnivorous: While most plants get their nutrients from the soil, some plants have evolved to capture and digest animals. Carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap, sundews, and pitcher plants, lure, trap, and digest insects to supplement their nutrient intake, especially in nutrient-poor soils.
8. Green Isn’t the Only Color: Though we typically associate plants with the color green, some plants can be other colors as well. For instance, red and purple plants have anthocyanins, which are pigments that give them their vibrant colors. Some algae are even golden or blue-green. The variety in color often relates to the plant’s need to attract pollinators or protect itself from UV rays.
9. Plants Can “Remember”: Certain plants can “remember” past events, such as herbivore attacks. For example, when a plant is attacked by insects, it may store a memory of the attack in its tissues. The next time the same herbivore comes around, the plant may increase its defenses in response, even before the insect begins feeding.
10. Plants Have Unique “Personalities”: Just like humans and animals, plants have individual characteristics or “personalities.” Some plants are more aggressive in their growth, while others grow slowly. In some cases, plants within the same species can exhibit different responses to stressors like drought or pests, depending on their environment or genetic makeup.

Plants are far more complex and fascinating than we often give them credit for. Whether they’re helping sustain life on Earth or adapting in extraordinary ways, these green wonders are an essential part of the natural world.

Green plants are also able to transform your workplace or corporate offices by improving air quality and enhancing wellbeing. If you are interested in plant leasing services to fill your home or business with green plants, call Tropex today.