King Charles Talks to His Plants – a Practice Rooted in Ancient Animistic Traditions, Which Garden Experts Love
Popularised by German psychologist Gustav Fechner, the concept of talking to plants has prevailed for centuries – and it's beloved by a particular monarch
King Charles has created an unusually personal royal film (to be screened on Amazon's Prime Video next month), in which he addresses his great loves: Plants and gardening.
In the film, the British monarch asserts his belief in the need for human life to work in keeping with the natural world, and this starts with plants. It addresses one of the most enduring caricatures of the King – the idea that he ‘talks to plants’ – showing how comments about his closeness to nature were used to marginalise his views.
Some ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans, held beliefs that plants responded to care, attention, or even words. However, the concept became more popularized in the 17th and 18th centuries, when natural philosophers began experimenting more methodically.
For example, Jan Ingenhousz, known for his work on photosynthesis, also observed plant responses to light and environment. People started noticing that plants could react to stimuli in ways that seemed almost communicative.
Today, talking to your greenery, whether it's a small collection of indoor plants on your windowsill or rare flowers in a royal garden, is a common practice, and it comes with approval from the experts.
'To some, the King’s habit of speaking to plants has seemed quaint, even peculiar. Yet in his film, it celebrates his lifelong philosophy: that small acts of attention reflect a broader responsibility to nurture the natural world,' comments Tenielle Jordison, a garden's content editor at Homes & Gardens.
'Beyond the garden, talking to plants can have real benefits for people. Tending and speaking to greenery can reduce stress, lift mood, and encourage mindfulness. It' a simple way to reconnect with the natural world, nurturing our wellbeing, even if it's just a small house plant.'
There's never a bad time to buy a new plant, but in the light of this royal news, we can't resist another one. I've listed my favorite plant accessories, including some beautiful pots, below.
This vintage-inspired ceramic pot is perfect for small to medium plants. Designed with a drainage hole, it helps maintain healthy moisture levels while adding timeless style to your greenery display.
With its elegant design, this planter complements any kind of windowsill. Featuring a drainage hole and a matching saucer, it helps prevent overwatering while keeping your plants healthy and stylishly displayed.
With its gently sculpted silhouette and soft blue landscape motifs, this ceramic planter adds Asian-inspired elegance at an accessible price. It’s a versatile option sized well for mini trees, a Christmas cactus, or year-round greenery.
This glass plant mister boosts humidity for a variety of houseplants while doubling as a decorative accent. Its elegant design makes it a stylish addition to your space, even when not in use.
Intricately detailed in classic blue and white, this planter captures the timeless artistry of chinoiserie design. It's the most fashionable way to hold a houseplant.
These gardening scissors are the ideal size for pruning houseplants. They're designed with comfortable grips to reduce fatigue.
King Charles’ lifelong habit of talking to plants may once have seemed eccentric, but in today’s world, it’s a reminder that small acts of care – whether in a royal garden or on a windowsill – can connect us to nature and to ourselves. Perhaps it’s time to add a new plant to your own collection.
