Talk to Your Plants and Watch them Grow

By Lawrencina Mason Oramalu

I’ve heard that some gardeners literally talk to their plants. At first, I thought that was a little strange. But when I paused to reflect, I realized something: people talk to—and about—things they care about.

Plants may not understand our words, but science shows they respond to sound vibrations, benefit from the extra carbon dioxide in our breath, and most importantly, thrive under the care and attention we give when we talk to them.

So what does that mean for us—as leaders, family members, teachers, or teammates?

What kind of words are you speaking to your team, your students, your loved ones—or even yourself? Have you prepared the soil and appreciated the garden?

As discussed in previous posts in this series, growth requires intentionality and action—and talking to your plants is one of the most transformational actions you can take.

Words Are Water or Weeds

Do you know that your words carry power?

Are your words watering your plants—or choking them?

It’s time to examine the water source. What kind of water treatment system are you allowing in your garden? Because your words either nourish growth or stifle it.

Ask yourself:

• Is your team, classroom, or family receiving the “sunlight” and “water” they need to bloom?

• Are you seeing vibrant flowers—or wilted leaves?

• Are your people thriving—or just surviving?

  
  

You might not literally water the people in your life (unless you're doing a water bucket challenge like my son recently did!), but you can water them with words of affirmation, guidance, and encouragement:

“I believe in you.”

“You’ve got this.”

“You are making progress.”

“I appreciate you.”

“I’m so glad you’re part of this team.”

“I can help you. Let’s try this together.”

Even when correction is needed, we can choose constructive feedback over criticism.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15

In Toastmasters, we model this beautifully. After every speech, members receive positive, encouraging feedback—along with suggestions to help them grow. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. It’s growth. It’s pruning with purpose, not cutting to criticize.

Even the Ah-Counter helps with pruning—removing filler words from our speeches. Sometimes, we already know there’s something we need to prune, but we don’t take action until someone lovingly calls it out.

And when we prune, we need to think about how we prune.

Will your feedback feel like gentle trimming with shears—or like hacking with a machete?

Pruning is care.

Criticism, on the other hand, can kill.

Create a Culture of Positive Communication

Communication isn’t just about words. It’s about tone, timing, intention, and presence. It’s what we say—and what we leave unsaid. It’s the environment we intentionally create—or the one we accidentally allow to take root.

One way I try to “water” others is through shoutouts. Everyone loves to feel seen and appreciated. I give affirmations one-on-one, in meetings, and publicly—even on social media.

I’m proud that this commitment is also being lived out by Tori Lewis, the president of our TWU Toast with Confidence club. After our meetings, she often sends an encouraging message to our Executive Board, offering personal words of support to each member. Her intentionality, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership are worth celebrating.

That said—giving shoutouts takes effort. Both Tori and I have had moments when we meant to send a kind message... and forgot.

If appreciation isn’t a habit yet, schedule it until it becomes one. It might feel awkward at first—but a garden that isn’t watered won’t thrive.

Self-Talk Matters, Too

As leaders, we must also pay attention to how we speak to ourselves.

Are you watering your own growth with grace and belief? Or are you stunting it with criticism and negativity?

Here are a few affirmations to try:

“I am growing.”

“I am learning.”

“I am making a difference.”

“I was created with purpose.”

“My life matters.”

“I was created to shine and soar.”

The other day, I found myself spiraling in frustration after learning that some people I expected at an important event had canceled. I kept replaying the situation—getting caught in a mental loop I couldn’t control.

I realized I had let the weeds of worry and disappointment take over.

That moment reminded me of Habit 1: Be Proactive from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We’re encouraged to focus on our circle of influence, not our circle of concern.

So I shifted my focus from who wasn’t coming—to the students and guests who were coming.

As leaders, we must guard the soil of our minds.We must water it with grace, perspective, and truth.

Conclusion: Speak Life

Are there areas of your life that feel limp or lifeless? Is your team—or your mindset—in need of revival?

As leaders, we influence the health of the people and environments entrusted to us.

Let’s use our words to uplift, encourage, and align people with our shared purpose.

Let’s remove the weeds of gossip, negativity, and doubt—and cultivate a garden of growth.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” — Proverbs 18:21“

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” — Proverbs 16:24

A Personal Reflection

When I began writing this blog series, I also began planting flowers around a tree in our front yard. For years, I told myself I didn’t have a green thumb—but I wanted to rewrite that story.

This flowerbed wouldn’t just be decorative. It would be a circle of faith. Inspired by Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson, I saw this garden as a living prayer—claiming the promises God has spoken over me.

I even placed a small rock in the soil, inscribed with the word: Faith.

Jesus said in Matthew 17:20:

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”

Now, those flowers are more than proof I can grow a garden. They are reminders of God’s faithfulness, of beauty, and of blessings yet to come.

I believe in talking to your plants. But I also believe in praying over your plants.

Because while we water, God sends the sunshine. While we plant, He brings the increase. All He asks is that we care for the garden.

Reflection Questions:

• How will you care for your garden this week?

• Will you speak life to your team, your students, your family—or yourself?

• Will you pray over the people and dreams God has placed in your care?

Speak life. Sow faith.

And trust the garden will grow.