Want Bigger, Brighter Houseplants? This $13.99 Copper Accessory Could Be Exactly What You Need
If you have a knack for accidentally killing houseplants, look this way...
If you have a habit of killing houseplants, you’ve likely tried a lot of different tricks by now – short of throwing in the towel and investing in a plastic plant or two. I’m willing to bet, though, that you haven’t tried this wallet-friendly copper accessory.
Trendy among woo-woo types and increasingly popular on social media as crystal décor goes mainstream, electroculture is one of those words that sounds far more complex than it is. Essentially, it just means using electricity – usually via a simple copper accessory, quelle surprise – to stimulate plant growth or improve soil energy.
Put it in the same box, then, as growing by lunar cycles and planting by the moon. But how best to harness the theory to encourage healthier, more vigorous houseplants?
Let's Talk Electroculture
Electroculture might sound complicated, but the idea is actually simple: it’s the use of gentle electrical currents to encourage plant growth. The concept dates back over a century, when early researchers noticed that plants exposed to small amounts of electricity often grew faster and healthier.
Fast forwards to now, and modern electroculture techniques aim to make roots using copper accessories, sometimes positioning them toward Magnetic North to align with the earth’s natural magnetism.
“Electroculture uses electrical currents to stimulate plant growth and improve the health of soil,” explains Shirley O'Donoghue, author of The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing and Crystal Alchemy, who has been experimenting with copper accessories and gemstones in home gardens for years.
While you could make your own electroculture stake using copper wire and a chopstick, this ready-made option makes life easier.
“Copper accessories are commonly placed in the earth to gently energize it, and they can be paired with crystals because of their piezoelectric properties,” she adds.
Essentially, she believes that, when certain crystals experience pressure or energy, they can produce a tiny electrical charge – which, combined with copper, might subtly encourage roots to explore and soil to stay active.
Now, mainstream science is sceptical; there’s no strong, replicated evidence that copper accessories alone make plants grow taller or faster, and most horticultural research hasn’t validated traditional electroculture techniques. And anecdotal successes – like a taller amaryllis or thriving herbs – may have many explanations, from ideal light conditions to careful watering.
That said, Shirley emphasizes that the real benefit may lie in the gardener’s attention. “Even a small copper accessory can change how you interact with your plants. If it encourages you to notice soil moisture, adjust light, or prune leaves, that focus alone makes a measurable difference," she points out.
For anyone eager to experiment, applications are simple. A copper accessory placed near the roots of a potted plant can be paired with a crystal – such as amethyst – for those who want to combine both approaches.
“You don’t need expensive or rare stones,” Shirley says. “Even low-grade crystals work perfectly. It’s about engagement. You’re connecting with your plants in a mindful way, which encourages healthy growth, even if the science hasn’t caught up yet.
Electroculture Shopping List:
Copper wire is the easiest way to introduce the basics of electroculture to your plant care regime.
Why not swap an ugly plant stake for something like one of these mini sun catchers?
If you want to pair your electroculture wire with a healing crystal, as suggested, you can't go wrong with these.
Start small. A single copper accessory in an amaryllis pot (which, in my own experience, has grown impressively tall this season), or a tiny wire loop tucked into a herb pot, is more than enough to experiment. Observe your plants for subtle changes, and pair the ritual with the basics: proper watering, appropriate light, and nutrient-rich soil.
“Even if it’s just symbolic,” Shirley adds, “it encourages gardeners to pay attention and be present, and that’s often what plants need most. It’s a small accessory, but it can make a big difference in your relationship with your plants.”
Copper accessories and crystals are low-cost, low-maintenance, and visually appealing, making them a playful addition to any home garden. So if an electroculture set-up seems to benefit yours – whether it’s the electricity, the gemstones, or simply the extra care you’ve given it – we say take the growth (and the little moments of joy) any way it comes.
