Jackie Shroff has 700 plants, including guava and mango trees, in his farmhouse. Actor shares five affordable tips on how to grow plants. One is Yale University-approved: ‘My neighbours complain…'

Bollywood star Jackie Shroff is known to have a 'green thumb ’. In a 2025 interview with director-YouTuber Farah Khan, the actor shared a glimpse of his farmhouse with over 700 plants and a huge open kitchen. In another interview with Twinkle Khanna, Jaggu Dada opened up about how he cared for his plants.

Save Your Seeds

You do not need to buy seeds from a fancy store. You can save seeds from the fruits you eat, store them, and grow plants from them with enough care and patience.

Sing To Your Plants

The Parinda star said he often hums songs to his plants even though his neighbours are tired of this particular habit. He said that he has mango trees from Kolkata and Murshidabad in his garden, and he sings Bengali songs to these plants, and he also “talks” to them.


According to an article published in the Yale Environment Review, music can actually help your plants bloom. The article shared findings of a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from from Utkal University and Sambalpur University, along with specialists who examined religious rhythms. Earlier, in 2023, Sharan and the research team reported that exposing mung bean plants to devotional music was associated with improved growth, including quicker germination and greater overall plant biomass.

Be Aware Of The ‘Fungal Internet’

Mycorrhizal fungi serve as nature’s underground engineers, spreading delicate, thread-like hyphae throughout the soil and connecting them with plant roots. These living networks create biological pathways through which plants can exchange essential nutrients and water while also transmitting signals that alert neighbouring plants to potential threats.

Remarkably, just one teaspoon of healthy soil can contain several miles of microscopic fungal filaments. These extensive underground networks often develop around mature trees, sometimes described as “hub trees” or “mother trees", which can help nourish younger plants and contribute to the overall health and resilience of the forest.

The Underground Exchange

According to an article published in the Life In Balance blog, these fungal connections enable plants to participate in a complex system of resource and information sharing, including:

* Movement of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen between connected plants

* Signals that alert plants to approaching pest attacks

* Redistribution of water when conditions become dry

* Delivery of nutrients and other resources to young seedlings

Add Epsom Salt

When the leaves shrink or curl into themselves, apply a pinch of Epsom salt to them, advises the Yaadein actor. However, do not apply the salt directly; mix two teaspoons into a litre of water and spray this mix into the soil when you are repotting the plants.

According to The Spruce, spraying plants with Epsom salt has some benefits – Epsom salt can serve as a useful supplement for certain plants, particularly when they need additional magnesium or sulphur. These two nutrients play important roles in plant development and can contribute to healthy growth and more vibrant flowering.

When mixed with water and applied to the soil, Epsom salt supplies magnesium and sulphur that plants can take up through their roots. If a plant is deficient in either nutrient, this added supply may support stronger growth, healthier foliage, and improved blooms. However, Epsom salt is not a universal fertiliser, and using it when the soil already contains sufficient magnesium and sulphur may provide little benefit.

It also acts as a natural pest deterrent, helping repel slugs and other unwanted insects while protecting plants from damage.

Jackie’s Natural Pesticides

Instead of using artificial pesticides to protect his plants, the actor uses organic ingredients like salt, red chilli powder, neem oil, etc. to ward off pests.

Keep Plants Near You At Night

Jackie advised keeping plants in your bedroom, as they can improve the air quality. According to an article published in Nick’s Garden Center, the idea that plants release oxygen only during the day is not entirely correct. Certain houseplants can produce oxygen at night, potentially helping maintain a fresher bedroom environment. This occurs in some plants through a specialised process known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which allows them to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during nighttime hours.

Snake Plant, Money Plant, and Aloe Vera are among the plants often associated with nighttime oxygen release and are popular choices for bedrooms.