women on average saw their plants rise by an inch on their male counterparts.

I'm not impressed. Women can make other things rise even more. ..on their male counterparts.

I used to threaten my plants. I'd say hey, look at your buddy over here, nice and green and flowering like crazy. What's your problem, shape up or there's the garbage. The bad plant turned out beautifully.

.I have a clematis that looks a bit weary. I'll try beating the living daylights out of it tomorrow and see if it doesn't perk up!

I had amazing success (tropical weather helps) imagining what the earth must have looked like, and been like when it was first inundated with plants and other life forms and then as I watered the plants I imagine that energy flowing into the soil, the plants, the fruit if it has fruit.

I also try to imagine the energy of the sap within the tree and see it/feel it as being totally wholesome. My plants quite like it and respond really well to it.

It takes focus though...

You're lucky dancer, I only have so much patience and it sometimes doesn't go as far as it should. But your idea does sound soothing.