Watch Plants Behaving Badly

Plants Behaving Badly is a fascinating show presented by the renowned naturalist and broadcaster, David Attenborough, and produced by the BBC. Spanning two episodes, each an hour-long, it was first aired on PBS in 2017. Attenborough, as always, is mesmerizing in his narration, bringing his trademark gravitas, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the intricate and often surprising world of plants. In this series, he explores the secret lives of some of the most intriguing and unusual plants on the planet, uncovering their remarkable abilities, ingenious strategies, and their darker side.

The first episode, titled "Murder and Mayhem," introduces us to some of the most deadly and carnivorous plants in existence. From the Venus Flytrap to the Pitcher plant, Attenborough shows us how these seemingly peaceful and harmless plants have evolved to become expert hunters, attracting, trapping, and digesting insects and other small creatures for sustenance. The Flytrap's jaws, for instance, close so fast that the insect has no chance of escape, while the Pitcher plant uses a combination of intoxicating nectar and slippery wax to lure and capture its prey.

Attenborough also showcases some of the more bizarre and elusive carnivorous plants, such as the Sundew, whose tendrils are covered in sticky droplets that ensnare insects before slowly digesting them; the Waterwheel plant, which traps and drowns its prey in its whirling leaves; and the Bladderwort, whose underwater traps are so suction-like that they can capture tadpoles and small fish.

The second episode, "Sex and Lies," takes us on a journey into the intriguing world of plant reproduction, revealing how plants use some truly amazing tactics to ensure their survival. Attenborough introduces us to the world of orchids, where flowers have evolved to mimic insects, emitting pheromones, and even resembling the opposite sex to attract their pollinators. Some orchids have such a subtle scent that it can only be detected by bees that are sexually attracted to the plant, while others create an elaborate dance, using colors and patterns to lure in their prey.

We also learn how some plants have evolved to rely on deception to entice their pollinators. The Aristolochia, for instance, releases the scent of rotting meat to attract flies, which end up becoming trapped inside for the night before being released in the morning, covered in pollen. Meanwhile, the Yucca plant depends entirely on a moth for its pollination, and has evolved to offer a unique and bizarre arrangement as its mating ritual.

Throughout the series, Attenborough is at his storytelling best, taking us on a visual journey through some of the most remote and exotic habitats in the world, from the Louisiana swamplands to the rainforests of Borneo. The show's cinematography is stunning, capturing the intricate details of each plant's behavior and movements, and allowing us to witness their unique and often-surprising strategies.

One of the show's main strengths is its ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way. Whether discussing the mechanics of a flower's scent or explaining the principles behind carnivorous plant digestion, Attenborough manages to keep the viewer captivated with his enthusiasm and clarity.

Overall, Plants Behaving Badly is a must-see series for anyone interested in the natural world. Attenborough's insight into the intelligence, beauty, and brutality of planet Earth's plants is truly fascinating, and his ability to convey this complexity in such an entertaining and informative way is a testament to his skill as a naturalist and broadcaster.

Plants Behaving Badly is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on May 3, 2017.

Where to Watch Plants Behaving Badly