Tonics — plant anatomy

What's a saponin? And why does my plant want it? Saponins are organic chemical compounds found in many plants and seeds (including some of our favorite foods). When applied to plants through foliar or soil treatments, saponins have the unique ability to trick a plant into thinking it’s being attacked. When plants are attacked, they create and release aromas to protect themselves (think lavender and rosemary). This is a plants way of protecting itself as these aromas both deter pests and attract beneficials.