Many plants exhibit actuation in response to environmental stimuli; osmotic influx and efflux of water due to environmental changes in temperature and humidity causes cells to swell and contract. Hydrogels are superabsorbent networked polymers containing hydrophilic units. The large strains produced by hydrogels on the absorption of water resembles the behavior of plant cells that drive actuation through the exchange of water with the surrounding environment. Here we present a soft, silicone actuator, driven by hydrogel expansion and contraction. The blocking force produced by the actuator was investigated. Sodium polyacrylate (2.91 N) and PMOVE (0.56 N), imitate the actuation of plants in response to environmental stimuli. The novel encapsulation of hydrogel within a passive silicone body increased the complexity of motion achievable and blocking force. However, the actuator demonstrated a slower response due to reduced contact surface between the hydrogel and the surrounding water. By utilizing hydrogels, we present an environmentally responsive actuator, driven by hydrogel expansion, which mimics the bimorph actuation of plants, including pinecones, in response to hydration and dehydration.