Glow-In-The-Dark Plants – Learn About Plants That Glow (2024)

FAQs

Glow-In-The-Dark Plants – Learn About Plants That Glow? ›

Plants that glow in the dark don't do it naturally. Like bacteria, plants have the genes that make glow-in-the-dark proteins. They do not, however, have the part of the gene that switches on the process. Scientists first removed the gene from the DNA of glowing bacteria and embedded particles into the DNA of plants.

The process involves a molecule called caffeic acid, which is abundant in plants to make cell walls. It's also present in fungus, where it's converted into luciferin by four different enzymes. Light Bio's plant is engineered with the genes that make those enzymes.

WOOD: That's why we call it the firefly petunia, because these bright buds resemble fireflies sitting on top of the plant. WOODRUFF: And just like fireflies, they are bioluminescent. Bioluminescent organisms generate their own light.

Last September, the USDA determined through its independent evaluation that Light Bio's genetically engineered Firefly Petunia may be safely grown and bred in the United States. This creates an unparalleled opportunity for plant enthusiasts to enjoy the transformative experience of living light.

This is called fluorescence. Fluorescence happens when an object or organism absorbs light with high energy, like UV light, and gives off excess energy as lower energy light that they do not absorb. Sometimes, they may give off extra energy as heat. Chlorophyll fluoresces to release the extra energy as red light.

It contains genes from glowing mushrooms. Biotech firm Light Bio has used gene-editing to create bioluminescent plants — and you can now order one of its glowing houseplants for just $29.

The firefly petunia glows brightly and doesn't need special food thanks to a group of genes from the bioluminescent mushroom Neonothopanus nambi.

Easygoing snake plants and ZZ plants are known for being two of the best houseplants for low light. If you want to make even more of statement, parlor palms and Madagascar dragon trees are great for large plant lovers whose spaces aren't exactly greenhouses when it comes to letting in the sun.

In cold climates, petunias are annuals and only last one growing season. Within their warmer growing zones, petunias will come back every year but still don't last very long—about three years. However, they will self-seed for continued growth.

Can any plants live in the dark? ›

Examples of plants that can thrive well in total darkness include dracaena, philodendron, also known as heartleaf, Chinese evergreen, and snake plant. Adiantum and parlor palms can also grow well in darkness and still maintain the gloss that comes with sunlight exposure.

The plant is always glowing, it's just our eyes that need to adjust to see the light. The newest buds are the brightest and punctuate the glowing flowers. "That's why we call it the Firefly Petunia. Because these bright buds resemble fireflies sitting on top of the plant.," Wood explained.

While petunias are safe, any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset in cats. Look out for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. These are rare but possible. If your cat shows persistent signs or appears in distress, it's vet time.

In a nutshell and in plain English, Firefly Petunias get their glow from DNA that comes from various species of luminous mushrooms. Scientists have figured out how to genetically enhance the natural luminescence, or “glow,” of the fungal genes by many orders of magnitude.

The PLGA particles gradually release luciferin, which then enters the plant cells, where luciferase performs the chemical reaction that makes luciferin glow.