Chinese scientists create plants that glow in the dark

Chinese scientists have successfully realized the concept of an “Avatar” world, where plants illuminate an entire ecosystem, and have created succulents that glow in the dark. 

Popular Science magazine explained that there are many bioluminescent organisms on Earth, such as mushrooms, fish, and plankton. Scientists have previously attempted to “deliver light” to plants themselves.

In 2024, the biotechnology company Light Bro developed a special type of petunia called “Firefly.” This represented a major breakthrough in the genetic engineering of bioluminescent plants, but the petunia’s light was dim and only green.

Fifty-six succulent plants were installed on a plant wall, and their bright light was found to be sufficient to illuminate nearby objects.

The researchers noted that preparing each plant took about 10 minutes, and the entire process cost just over 10 yuan ($1.40).