These days, technology and nature are converging in surprising ways. From streetlights powered by solar panels to buildings covered in vegetation, we are slowly re-integrating with the natural world. One of the latest innovations comes from the field of biotechnology: glowing succulents. Scientists are exploring how plants engineered to emit their own light could transform the way we think about illumination, sustainability, and even interior design.
How do they work?
Taking inspiration from some of the world’s naturally glowing organisms, such as fireflies, glowing succulents have been engineered using genes that produce bioluminescence, enabling them to produce light on their own.
The glow is generated through a chemical reaction between enzymes and molecules withing the plant
Unlike artificial lighting like glow in the dark paint, the glow is continuous, fueled by the metabolism of the plant
Some approaches to creating these glowing succulents use synthetic biology kits, while others rely on pre-existing, natural bioluminescent pathways from fungi and marine organisms
What are the benefits?
Sustainable lighting: If scaled up, glowing plants could become a natural replacement for artificial lighting, greatly reducing energy usage
Low maintenance: Succulents are water-efficient and well suited to a wide range of environments, making them the perfect plant to use for practical, everyday use
Decorative Potential: Glowing plants could bring a new and practical aesthetic to our homes and gardens, combining beauty and functionality
Scientific Insight: Projects like these can help to advance our understanding of synthetic biology, with applications beyond just lighting
Real-World Impact
The research around glowing plants is still in the early stages. Startups such as Light Bio are experimenting with ornamental glowing plants, while labs worldwide are testing genetic pathways to increase brightness and longevity of the plants. At the moment, the glow from the plants remains relatively faint when compared to artificial lighting, but advancements in the gene editing field may soon change that. (Especially with tools like CRISPR)
What are the current limitations?
Brightness: currently, the succulents only emit soft glows and are far weaker than conventional electric lights
Durability: the long-term stability of the plants' glow poses a challenge, as the glow changes with the age of the plant
Regulation: genetically engineered organisms are under strict regulations, which limit widespread adoption.
A “naturally” bright future
While glowing succulents won’t replace conventional lighting any time soon, they are still a symbol of the possibilities around integrating technology and nature. By blending biology with technology, researchers are not only illuminating the world around us, but also the path towards a more sustainable future.
