Consumers in the United States can now pre-order a genetically engineered plant for their home or garden that glows continuously. At a base cost of US$29.00, residents of the 48 contiguous states can get a petunia (Petunia hybrida) with flowers that look white during the day; but, in the dark, the plant glows a faint green. Biotechnology firm Light Bio in Sun Valley, Idaho, will begin shipping a batch of 50,000 firefly petunias in April.

Engineered petunia emits a continuous green glow thanks to genes from a light-up mushroom.

  • CounselingTechie@slrpnk.netM
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    5 months ago

    I will be honest, I partially want to wait to see how it goes for others first, and then make my own purchase to see how it works for me.

    • Steve@slrpnk.netOPM
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      5 months ago

      That’s understandable. It’s always risky to be an early adopter. I really hope the majority of these survive and thrive 🤞

      • CounselingTechie@slrpnk.netM
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        5 months ago

        Agreed! That being said I am being peer pressured by my friend group to get it, since I am already known for being the plant person, lol.

        • Steve@slrpnk.netOPM
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          5 months ago

          I suppose plant peer pressure is the least threatening type lol. Your friends should pitch in for shipping if they want to see those glowing baddies so badly.

  • Mango@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    Bro I don’t give a fuck. $50 and that shit is in my living room. I’m getting it.

          • Mango@lemmy.world
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            10 days ago

            I’m glad you reminded me so I could have a browser tab perpetually open where I can forget about it more handily!

              • Steve@slrpnk.netOPM
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                9 days ago

                The company recently said they’re down to their last batch of the year so you should act quickly if you still want one. I got one and it’s been struggling. Seemed traumatized by shipping. Helped it rejuvenate and left it outside to get direct sunlight. I repotted it and it as looking good until recently like it got sick or couldn’t handle the weather but I’m trying to keep it alive and hopefully get more in the future. You have to take into a pitch-black area and let your eyes adjust but it does glow when it’s healthy.

  • Radium@sh.itjust.works
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    5 months ago

    Cool! I bought my wife and I each one. I’ll probably try and propogate it into leca and grow it in my office year round under grow lights 🤞. The shipping hit hurts less for two plants