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

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.

      • Mango@lemmy.world
        2·
        2 months 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
            3·
            2 months 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.