Glowing plants are a natural phenomenon, but now scientists have created houseplants that can produce their own light using sunlight as energy. Researchers at South China Agricultural University have developed glow-in-the-dark succulents that can shine in various colors and rival small night lights.
The team used afterglow phosphor particles, similar to those found in glow-in-the-dark toys, which absorb light and release it slowly over time. They injected these particles into several plant species, including succulents and non-succulents like golden pothos and bok choy. However, only the succulents produced a strong glow due to their narrow and uniform leaf structures.
After exposure to sunlight or indoor LED light, the modified plants glowed for up to two hours. The researchers created plants that shine in various colors, including green, red, and blue, by using different types of phosphors. They even built a glowing plant wall with 56 succulents, bright enough to illuminate nearby objects.
The method is simple, low-cost, and could pave the way for sustainable plant-based lighting systems. Each plant takes about 10 minutes to prepare and costs around $1.40, making it an affordable alternative for low-intensity lighting in pathways, gardens, or indoor decor. The team is exploring how this method can be used to light up plants beyond succulents.
This breakthrough could bring a magical fusion of human-made materials with natural plant structures, creating unique functionality and special effects. As researchers continue to study the long-term safety of the materials, this innovative approach may one day illuminate homes, gardens, and public spaces with glowing, sustainable plants.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-08-dark-succulents-recharge-sunlight-pave.html