Light Bio

Discover the allure of the Firefly Petunia. A beautiful plant by day, it unveils mesmerizing luminescence after dusk.

Its soothing light is produced from living energy, cultivating a deeper connection with the inner life of the plant. Your nurturing care will be rewarded with even greater brilliance.

Limited stock. Shipments begin in Spring 2025.

The only plant you see when lights go off

Petunias with something special

The Firefly Petunia emits a soft glow similar to moonlight. It can be grown in pots, baskets, or gardens, quickly attaining about 8 to 10 inches in size with abundant white flowers. This plant is easy to care for, thriving without needing special conditions or treatments.

See full care instructions

Although typically regarded as annuals, petunias can be grown indoors if placed in a sunny spot. They flourish under long summer days, preferring at least six hours of direct sunlight. Promoting vigorous growth will produce a brighter glow.

Limited stock. Shipments begin in Spring 2025.

What you'll receive

A pack of 3 young plants

Find the perfect pot or a special spot in your garden, plant and enjoy the soft, enchanting glow as night falls!

With fertilizer, lots of sunlight and tender care, each plant will quickly attain 8-10 inches in growth, providing abundant glowing blooms spring through fall.

Care instructions

Sunlight: full sun, 6-8 hours.
Water: evenly moist soil. Do not allow to dry completely between waterings.
Planting: we recommend planting three young plants per 8-12 inch pot.
Care: deadhead often, prune any leggy growth to achieve desired shape.

See full care instructions

Compostable pots

Firefly Petunias come in compostable paper pots designed to promote healthy root growth. There's no need to remove the liner, as doing so will damage the existing roots and cause stress.

Simply plant your plants—paper liner and all—directly into the soil. We recommend planting all three plants together.

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What our customers are saying

ok, this is so sick @light.bio

@flyvan87

I'm so excited to have a glow in the dark plant.

@thirdrockplants

@light.bio, amazing!

@lunaparkks

Firefly Petunia is definitely the plant that I love the most!!

@enchantedluminescence

My firefly petunias from @light.bio are getting sooooo big and soooo bright!!

@riptarx

They've arrived! Who wouldn't want glow in the dark flowers?

@worldversed

I have never been more excited for a plant! It GLOWS IN THE DARK ... 🤍 She's here and she's beautiful

@x0angel.babyx0

... look at that glow it's so amazing great work!!!! I truly love this flower it definitely is my favorite one now

@_cjsfairies_

I have never been more excited for a plant! It GLOWS IN THE DARK

@floralapronblog

What the world is saying

THE ATLANTIC

A bioluminescent petunia could help people recognize plants for the complex creatures they are.

"A Glowing Petunia Could Radicalize Your View of Plants." by Zoë Schlanger. READ MORE

NPR

“Watch your garden glow with new genetically modified bioluminescent petunias.”

Sasa Woodruff with Boise State Public Radio explains the science behind these bioluminescent blooms. LISTEN

USDA

“This petunia may be safely grown and bred in the United States.”

USDA gives approval to sell Firefly Petunias in the US. READ MORE

CNN

“Fans of the “Avatar” movie will have long dreamed of lush jungles teeming with glowing plants.”

"Scientists create glow-in-the-dark plants." by Amy Woodyatt. READ MORE

FAQ

Glowing and Brightness

Do Firefly Petunias need any treatment to glow?

Firefly Petunias are identical to conventional petunias, except they emit bioluminescence like fireflies. No special treatments or conditions are required.

What way is best to experience the glowing of my Firefly Petunias?

The luminescence of Firefly Petunias is best experienced in a dark room or on a moonless night.

How bright are Firefly Petunias?

Our petunias emit a soothing glow that is similar to moonlight. New flower buds are the brightest part of the plant.

When do Firefly Petunias glow?

The brightness of the plant is determined by natural cycles of its growth. During the day, the plant harvests energy from the sun, which it uses at night to glow. The bioluminescence is best observed after twilight.

Which parts of the plant can glow?

The fastest growing parts of the plant will glow most brightly. Light is emitted primarily by the flowers, with the youngest ones glowing brightest. As flowers mature, their luminescence diminishes.

What if my Firefly Petunia stops glowing?

If your plant stops glowing, it may be due to poor health. Check for sufficient sunlight, avoid overwatering, and address potential issues like pathogen attacks. Prune any branches that may have stopped glowing.

Conditions and Caretaking

Should I remove the paper pots before planting?

Firefly Petunias come in compostable paper pots designed to promote healthy root growth. There's no need to remove the liner, as doing so will damage the existing roots and cause stress.

Simply plant your plants—paper liner and all—directly into the soil. We recommend planting all three plants together.

Can I grow the glowing Firefly Petunias indoors?

Absolutely, you can grow Firefly Petunias indoors. Ensure they are situated in a spot that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day. During shorter days in winter, expect slower growth and fewer flowers. They may also be grown under bright grow-lights.

How often should I water my Firefly Petunias?

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

When can I repot my Firefly Petunia?

Petunias should be repotted before they become root-bound, characterized by roots filling the pot with no space left to grow. Indicators include rapid soil drying, roots emerging from drainage holes, or a noticeable decline in the plant's vigor and appearance. For outdoor planting, repot petunias in spring, ensuring temperatures are warm and all frost danger has passed.

What temperature is best for Firefly Petunias?

Firefly Petunias thrive at room temperature, between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing them near drafts or heat sources.

Safety and Restrictions

Are these plants safe for pets and children?

Like other petunias, Firefly Petunias are not intended for consumption.

Can I propagate or breed the Firefly Petunias?

Our Firefly Petunias are protected under patent, and as such, propagation and breeding are not permitted. These petunias are sold exclusively for personal use.

Shipment and Delivery

How can I order these Petunias as a gift for someone?

Yes! A glowing plant makes a uniquely special gift. Simply specify the desired address at checkout, and we'll handle the rest.

What countries do you ship Firefly Petunias to?

Firefly Petunias are shipped exclusively within the USA, as they are not regulated by the USDA as genetically modified plants. Other countries may have importation and usage restrictions.

When can I get my Firefly Petunias?

The Firefly Petunias will be available for shipment in spring 2025.

Why does my plant look weary upon arrival?

We take great pride in the care of our plants in our greenhouses as well as in the protective packaging we use to ship our plants. However, shipping conditions can be stressful for plants, occasionally leading to minor damage. It may take a week or more for your plant to acclimate to its new home and flourish.

How big is the delivered plant and how many flowers will it have?

In 2025, the Firefly Petunia will be shipped as three young plants in small compostable pots. As flowers tend to suffer in shipment, the petunia will arrive with developing buds. It may contain a few newly opened flowers. With good growing conditions, it will quickly attain about 8 to 10 inches in size with abundant white flowers.

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