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3 Jun, 2016 10:55

Trippy ‘zero gravity’ grow pots make plants float mid-air (VIDEO)

Trippy ‘zero gravity’ grow pots make plants float mid-air (VIDEO)

A group of futuristically-minded botanists have just given the common house plant a snazzy sci-fi upgrade by developing silicon flower pots that can rotate and float in mid-air.

No longer will decaying housewarming presents be forgotten and left sitting on the shelf.

The cutting-edge levitating planter is from the Nordic makers of the hovering ‘Flyte’ lightbulb, and is aptly named ‘LYFE’.

Described as a “zero-gravity growing system”, it works through the wonders of magnets.

The floating pot package includes a magnetised 12-sided geodesic dome planter which sits over a special oak-finished electromagnetic base.

The LYFE team claim that by playing with gravity, flowers can maximise light intake through suspension and even thrive off the magnetism.

“The magnetic field of the earth has powerful effects on all life forms, especially plants. For over a year, we’ve been investigating the effects of magnetism on plants. Studies have shown that magnetic fields accelerate the ripening of certain fruits, enhancing your plant’s metabolism,” the makers explain in a statement.

Plant lovers can get in on the ground floor of the ultramodern creations, but they’ll need to fork out some cash towards a €72,000 (US$80,000) Kickstarter campaign aimed at funding the project.

“As it rotates in mid-air, different shades appear, providing a hypnotic and relaxing experience for your home or office. Watch your plant twirl in the air, and experience it from different angles,” the Kickstarter page states.

The groovy vessels are apparently ideal for air plants - or ‘Tillandsia’ - which were first discovered by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Air plants do not require roots or soil to thrive, instead sucking in nutrients and water through their leaves. Species of air plants include the brightly-colored ‘blushing bride’Tillandsia ionantha and the tentacled Tillandsia pseudobaileyi.

But LYFE doesn’t come cheap - supporters of the project will have to pledge at least €170 ($189) to get a basic Juncea plant and pot. So far the Kickstarter campaign has received more than €55,000 ($61,000) of investment. 

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