Plants That Grow in Total Darkness? A Literary Exploration

No true plant (photosynthetic organism) can grow in complete darkness—photosynthesis requires light. However, for your story, consider these fascinating alternatives:

• Chemosynthetic organisms: At deep-sea hydrothermal vents, giant tube worms (Riftia pachyptila) thrive without sunlight. They host symbiotic bacteria that oxidize hydrogen sulfide for energy. While not plants, they form "forests" in the dark.
• Cave-adapted plants: Some mosses, ferns, and fungi grow in very low light (twilight zones of caves), but still need some photons.
• Parasitic plants: Rafflesia, Hydnora, and dodder (Cuscuta) lack chlorophyll and steal nutrients from hosts, but they still germinate in light.
• Fictional precedent: Bioluminescent fungi or "glow-moss" are staples in fantasy literature.

For a scientifically grounded yet imaginative plant, invent a species that uses geothermal or chemical energy (like vent bacteria) but has plant-like morphology. The ALVIN submersible discoveries are a great inspiration.