planternes

Planternes is a term used in contemporary horticultural design and decorative lighting to describe lanterns that integrate living plants or plant-inspired illumination. The term is informal and lacks a single codified definition, with various designers using it to describe different devices or installations.

In one sense, planternes are living-plant lanterns: sealed or semi-sealed containers that host bioluminescent organisms or microalgae, sometimes combined with translucent supports, that emit light as part of their natural metabolism. In another sense, they are plant-based lanterns that combine small potted plants with luminescent or LED lighting, creating ambient illumination while showcasing plant life. A third usage includes lanterns with plant imagery or phosphorescent pigments attached to glass or fabric frames.

Origins and diffusion: The concept emerged from biophilic design and eco-friendly lighting movements in the early 21st century, and has since appeared in product lines, art installations, and public festivals. Planternes emphasize sustainability, low energy consumption, and the aesthetic appeal of living forms in nighttime environments.

Care and safety: For living-plant variants, maintenance involves temperature control, moisture management, and containment to prevent leaks or escapes of organisms; many commercially available planternes use sealed modules to minimize upkeep. Non-living variants rely on LEDs or phosphorescent materials and require standard electrical safety considerations. See also: bioluminescence, living architecture, eco-design.