Spiderwort's secret: 51 years thriving in a glass bottle
Have you ever wondered how long a plant can survive without watering? The answer may surprise you. The ecosystem created by David Latimer has been thriving without a drop of water since 1972. The secret behind this phenomenon is quite simple.
David Latimer, a British experimenter, decided years ago to create a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem. In this closed environment, the only energy supplied is solar energy, which allows for the exchange of matter within the ecosystem.
To create this remarkable microworld, Latimer used a 12-gallon glass bottle. He placed soil inside, added fertilizer, and then planted a spiderwort, topping it all off with a little water. Since the last watering of the bottle in 1972, the ecosystem has been tightly sealed, and life within it has continued uninterrupted for decades.
The water in the bottle operates in a closed cycle: it evaporates, condenses, and returns to the soil. The plant derives nutrients from the soil, which, thanks to the process of nutrient cycling, are reused by the system. Bacteria present in the soil also aid in this process. The only external driving force of this system is sunlight.
The result exceeded expectations
Latimer claims that his initiative was not an attempt to set a record; it stemmed from sheer curiosity. Since his retirement, the bottle has found its permanent place under the stairs, six feet from the window, where it has access to light. The bottle is rotated from time to time to ensure the plant receives equal amounts of light.
Latimer understands that his spiderwort will likely outlive him. After his death, the project is to be taken care of by his children, and if they are unable to do so, the bottle will be entrusted to the Royal Botanical Society.
