Could a plant grow on a building taller than mount Everest?
I was wondering if it was possible to potentially grow a plant on a building taller than mount Everest. I mean on as in bottom to top with grass or some other plant. Would the grass run out of oxygen or would it live but be partially dead? If it is possible how could it be done?
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If you mean to grow on the outside of the building, like a climbing vine, I think the answer is probably yes.
Oxygen is one of the limiting factors, but the bigger one is heat, since a frozen plant can't grow. Both factors can be solved though. The upper floors will have to be heated and pressurized for human habitation. If the building isn't well sealed then warm, moist air will be leaking out, along with radiant heat coming from the building, which could be enough for the plant to survive, especially if it is something well adapted for high altitude. Over time roots would dig into the gaps, letting more air out, and giving the plant more warmth.
It would be horribly inefficient and expensive, but maybe they have really cheap energy and so don't care.
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