No, a plant cannot grow in complete darkness. Plants need sunlight to perform photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. This chemical energy is what fuels the plant's growth, development, and survival.

Here's why:

* Photosynthesis: Sunlight provides the energy for photosynthesis. During this process, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Glucose is the plant's food source and is essential for growth.

* Chlorophyll: Plants have a green pigment called chlorophyll that absorbs light energy, particularly red and blue wavelengths, and reflects green light. Without sunlight, chlorophyll cannot function properly.

* Stem elongation: While plants may grow taller in the dark, this is called etiolation. This is a survival mechanism where the plant stretches to find light. However, etiolated plants are weak and pale due to a lack of chlorophyll.

Exceptions:

While most plants need sunlight, some plants can survive in low light conditions. These plants have adapted to use minimal light for photosynthesis. However, even these plants will not grow properly in complete darkness.

In summary, plants need sunlight to grow, but they can survive for a short time in low light conditions.