Plants can bring life and vibrancy into indoor spaces, but sometimes it can be difficult to offer a sufficient amount of light, especially in homes that do not get natural sunlight. Artificial lighting presents a viable solution to plant lovers who would like to grow an extended range of houseplants irrespective of what natural light they have. When augmented with the correct equipment and knowledge, it can enable anyone to bring houseplants to life with artificial light to bring some color indoors. Follow me as I uncover everything you need to know about growing houseplants using artificial light.

Why Use Artificial Light?

The artificial light acts as a substitute for natural sunlight, allowing indoor plants to photosynthesize and thrive. It is particularly helpful during the winter months, for homes with small or shaded windows, or for urban dwellers who do not have outdoor space. Lastly, artificial light allows plants to be grown in places with little to no sunlight, such as basements and windowless rooms.

Types of Artificial Light for Houseplants

Not all artificial lights are created equal. Plants ask for very specific wavelengths of light for photosynthesis, working chiefly in the blue and red spectrums. Below are the main types of artificial lights that can be used for houseplants:

1. Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent bulbs, including T5, and compact fluorescent lights are low-cost and energy efficient. With a balanced spectrum of light suitable for many plants, particularly pothos, philodendrons, and ferns, which thrive in low to medium light conditions.

2. LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights are very effective and can be customized. They offer specific wavelengths, designed specifically to meet plant requirements, which makes them useful for anything from low-light houseplants to light-loving ones like succulents and herbs. LED lights also occur at a very low heat production, thereby lowering the chances of burning the leaves.

3. Incandescent Lights

Incandescent bulbs are not ideal for growing plants. They emit more heat than usable light and are inefficient compared to other options. If used, they should only supplement natural light for low-light plants.

4. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights

HID lights, such as metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, are powerful and typically used for large-scale growing. While effective, they’re less common for indoor houseplants due to high energy consumption and heat output.

Setting Up Artificial Lighting for Houseplants

1. Choose the Right Light Select a light that meets the needs of your plants. Low-light plants, like peace lilies or snake plants, may only require a fluorescent lamp, while high-light plants, like cacti or orchids, benefit from stronger LED grow lights.

2. Positioning the Light Place, the light source at an appropriate distance from the plants. Generally, fluorescent lights should be placed 6-12 inches from the plant canopy, while LEDs vary based on intensity but are often 12-24 inches away.

3. Duration of Light Exposure Most houseplants need 12-16 hours of light per day to thrive. Use a timer to ensure consistent light cycles, as irregular lighting can stress plants and hinder growth. Remember to provide a dark period, as plants require rest to perform essential biological processes.

4. Monitor and Adjust Observe your plants regularly. If leaves become pale or growth slows, they may need more light. Conversely, if leaves curl or scorch, reduce light intensity or move the source farther away.

Best Houseplants for Artificial Light

Certain houseplants adapt particularly well to artificial lighting conditions:

• Low-Light Plants: ZZ plants, snake plants, and pathos thrive with minimal light and are perfect for fluorescent setups.

• Medium-Light Plants: Peace lilies, dracaenas, and philodendrons do well with moderate artificial light.

• High-Light Plants: Succulents, herbs, and orchids require intense light and are best suited for LED grow lights.

Benefits of Growing Under Artificial Light

Growing houseplants under artificial light offers numerous benefits. It allows for year-round gardening, ensures consistent growth conditions, and provides the flexibility to design green spaces anywhere in your home. With artificial light, you can also grow a wider variety of plants, including those with specific light requirements that might not naturally thrive in your region.

Final Tips

To succeed with artificial light, start with plants that match your light setup and gradually expand your collection as you gain confidence. Regularly clean your lights and adjust their positioning to ensure your plants receive optimal light. Combine artificial lighting with proper watering, humidity, and soil care to create a thriving indoor garden. If you spend most of your time in an indoor garden, you can use grow room glasses to protect your eyes.

Artificial lighting opens up endless possibilities for indoor gardening. By understanding the needs of your plants and investing in the right equipment, you can create a lush, green sanctuary in any space, regardless of natural sunlight availability.