Can plants grow in artificial light? Serial Plant Killer 101, part 2
Serial Plant Killer 101, part 2 of 3. Part 1: overwatering and underwatering | Part 2: light | Part 3: growing mediums
You made it to part two of the Serial Plant Killer series, and you are on track to becoming the best plant parent there is.
Golden rule 2: let there be light
Plants are simple, resilient things, but like everyone they have needs, and one of those is enough light. Here are a few ways to keep your plants happy.
Buy the right kind of plants
If you live in a dark, gloomy home, a collection of succulents that would much rather be in a balmy desert might not be the best choice. Some houseplants need direct sunlight, and the tag on the plant usually tells you what conditions it needs.
Plants that tolerate low light include:
- Peace lilies
- ZZ plants
- Pothos
- Snake plants
- Prayer plants
If your home is bright and well lit, you can choose plants that need indirect or direct light. Just make sure you do not accidentally burn their leaves, and move plants away from windows in the warmer months.
Or use a grow light
If you would rather not worry about too much or too little light, and want to buy whatever plants you like, an LED grow light might be just what you need.
Grow lights are electric lights that mimic the wavelengths of light plants need, so you can grow plants almost anywhere, with or without sun. LEDs are cheaper to run, more effective and more energy efficient than older grow light types. Choose from the full spectrum grow light, the red/blue LED grow light or the Sun Bulb.
For the science behind grow lights, read what type of light do plants need to grow, and for settings see how much light plants need.
Here are some of the ways our customers use their grow lights:
Almost done with Serial Plant Killer 101. Next up is part 3: growing mediums. Follow us on Instagram for more.
By Charlotte Sheridan
What we would use
The full spectrum LED grow light is a good place to start.
Last reviewed October 2026.