"Light is often the most limiting factor when growing houseplants," according to experts at Iowa State University Extension. We know this is true because we've all been there: buying a Pothos because the tag said "low light," only to watch it sit in a dark corner for six months without growing a single new leaf. This is where grow lights can help your plant thrive.
To keep most common houseplants thriving, you generally need to provide 12–16 hours of light with your source positioned 6–24 inches away. In this guide, we’re breaking down the exact light durations, distances, and specific care needs for your favorite greenery so you can finally stop guessing and start growing.
Why "Low Light" is Usually a Misunderstanding
Low light does not mean "no light."The truth is, "low light" in nature, like the floor of a tropical rainforest where most common houseplants are native, is still significantly brighter than the dark corners of our apartments.
This illustration from University of Maryland Extension shows typical lights levels in an apartment with west or south facing windows. Obstructions and the direction the windows face drastically decrease light levels compared to "low light" outdoors.
Light allows plant to perform photosynthesis, so we think of light as "plant food." Without enough of it, your plants are essentially on a permanent fast. They won't die immediately, but they won't grow, either. To fix this, we have to bring the sun to them.
The Ultimate Light Requirement Cheat Sheet for Common Houseplants
To make things easy, we’ve audited the lighting needs for the most popular indoor species. Use this table to adjust your Soltech setup and ensure your plants are getting exactly what they need.
|
Common Houseplant |
Daily Light Hours |
Distance from Light |
Deep Dive Care Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Snake Plant |
12–14 hrs |
12–18 inches |
|
|
Fiddle Leaf Fig |
14–16 hrs |
8–12 inches |
|
|
Golden Pothos |
12–14 hrs |
12–24 inches |
|
|
Monstera Deliciosa |
14–16 hrs |
12–18 inches |
|
|
ZZ Plant |
12–14 hrs |
12–24 inches |
|
|
Peace Lily |
10–12 hrs |
18–36 inches |
|
|
Rubber Tree |
14–16 hrs |
8–15 inches |
|
|
Spider Plant |
12–14 hrs |
12–18 inches |
|
|
Bird of Paradise |
14–16 hrs |
6–10 inches |
|
|
Satin Pothos |
12–14 hrs |
12–24 inches |
Can You Use a Regular LED Light as a Grow Light?
No, you can't. To understand why your houseplants probably need a grow light, we have to look at light as more than just "brightness." For a plant, light is essential for creating energy through photosynthesis, and plants need specific wavelengths of light to make it happen.
A common question we get is, can you just use a regular LED light as a grow light? The short answer is that while a standard bulb helps you see across the room, it often leaves your plants starving for the specific energy they need to grow. It doesn't have the wavelengths of light (typically between 400 and 700 nanometers) plants need for photosynthesis to occur.
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is the spectral range (the wavelengths or "colors") of light plants need to perform photosynthesis.
The difference comes down to something called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), or the spectral range of light that plants need to perform photosynthesis. While our eyes are mostly tuned to see green and yellow light (which makes a room feel "bright"), plants are much more interested in the blue and red ends of the spectrum. Standard household LEDs are designed for human comfort, so they usually skip over the exact wavelengths that drive photosynthesis.
How does a Full-Spectrum Grow Light Help My Houseplants?
This is why choosing a "full-spectrum" light is a game-changer. As we break down in our guide on what grow lights are and why your plants need them, a full-spectrum source mimics the natural energy curve of the sun.
The visible spectrum of light. Photosynthesis occurs optimally between roughly 400-700 nanometers.
When you provide the right spectrum, you're giving your plants the specific tools they need for different jobs:
-
Blue Wavelengths: These are the "building blocks" for strong, compact stems and lush, green foliage.
-
Red Wavelengths: These act as a signal for the plant to focus on root health and, eventually, flowering.
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Green and Yellow Wavelengths: These are also important for overall plant health. They can penetrate deeper into the leaf tissue, helping plants make the most of the light they receive.
Many other grow lights focus only on the red and blue wavelengths, resulting in the purple glow you may have seen. Soltech grow lights are different from other full-spectrum lights in that they combine the entire spectrum or "colors" of light for your plants, while looking like a typical lighting fixture. Your plants get the light they need, and your home looks the way you intended, not like a science lab.
5 Steps to Optimize Your Lighting Today
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Look for "Legginess": If your Pothos has long gaps between leaves, it’s "reaching" for more light.
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Check the Distance: Grab a measuring tape. If your light is 5 feet away, your plant is likely starving for light. Move it to the recommended "Cheat Sheet" distance.
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Set a Consistent Timer: Plants love routine. Use a smart plug or an analog outlet timer to ensure 12+ hours of light every single day.
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Rotate Your Pots: Every two weeks, give your plant a quarter turn. This ensures even growth and prevents that awkward "leaning" toward the window.
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Clean the Leaves: Dust acts like a sunblock for plants. Wipe your leaves with a damp cloth every month so they can soak up the sun.
How to Keep Common Houseplants Happy
Your houseplants should bring you joy, not stress. While many common houseplants are resilient and can tolerate low light, sometimes the right amount of light is exactly what they need to really thrive.
Have a houseplant that's not listed in our Common Houseplants Lighting Cheat Sheet? Explore our Plant Guide, featuring over 150+ common houseplant varieties, care tips, and lighting guides to help them thrive!
