When it comes to indoor gardening, lighting can make or break your plant’s growth. It’s one of the most overlooked factors, especially for people growing in homes or setups without much natural sunlight.
🌱 Why Light Matters
Light is your plant's energy source. It fuels photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to grow, thrive, and build strong root systems and lush foliage. But not all lights - or setups - are created equal.
If your plants are growing slowly, getting leggy, or producing smaller leaves, chances are the light isn't quite right. But the good news? There’s a workaround - even if you’re using lower-powered lights.
💡 Weak Light ≠ Weak Growth (If You Know the Trick)
Not everyone has a high-powered grow light or a north-facing window that pours in sunlight all day. And that’s fine! If your light intensity is on the lower side, you can still get great results by adjusting the total hours your plants are exposed to it.
Example:
If your LED light isn’t super strong, instead of blasting your plant with more power (which might not be an option), you can simply extend the duration.
➡ Try keeping your lights on for 14–16 hours a day instead of just 10–12.
Plants don’t care where the photons come from - they just need enough of them. Spread out that light intake across a longer day and you’ll notice sturdier, more consistent growth.
🔥 But What If My Light Is Too Strong?
On the flip side, if you’re using a high-powered grow light or your plant is sitting right under a direct beam, you might be giving it more light than it needs—especially if it’s running all day. This can lead to:
-
Leaf bleaching or crisping
-
Stunted growth
-
Drying out too fast
-
Stress responses like curling or spotting
In that case? Dial back the hours. 10–12 hours may be plenty if you’re using a stronger fixture, or move your plant slightly further away from the light to soften the intensity.
🌞 Balance Is Key
It’s not just about how strong your light is - it’s about how long your plant gets it.
Think of intensity and duration as two ends of a scale. If one side is lower, you can compensate with the other.
Too little light? Extend the hours.
Too much light? Reduce the hours or distance the plant from the source.
Every plant has its sweet spot, but most indoor growers find success by experimenting within this formula.
💡 Pro Tip: Know Your Plant’s Preferences
Different plants prefer different light conditions. For example:
-
Aroids (like Philodendron and Anthurium): Medium to bright indirect light
-
Succulents and cacti: Bright, direct light
-
Ferns and Calatheas: Lower light, but still consistent
The same lighting principles apply, just tailor them based on your plant’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re using a budget light or a high-powered rig, your plants can still thrive if you understand the relationship between light intensity and time. No need to upgrade your gear every time - sometimes, you just need to tweak your timing.
Got a setup you're unsure about? Tag @HiGrow_Australia on Instagram and show us your grow space - let’s figure out your plant’s perfect light recipe together. 🌿💡