Home Plant Care Can I use grow lights for low-light plants like ferns and calatheas?

Can I use grow lights for low-light plants like ferns and calatheas?

Last updated on Jan 15, 2026

Yes! Our grow lights work well for low-light plants like ferns, calatheas, snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies.

The key is to adjust two things:

1. Position the light further away

Low-light plants don't need intense direct light. Simply position your grow light further from the plant than you would for sun-loving varieties. This reduces the light intensity reaching the leaves while still providing the beneficial spectrum they need.

2. Use shorter daily cycles

Low-light plants don't need as many hours of supplemental light. Instead of 10-14 hours, try 6-10 hours per day. You can use a timer (like our Tempo Timer) to automate this.

Signs to watch for

If your plant's leaves start looking bleached, pale, or crispy at the edges, it may be getting too much light. Simply move the light further away or reduce the hours it's on.

Our grow lights mimic natural daylight rather than harsh direct sun, so they're gentler than many traditional commercial grow lights. With a bit of adjustment, they work beautifully for the full range of houseplants.