Light supplementing

Written by Kala Regan | March 12th 2026

Naturally, houseplants usually grow pretty slowly. With little to no light, they grow even slower. This can be a bit frustrating for plant parents dealing with low-light conditions. Plant care can feel a bit stagnant in this environment when all we want is to see our plant babies grow and flourish. Luckily, there are a few ways to help our plants grow to their fullest capacity in this environment.

grow lights

I use grow lights for a few of my plants in particularly shady spots in my room. Grow lights simulate sunlight by emitting electromagnetic radiation in red and blue light spectrums. The wavelengths of light they provide are specifically ones that chlorophyll absorbs best, aiding in plant growth and health. These lights are definitely not as good at providing light as the sun, but we take what we can get when we have low-light.

The light I have pointed at these plants in this photo has served me well! It has multiple spectrum settings, some of which are a bit harsh on the eyes. I only use the brighter settings when I am not using my room, so that the plants can soak up as much light as possible when I’m gone. This one also has a timer option, which will automatically turn the lights off after a certain amount of time. Grow lights can be pretty expensive, but if you have the money and want to give your plants a treat, I’d definitely recommend this one!

outdoors

Sometimes, our plants just need sunlight. One way we can give our plants what they need is by rotating them seasonally. Placing plants outside in the spring/summer can be a great way to promote growth and show them some extra love. This works best if you have access to a backyard or balcony. 

pests

Before we put plants outside, though, we should consider the risks. The outside world is home to many pests who will chew up our plants if we aren’t careful! To combat this issue, I’d recommend using some pesticide on your plants before putting them outside. If you have pets, be sure to find an animal safe pesticide, and research your plants to make sure they aren’t toxic to animals. Be sure to consistently monitor your plants while they’re outside, and don’t be afraid to bring them back inside if they aren’t doing well. 

water

If you are taking your plant from low-light right into the sun, the plant can experience some shock. It might seem a bit upset at first, but eventually it should come around to its new environment! You should always research your specific plant and its needs before moving it outside, just as a rule of green-thumb. Putting plants outside makes them more needy, as the sun and hotter climate will force the plant to demand more water. You will probably need to double or even TRIPLE the amount that you are watering your plants, depending on how harsh the weather is. Remember to keep a watchful eye on your plants when they are outdoors, and watch them flourish!

remember

There are many ways to give plants more light, but remember to do what works best for you! If your plants are doing okay where they’re at, there is no shame in leaving them be!