Our Quick Picks

• For Complete Beginners - Snake Plant 

• For Bathroom Tubelights - Spider Plant

• For Bedroom Aesthetics - Aglaonema, ZZ Plant 

• For Visual Drama - Calathea, Peacock Plant 

• For Tight Spaces - Earth Star Plant

Have you ever lived in a place where you had to wonder if your homely tubelight was enough for your plants to grow? This question must pop up for people who are living in apartments facing non-sun directions, where the darkest places in your house are powered by tubelight and you wonder if that's enough for your houseplants.

Worry not! Your indoor plants will survive on tubelight, and surprisingly, they will grow too. If you have this same question or wonder if you can bring houseplants home, this short guide will help you make that decision.

Not sure where to start? Check our collection of plants perfect for your home

What is the Science Behind This Logic?

We have always heard plants thrive in direct sunlight or, in some cases, indirect sunlight too. But the major question pops up if tubelight is enough for that case. In our Indian homes and apartments, bedrooms or rooms are generally presented with limited sunlight and LED tubelights often become the primary light source for the indoor plants.

As we know, plants grow through photosynthesis, which happens in the PAR range of 400-700nm. While household LED tubelights (commonly 18-22W) are designed mainly for human comfort, they do emit usable light wavelengths that several indoor plants can adapt to and sustain themselves indoors.

With consistent lighting hours and the right plant selection, tubelights can support plants and enable slow and steady growth, making it a real practical option for low-light Indian homes. You can pair it with occasional swaps to a sunlight spot to have better and simpler growth options.

Check out our pretty planters that pair perfectly with your plant. 

What Kind of Plants Grow Under Tubelight?

Now that we have fixed lighting issues for plant growth, let's look at some of the plants that do thrive in such conditions. These plants are particularly low-maintenance and low-light tolerant, but they also have interesting health benefits too. You might hear about them quite frequently when everyone is discussing low-maintenance indoor plants:

1. Snake Plant 

The ultimate survivor! Snake plants are incredibly forgiving and can tolerate low light conditions beautifully. They're also known for purifying air and releasing oxygen at night, making them perfect bedroom companions.

2. Aglaonema 

With their stunning variegated leaves, Aglaonemas add a pop of color to any room. They're extremely adaptable to tubelight conditions and require minimal care.  Check out our beautiful and color variants of Aglaonemas.

3. ZZ Plant 

The ZZ plant is practically indestructible! Its glossy leaves reflect whatever light is available, and it can go weeks without water. Perfect for beginners or busy plant parents.

4. Spider Plant

These cheerful plants with cascading baby plantlets are excellent air purifiers. They adapt well to artificial light and are incredibly easy to propagate.

5. Calathea

Known for their stunning patterned leaves, Calatheas actually prefer indirect or low light. The tubelight setup mimics their natural forest floor habitat quite well.

6. Peacock Plant 

A specific variety of Calathea with intricate peacock-like patterns on its leaves. It thrives in the gentle, consistent light that tubelights provide.

7. Earth Star Plant

These compact, colorful plants are perfect for small spaces. Their low-growing nature and tolerance for artificial light make them ideal for tubelight setups.

Browse our statement XL plants

How Should I Take Care of These Plants?

Growing plants under tubelight requires some adjustments to your regular plant care routine. Here's what you need to know:

Lighting Duration

Keep your tubelights on for 12-16 hours a day to compensate for the lower light intensity compared to natural sunlight. This consistent schedule helps plants maintain their growth cycle.

Watering Wisdom

Plants under tubelight grow slower and use less water than those in bright sunlight. Check the soil before watering - stick your finger about an inch deep, and water only when it feels dry. Overwatering is the number one killer of your low care indoor plants!

Rotation is Key

Rotate your plants every week or two to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This prevents the plant from leaning toward the light source and promotes even growth.

Occasional Sunlight Boost

If possible, give your plants a sunlight vacation once every 2-3 weeks. Place them near a window for a few hours (avoid harsh afternoon sun). This little boost can significantly improve their vitality.

Distance Matters

Keep plants within 1-2 feet of the tubelight for optimal light absorption. Too far, and they won't get enough light; too close, and the heat might stress them.

Humidity and Air Circulation

Many low-light plants appreciate humidity. Mist them occasionally or place a small tray of water nearby. Ensure there's some air movement in the room to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing Schedule

Since growth is slower under tubelight, fertilize sparingly - about once every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer.

Watch for Warning Signs

Yellow leaves might indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy edges suggest underwatering or low humidity. Leggy growth means the plant isn't getting enough light - move it closer to the tubelight.

Want to start your garden from scratch? Check out Ugaoo’s seed collection.

Indoor Plants Will Thrive Under Tubelight 

Yes, you absolutely can grow beautiful, healthy plants under tubelight in your Indian home! While they might not grow as vigorously as they would in bright natural light, these resilient plants will adapt, survive, and even thrive with the right care.

The key is choosing the right plants, maintaining consistent lighting hours, and being patient with their growth. Remember, slow growth doesn't mean unhealthy growth. Your tubelight-powered green corner will bring life, fresh air, and a touch of nature to even the darkest corners of your home. In case you want some suggestions for your office space, here is a short guide - 6 Low-Light Plants for Your Office Spaces

So go ahead, bring those plants home, and let your tubelights work their magic!

FAQs

Q: Can regular white LED tubelights really support plant growth?

A: Yes! Regular 18-22W LED tubelights emit wavelengths in the 400-700nm range that plants can use for photosynthesis. While they're not as intense as sunlight or specialized grow lights, they're sufficient for low-light tolerant plants.

Q: Will my plants flower under tubelight?

A: Most low-light plants grown under tubelight will focus on foliage growth rather than flowering. However, plants like Spider Plants may occasionally produce flowers and baby plantlets even under artificial light.

Q: My plant is growing toward the tubelight. Is this normal?

A: Yes, this is called phototropism. Simply rotate your plant every week to promote even growth on all sides.

Q: Do these plants purify air even under tubelight?

A: Yes! Plants like Snake Plant, Spider Plant, and ZZ Plant continue their air-purifying functions regardless of whether they're under natural or artificial light.