The problem
In the dark days of winter, the whole house is darker, days are shorter, skies are greyer and our tropical houseplants receive far less light than they would in their natural habitat. Leaves fade and growth slows as plants struggle to photosynthesise.
The hack
Grow lights offer a clever fix, topping up what nature can’t provide. But with prices ranging from £15 to £100, are they really worth it?
The method
Position a full-spectrum LED about 20-30cm above your plants. Set a timer: in a bright spot, three to four hours a day can be enough, while a windowless corner may need six to eight hours. Watch for signs of stress: bleached leaves mean too much light; stretching means too little.
The test
A clip-on LED revived my tired philodendron in a north-facing hallway within weeks, producing healthy, evenly spaced leaves.
The verdict
Grow lights genuinely help plants maintain healthy growth in winter by restoring a natural balance of light when days are at their darkest. If you really are serious about helping your plants thrive, I believe they are a great investment.
