Let There Be Light: Natural vs. Artificial – What Do Your Plants Actually Want?

Clarisse Santos
Mar 12
3 min read

Glass terrariums with succulents arranged on a wooden table, featuring small decorative stones and moss.

Ever wonder why your neighbor’s monster is thriving like it’s on a tropical vacation, while yours looks like it’s questioning its life choices? The secret might be in the light.

Light is the VIP pass to the plant growth party — without it, there’s no photosynthesis, no lush leaves, and definitely no #PlantParentGoals.

But not all light is created equal. The great plant debate? Natural sunlight versus artificial light — and which one really helps your green babies live their best life.

The Natural Glow-Up: Sunlight’s Perks

There’s no denying that the sun is the OG light source. Plants have been soaking it up for billions of years, and they’re pretty good at it.

Sunlight delivers the full spectrum of light wavelengths — from ultraviolet to infrared — exactly what plants need to fuel photosynthesis. It’s like giving your plant an all-you-can-eat buffet, with every vitamin and mineral included.

What’s in it for your plants?

Better growth rates
Richer, more vibrant foliage
Natural circadian rhythm regulation (yes, plants have body clocks too)
Stronger stems and root development

Think of sunlight like a home-cooked meal — balanced, nourishing, and just the way nature intended.

But What If Your Apartment Feels Like a Cave?

Not everyone has floor-to-ceiling windows or a sun-drenched balcony. Enter artificial light — the next best thing for urban jungles and basement plant enthusiasts.

Artificial grow lights have come a long way from those harsh fluorescent tubes of the past.

Today, LED grow lights can mimic sunlight’s full spectrum without turning your living room into a neon rave.

Here’s why plant parents are making the switch:

You can control how much light your plants get (no more praying for sunny days)
They work 24/7 — perfect for winter or low-light homes
Energy-efficient LED lights won’t spike your electricity bill
Certain bulbs can boost flowering or leafy growth, depending on your plant’s needs

Artificial lights are like meal prep delivery services — convenient, tailored, and still nutritious… but maybe missing that special something.

Can You Really Fake the Sun?

Here’s where things get interesting: while grow lights can replicate the spectrum of sunlight, they’re not perfect.

Natural sunlight changes throughout the day — soft in the morning, intense at noon, warm in the evening. This shifting spectrum helps plants regulate their growth cycles in a way artificial lights just can’t fully replicate.

That’s why plants grown under sunlight tend to be stronger, healthier, and more resilient than those under grow lights alone.

However, if you pair artificial light with a little natural sunlight (hello, windowsill setup + grow lamp combo), you get the best of both worlds — consistent light and a little of that magical natural spectrum.

The Real Tea: What Do Your Plants Actually Prefer? Natural Light

It depends on the plant.

Sun-worshippers like succulents, cacti, and herbs will always thrive best with natural sunlight — even if it's just a few hours a day.

Low-light lovers like pothos, peace lilies, and snake plants won’t throw a fit if you stick them under a grow light.

The golden rule?

If your plant naturally grows under direct sun outdoors, natural light will always give better results. But if your plant hangs out in the understory or shade in the wild, artificial lights can work just fine.

Light Hacks for Happy Plants

Natural vs. Artificial

Rotate your plants weekly to avoid wonky, one-sided growth
Use timers with grow lights to mimic day and night cycles
Combine natural and artificial light for a hybrid lighting setup
South-facing windows? Jackpot. North-facing? Break out the LEDs

Final Verdict: Team Sunlight or Team Artificial?

Glass terrarium with layered sand, succulents, moss, and decorative stones in a round bowl-shaped container

Honestly? Your plants aren’t that picky — they just want consistency.

Sunlight will always be the gold standard, but artificial lights are a game-changer for anyone living in less-than-tropical conditions.

If you can give your plants a little of both, they’ll reward you with lush growth, happy leaves, and the kind of thriving jungle your neighbor will definitely DM you about.

Now go forth, light up your plant babies, and let them glow.