How to Use a Grow Light with Indoor Plants: A Complete Guide

Indoor plants bring life, color, and fresh air into our homes. But what happens when natural sunlight just isn’t enough? Whether you live in a small apartment with limited windows or want to grow plants year-round, grow lights are the ultimate solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use grow lights for indoor plants, including the best light types, timing, placement, and how to get the most out of your amoyls VerdantGlow S-Shaped 8-Tier Plant Shelf with Grow Lights.

🌱 Why Use Grow Lights for Indoor Plants?

Natural sunlight isn’t always consistent. In winter months, cloudy climates, or dimly lit homes, your plants might not be getting enough light. That’s when grow lights become essential.

Benefits of grow lights:

• Promote healthy, even growth
• Prevent legginess (stretched, weak stems)
• Support flowering and fruiting indoors
• Let you grow light-loving plants anywhere
• Extend your growing season year-round

💡 Understanding Grow Light Types

Not all grow lights are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

1. LED Grow Lights (Best for Home Use)
• Energy-efficient and long-lasting
• Stay cool to the touch (safe for tight spaces)
• Full-spectrum options mimic natural sunlight
• Included in the VerdantGlow Plant Shelf for optimal performance
2. Fluorescent Grow Lights
• Affordable and low heat
• Best for small plants or seedlings
• Less efficient than LEDs
3. Incandescent Grow Lights
• Not recommended for most indoor gardening
• High heat output, low efficiency

🔦 What Is Full-Spectrum Light?

Plants need different wavelengths for different stages of growth:

• Blue light: Encourages leaf and vegetative growth
• Red light: Supports flowering and fruiting
• Full-spectrum: Provides both, mimicking natural sunlight

The amoyls VerdantGlow Plant Shelf uses full-spectrum LED grow lights, giving your plants exactly what they need—whether you're growing herbs, succulents, or flowering varieties.

🕒 How Long Should You Leave Grow Lights On?

Plants follow a light cycle known as a photoperiod. Too little light = slow or stunted growth. Too much = stressed or scorched leaves.

Here’s a simple guide:

Plant Type	Light Duration (Per Day)
Low-light plants (e.g. snake plant)	8–10 hours
Medium-light plants (e.g. pothos)	10–12 hours
High-light plants (e.g. herbs, succulents)	12–16 hours

💡 Tip: Use a timer to automate your light schedule. Many users of the VerdantGlow Shelf plug their shelf into a smart timer to maintain consistent lighting.

🪴 Ideal Distance Between Grow Light and Plant

Yes—distance matters. Too close, and you risk burning your plant. Too far, and it won't receive enough energy.

Recommended LED Light Distance (from the top of the plant):

Plant Maturity	LED Distance
Seedlings	6–12 inches
Vegetative	12–24 inches
Flowering	18–24 inches

Luckily, the VerdantGlow Shelf is designed with tiered spacing optimized for most common indoor plants, so your setup is beginner-friendly right out of the box.

🌿 Which Plants Benefit Most from Grow Lights?

Almost all indoor plants can benefit from grow lights—but some need them more than others.

Great candidates for grow light supplementation:

• Herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
• Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach)
• Succulents and cacti
• Flowering houseplants (African violets, orchids)
• Low-light plants in dark rooms

The VerdantGlow Shelf makes it easy to grow a variety of these species in a compact, space-saving corner.

🧪 Signs Your Plant Needs More (or Less) Light

Too little light:

• Leggy or elongated growth
• Small, pale leaves
• Slow growth
• Soil stays wet too long

Too much light:

• Leaf scorching or browning edges
• Wilting despite adequate water
• Faded colors or “bleached” look

🎯 The sweet spot: healthy, upright growth with vibrant color and strong stems.

🛠️ How to Set Up Your Grow Light Space with amoyls VerdantGlow

The VerdantGlow S-Shaped Plant Shelf is more than just a shelf—it’s an all-in-one indoor garden station. Here’s how to set it up for success:

1. Choose Your Corner
• Place near a power outlet
• Avoid direct sunlight if using full-spectrum grow lights
2. Assemble Your Shelf
• Easy tool-free setup
• S-shaped design maximizes vertical space
3. Add Plants by Light Needs
• Bottom tiers for low-light plants
• Top/middle tiers for light-loving herbs and flowers
4. Plug In and Set Timer
• Aim for 12 hours/day for most plants
• Adjust based on species and season
5. Monitor and Adjust
• Watch for signs of stress
• Rotate plants weekly for even growth

🧹 Tips for Long-Term Indoor Garden Success

• Clean your lights monthly: Dust blocks valuable rays
• Rotate your plants: Helps promote even growth
• Feed your plants: Use indoor fertilizer every few weeks
• Repot as needed: Roots need room to thrive
• Track progress: Keep a journal of what works best in your space

🌼 Seasonal Adjustments

Even indoors, seasons still impact plant behavior.

• Winter: Increase light duration (days are shorter)
• Spring/Summer: Monitor heat from lights and adjust distance
• Autumn: Start transitioning to longer lighting sessions again

Using the VerdantGlow shelf, it’s easy to maintain a consistent environment—no matter the season.

🏡 Why Choose the VerdantGlow S-Shaped Shelf from amoyls?

Amoyls created the VerdantGlow Shelf with urban gardeners and design lovers in mind. Here’s why it stands out:

✅ Integrated Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights
✅ 8-Tier Space-Saving S-Shape Design
✅ Modern Aesthetic That Matches Any Room
✅ Easy Assembly, No Tools Required
✅ Maximized Airflow and Light Exposure
✅ Perfect for Apartments, Offices, and Indoor Corners

Whether you're growing culinary herbs or creating a leafy plant corner, the VerdantGlow is the perfect fusion of function and style.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Grow Lights Make All the Difference

Using grow lights isn’t complicated—it’s empowering. With the right setup, even beginner plant parents can create a thriving, lush oasis indoors. And with amoyls VerdantGlow, you don’t need a greenhouse or giant windows to succeed.

Ready to transform your indoor garden?
Explore the VerdantGlow Collection and discover the joy of light-powered plant care.