Can plants grow under artificial (tube light) light?
From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Frankfurt, Germany24 Oct 2026, 7:52 AM ISTUpdated
In one line
Yes, plants can grow under artificial light like tube lights, but some lights work better than others.
Hydroponics — Growing plants without soil using nutrients in water Hydroponics uses artificial lights to grow plants indoors, showing plants can grow without sunlight. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
Plants need light for photosynthesis, which helps them make food and grow. If the light has the right energy, even artificial light can work.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you are rolling roti in the kitchen. You need fire (heat) to cook it. Plants are similar — they need light to make their food. Usually, they get this from the sun. But if you give them another source of light, like a tube light, they can still make food and grow, as long as the light is strong and has the right colours (mainly blue and red).
How it works
Plants use photosynthesis (making food from light, water, and air).
They need light energy to start this process.
Sunlight has all the colours plants need, but tube lights also give some useful light.
If a tube light is close enough and on for many hours, plants can use it to grow.
Special "grow lights" are even better because they give exactly the right colours.
How plants grow under artificial light
Light from tube light falls on leaves
Leaves use light for photosynthesis
Plant makes food and grows
The story behind it
Scientists wanted to grow plants indoors, where sunlight does not reach. They tried different bulbs and found that some artificial lights can help plants grow. Today, people use this method in greenhouses and even in space!
Where you see it in real life
Growing money plants indoors with tube lights: The plant uses the light to make food and grow leaves.
Hydroponics (growing plants in water) in cities: Artificial lights help plants grow without soil.
Mushroom farms: Some use tube lights to control how much light the mushrooms get.
Seedlings in nurseries: Tube lights help young plants start growing before they are moved outside.
Why it matters
You can grow plants even in rooms with no sunlight.
Useful for farming in cities, where space and sunlight are limited.
Helps scientists study plants in controlled conditions.
Important for growing food in places like space stations.
Common mistakes
Thinking all artificial lights are the same: Some bulbs (like old yellow bulbs) do not help plants much.
Placing the light too far: Plants need the light close enough to get enough energy.
Not giving enough hours of light: Plants need many hours (12–16) under artificial light to grow well.
Remember it
Plants need light, not just sunlight. Tube lights can help them grow if used the right way.
Check yourself
Why do plants need light to grow?
They need light for photosynthesis, which helps them make food.
Can you use any bulb to grow plants? Why or why not?
No, not all bulbs work. Plants need certain colours (blue and red) which some bulbs do not give.
What happens if you put a plant far from a tube light?
It may not get enough light energy and will grow weak or not at all.
Quick recap
Plants can grow under tube lights if the light is strong and on for long hours.
Photosynthesis needs light energy, not just sunlight.
Special grow lights are best, but tube lights can work for many plants.
Plants grown indoors with artificial light are common in hydroponics and nurseries.
