I dont have any experience with Calea, but from any plants perspective, I would also suggest putting it outside during the day, let it get a nice flush of water through the soil, and some real sun on the leaves.
Your light globes wont be enough to ward off fungii i cant imagine.
Watering 5 times a day seems very excessive, even in tiny amounts, the way you described it, it sounds like you are just keeping the plants moist (trying to recreate rainforest conditions) rather that actually watering it.
I also thought it was from more trpoical conditions rather than desert conditions, but if it is then atleast you know it will withstand SA's winter nights, or atleast should.