Hello shygirl,
I have used the regular cool white florescent bulbs along with regular floodlights for years now to keep my trees indoors during the winter months. I have had no problems using those lights on a timer set for the light to be on for 12 hours daily.

Now I have two 100-watt spots and one red 120-watt spot plus one florescent shop light fixture containing two 35-watt cool white florescent bulbs. I also keep a small humidifier going because my basement is rather dry during the winter months.

As I stated earlier I have had no problems using this set up for ten years or so and the only problem I face every once in awhile are spider mites.

Usually I keep a lemon tree under these lights but since I just started my Ponderosa I keep that upstairs near the large bow window because it is a small plant. I did have a large Meyers lemon tree under this light set up for years.
Now I just have one Laurel, olive tree and special flowers for my wife with no problem. My olive tree always losses leaves when inside but the grows larger leaves as tine moves on.

I attached a few photos I just took to give you some idea what I am referring to
Lou Ne., PA
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hi lou!
well, that's just fabulous what you have going there. thanks so much for sharing and for the visuals! nothing beats visuals.

i hear those floodlights (& maybe it's the same for grow lites??) need alot of space around them cause they give off so much heat. is this true?

i really like those reflectors too......where did you get them? how much?

thanks again!

Shygirl,
I just went over and checked how hot the reflectors on my lights are and I can report that they are just warm to the tuch. It's the light bulb itself that's hot. I would not place it very close to the plant itself. I don't think you will have a problem with the heat generated from the reflector itself.

Those refelectors are sold in Walmarts and in hardware stores that carry some garden equiptment. I bought mine many years ago. I would guess they sell now for 10 to 12 bucks

They come with the clamp but no bulb. By the way that yellow stip of material you mjight have noticed hanging from the tree is the old time accordian type fly catchers. The ones that are made up of some sort of sticky material that you pull out to the desired length. You would be surprised the amount of very tiny insects that it attracts and catches throughout the winter season. I don't know if all or any are harmful to the plants but while I have them
I use them. One every winter.
Lou NE., PA

thank-you! can't comment about the bugs....i hear not all are harmful. anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend!