I live in an apartment in singapore and grow my basil indoors. The sun does not come in so I have decided to use artificial lighting (florescent light 6700K) for 12 hours every day. Both my basil and my mint started to shed a lot of leaves after a few days. Before the florescent lights, I've left it on the A/C unit that is outside the apartment but the plants are getting heavier as they grow so I took them indoors (in case the unit gives way). Now it seems like the basil is dying (all the leaves are gone and the stem is brownish). The mint which until now has been very healthy and growing very big is losing about 30% of its leaves as well. It is definitely not due to seasons since singapore is hot and humid all year round (90 degrees F/30 degrees C). I strongly suspect it is because the plants have been moved indoors to get artificial lights.

- are the lights left on for too long each day (7am-7pm)?

- should I reduce the water since the plants do not get direct sunlight and hence water does not evaporate as much as it used to?

- Are the plants too near to the lights? It's currently about 10cm-15 cm away from the bulbs. I checked the bulbs at the end of the 12 hours - they are not hot so i dont think the plants are scorched.

Other plants that are being moved indoors appears to be adapting well. In fact, the chillies are blossoming... Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

A