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Growing under Lights

Seek lighting and tree advice

19 years ago

First, I have no green thumb, no instinct to keeping green things alive and complete novice. I want large thick tree in 12' high living room 14 feet from West bow window overhung by tall trees with little light (camera light meter reading of # 4 - 6.)

Any suggestions on tree type (do like Bonsi type that have thick above ground roots, if 6- 8' tall lenght and hardy.) Anything that would survive cat who would try to climb it?

What would the best lighting be that would blend in with the room, and not look to out of place? I feel ceiling is to tall for a high hat type of lighting? Also want a lower plant, fern type?, by window with floor light?. Any suggestions (I do not want artificial tree) would be deeply appreciated.

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Comments (3)

shrubs_n_bulbs
19 years ago
Look at tropical trees. Ficus is the one that everyone knows, it will grow in regular indoor lighting.

Light reading #4-#6 sounds very low, most people couldn't read a book in that light, certainly plants won't grow in it. Is it set on ISO 100? The ceiling is the best place to put the light, if the ceiling is high then you need a reflector to focus the light better. A simple compact fluorescent bulb would be sufficient for a low light plant like a ficus, full sun trees like a bonsai pine would need so much light it would NOT blend in with anything but might warn shipping away from your home :)
marcj
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks. Any chance just two bottom spots would help any tree?
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shrubs_n_bulbs
19 years ago
Any chance just two bottom spots would help any tree?
They'll help it look nice at night :)

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