Indoor-gardening specialist Tom Christianson explains how adequate lighting was provided for plants growing in a converted warehouse. Skylights gave the room good natural light, but some hard-to-light areas needed supplemental illumination. Can lights with full-spectrum bulbs were used to provide light under stairways and in high hallways. Although a ficus was placed between two windows, the natural light wasn't sufficient. An incandescent floodlight gives a dramatic effect, but a fluorescent light above the ficus provides the light the plant needs. A combination of natural light and incandescent light gives plants a pleasing color. Incandescent lighting alone gives plants a yellowish cast. Incandescent and halogen bulbs used in tandem can provide a full spectrum of light. Over time, plants will need to be replaced. Halogen bulbs throw light a great distance. Fluorescent lights must be placed close to plants, but incandescent bulbs can burn foliage at close range. Self-ballasted mercury-vapor lights can be hard to find, but they fit a standard fixture and provide a good spectrum of light.
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