Using artificial light

Plants should not be exposed too quickly to artificial light. It is best to proceed in stages, giving them about 15 minutes the first day and gradually working up to the number of hours of lighting they need.

As a general rule, foliage plants require 12 to 14 hours of daylight each day, while flowering plants need 16 to 18 hours.

Before adjusting the lighting period, it is best to find out whether the photoperiod will affect your plants.

The average distance recommended for growing plants with high lighting requirements under fluorescent lamps is 5 to 15 cm, while less demanding plants may be placed 25 to 37 cm away from the source.

While basic care remains the same under artificial lights, you may find that your plants need more frequent watering and extra fertilizer, because they will generally grow better. If you wish to induce a dormant period for plants under artificial lights, you can reduce the photoperiod by 3 to 4 hours a day, cut back on watering, lower the temperature and stop fertilizing them.

The best indicator of how much light your plants need is how healthy they are. Learn to recognize the different symptoms of inadequate lighting and make the necessary adjustments.