Boston Fern – Florescent Light

Q: Now that I’ve brought my plants in for the winter they only get a couple of hours afternoon sun each day. Will leaving the florescent lights on in the room be sufficient light? If so, how long should the lights stay on? I have Boston fern, schefflera, geranium and ficus plants.

A: The fluorescent lights will help…but only if they are close to the plant foliage. Twelve inches is the maximum distance away. Otherwise the plants will lose leaves during the winter due to low light levels. One alternative is to buy a few shoplights and hang or stand them on end close to the plants. Leave them on for sixteen hours each day.