Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/25/2007

Question
Hi Greg! I have a large (3 feet tall with many pipes) cactus that I've had for 20
years. I'm wondering whether it's feasible to keep it healthy under lights? I
would like to put it on a three foot high shelf with a large mirror behind.
There are west facing windows on either side of the shelf but they look out
under a carport. The room also gets some light through a north facing
window and a south facing window but due to space the south facing window
won't accomodate plants :(.  I do have a back up plan to put it in a small
south facing window upstairs but I'd rather have it where I can see it alot.
Thanks so much!
Maisoui

Answer
Maisoui,

Cacti do not make good indoor plants, as the lack of intense light changes their appearance significantly. The only way I have seen it be successful is to use "grow lights", and run them at least 15 hours per day. You plan may be better than just placing it anywhere, but I don't think it will get enough light to keep it's appearance. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg