I have two problems that I am thinking I might be able to solve together. First off I am practically housebound so I want to have indoor plants but they never get enough light. My doc says neither do I.

So I am wondering will a grow lamp for exotic plants also help me with my vit D levels and to act as a SAD light? I am getting a permanent home soon so will be able to adapt and I would like to have some exotic plant pals especially damiana and salvia but I was also wondering if these lights would open other possibilities for plants - I would like some color and variety too - I am surrounded by very forgiving yukas atm - nice yet dull ;p

I am aware that you can get lights for growing weed etc but would rather not have such a large and hot thing in my home so I was wondering if there is a more subtle approach.

Huh?

Sounds like you want enough light in da house to grow plants and cheer you up. What does that have to do with growing weed?

You want light in da house or not?

Sure you could hook up some floros, but at that point, why not just turn on another overhead light?

I'd say a 400 or 600 watt mh or hps (high intensity discharge) would be the light you are looking for. A 400 watt system will grow plants and give you a light fix as well.

lw

I'm not a doctor.

MH does have UV which some is good some is bad can give you cancer
bad for your eyes.

so if you do go under the MH wear glasses or you won't be able to admire the harvest.

PM me if you would like some free seeds from my site
Nomad.ecrater.com
PM me with what you would like =)

Many plants you can grow in your room without extra lighting (well, that is if your house has some windows) Salvia likes shade, and for example I have a large Hawaiian baby woodrose plant climbing all through my room (but it won't flower). I have many nice plants in my room, including a fern, a HBWR, cacti, salvia, coffee plants and some orchids, all without extra light. It's important where you place them with respect to the windows.

Another problem with these lamps could be electricity costs. Having light on all day that is so strong that plants actually benefit from it, could be expensive. I think in practise, growing plants inside with extra light always involves a very high electricity bill, which normally is compensated for by the profits of selling the harvest (in the case of cannabis, but also for tomatoes, peppers etc). So commercially it works, but for a personal indoor garden it could turn out too expensive.

Maybe you could just get some good lamps for your own health, and then get nice plants that would grow in your new home anyway, and see if they benefit some extra from these lamps.

a southern exposure window may be sufficient.