Ficus in a Basement & Cactus Lighting: Fluorescent Solutions for Low-Light Spaces

Ficus Tree in a Finished Basement

A ficus will survive under fluorescent light only if:

• It sits directly under a 4-tube fixture.
• Lights run 14 hours on / 10 hours off, 7 days a week.
• Without this intensity, the tree will shed leaves heavily.

Cactus Lighting Requirements

Cacti are desert plants demanding intense light. In a basement they need:

• A 4-tube fluorescent fixture hung no more than 12 inches above the plants.
• Same 14/10 photoperiod.
• Fixture can be suspended from chains or a sawhorse.

Practical Tip

Use a timer to automate the schedule. Both plants will thrive long-term only with this dedicated artificial-light setup.