If, however, you live in a home with few windows, you may choose to supplement natural lighting with artificial lighting. Cool white and warm white tube lights provide both infrared and ultraviolet light while throwing off little heat - an asset in a small space. For too much light, you can move the plant further from the light source, or try to shield the plant by reducing the light source with a shade or curtain. Don't depend on your eye and gut instinct when determining what your plants need. The light intensity meter will allow you to see exactly what your plant requires, and you'll be able to replace any naked tree stems with vibrant, rich leaves and flowers.
Plants depend on light intensity and duration more so than temperature.
As a general rule, plants with thick leaves can take low light and thin leaves need high light intensities When days are longest, plants do noticeably better. East-west windows are considered sunny whereas south windows may emit too much sun and should be curtained or screened. Day-length determines when certain plants bloom. Other factors limiting photosynthesis are carbon dioxide levels, temperature, water supply and the quantity of light. The lack of sufficient light affects both the external form of the plant and the rate of elongation.