any gardeners/plant lovers?

[gypsylakat]

I'm at college, and my boyfriend and I have two plants that we're trying (dilligently) to grow.

I have what I just learned is a "pothos" or Devil's Ivy Plant (we've alwasy had then at my house, and just called it a plant) My college was giving them out for free so i got one http://www.denverplants.com/foliage/html/PothosGold.htm

He has an Aloe plant that we started from seeds when the semester started and we have 3 plants, one has a bud coming off of it.

My problem is, my room gets hardly ANY light so we have them upstairs on his window sill (the window blinds are pretty good at reflecting the sunlight back on them) but they only get maybe 3 hours of good sunlight as his window faces Eastish and there is a building to the north and trees to the south (well technically this area is surrounded by trees, but the building is directly blocking light)
So I was thinking we should get a lightbulb to supplement them a bit, for these non blooming plants can I use like a regular lightbulb from the grocery store or one of the compact flourescents (CFL) bulbs from the grocery store? I know they'd need to be full spectrum.. but will they put out enough light to matter?

[Celtic Lady]

I know that the pothos can do with relatively little light. I had one in my bedroom that did quite well not near any windows. Aloes need bright light. As to your question about the lightbulbs i would invest in the grow lights.

[Scevola]

My sister has her own business 'GardenGoyles Custom Gardening and Landscaping'.  I just sent her an email with your query and I will post her reply when she responds.  I live in a small apartment with light issues too and she is always coming to my (my plants) rescue when they don't seem to be doing well. 

[Scevola]

Hey Gypsy!

Just got a reply from my sis...As follows:

Heya Lou! I read your friend's problem, and its all about light.  They should try to get a plant light or something that gives them a full spectrum light.  I have used a combination of flourescent and "daylight" style flourescents.  If the plants are staying too cool, they will need a heated lamp instead of the tube lights.  The soil probably doesn't dry out very quickly in the dimness, so the roots are staying too moist.  Definately more light!  Pothos and Aloe are really forgiving plants, and not too difficult to grow, so up the light and they will start to do better. Love yaanne

I hope this info helps!!