Well in terms of the no light thing, I put mine in my basement on October 4th I believe. They currently have tiny pale leaves on them. I am not trying to get them to grow down there but this indicates to me that they are indeed still alive. I cannot say how they will be in 3 months or so but as of right now the no light thing is working. The only light they get is whatever light that sneaks in during the day and periodic light from fluorescent lights if I am down there doing laundry. So as of right now I would say go for this method because it is the cheapest and least effort. But then again at least with a few lights on them you know they will make it. I guess it is up to you. So yea I have been no help whatsoever.