It would help to know what part of the USA you live in. I have seen people growing beautiful orchids in a bright kitchen window in Oregon and southern California---no estra lights or plant racks....so more information would help.. chris

Many tropicals flower best when outdoors so if possible you should keep them in containers and move them outside when its warm for the summer, and back in a few weeks before the average first frost. Some of my favorate tropcials are hibiscus (full sun), plumerias (dwarf if you dont have alot of room) mandevilleas (grow like weeds, but look better than most plants out their) birds of paradise (orange birds of paradise has the best chance of flowering in a pot) and many other flowers like orleanders, bougainvilleas, and heliconias. A lot of tropical plants like humidity and full sun so try to get a good spot for them.

Until you get really good a regualr camera will do, but when you get good you may want some more expensive cameras. Artifical lighting is not usually nessesary as long as you have good light.

Good luck