How to Keep Indoor Plants Happy When You’re Blasting Your AC

0Shares

how-to-keep-your-plants-happy-blasting-air-conditioning


It’s hard not to love your air conditioning system when oppressive summer heat lingers for weeks on end. Air conditioning is more of a necessity than a convenience in most parts of the United States, but it does have a few downsides that homeowners need to consider.
Aside from the power and maintenance costs, blasting your AC can have devastating consequences on your precious indoor plants unless you take special precautions to protect them.


Here Are a Few Ways to Make Sure Your Indoor Plants Are Taken Care of, No Matter How Much You Like to Use Your Air Conditioning During the Painfully Hot Summer Months.


Mind Your Vents


Before you crank the temperature down, you should check all the vents in your home to ensure they are clean, open, and pointed in the right direction. Take this opportunity to move all plants as far away as possible and try to point vents in the opposite direction. Even moving them a few feet away can make the difference between death and survival. You may have to shift some of your furniture and shelves, but it is a small price to pay to keep your plants alive.


Maintain Humidity


Cooler temperatures aren’t the only way that air conditioning threatens indoor flora. The process of cooling the air also removes moisture, so running the system typically reduces humidity levels indoors. Since many types of plants rely on high ambient humidity levels, you need to take extra steps to keep them hydrated. Consider putting all of your plants in one room with a humidifier. Alternatively, often a light misting of exposed leaves is usually enough. Take care not to overdo it though, because excess water lingering on the plant’s leaves can hurt the plant and encourage mold growth.


Create a Warm Room


Setting up a warm room option with professional
air conditioning services can make this strategy easier, but you can turn almost any room into a warm room simply by closing the vents and sealing it off from the rest of the home. Creating a non-conditioned space that still has decent air circulation is a good way to provide long-term refuge for your indoor plants. Bringing them all to one location also makes it easier to check and maintain them through the season.


Consider Plant Temperature Needs


While there are several ways to minimize the impact of AC on your plants, you should also consider the hardiness and temperature preference of every plant you get. Choosing varieties that have a wide temperature tolerance, preferably 65 to 75 degrees, makes it easier to keep them alive with active air conditioning. Hardy species are always preferable for homeowners who don’t want to baby them constantly. This will also be easier if the light level in your home varies during the different seasons.


Keeping your indoor plants in good health can take a bit of time and care, but it’s often well worth the effort. Most plants will be fine as long as you keep checking them each day and take proactive steps to protect them whenever possible.

0Shares

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *