Nowadays, air conditioners have become an indispensable part of our lives. This article will introduce some unique and practical ways to care for plants in a climate controlled environment.
Whether it’s a house, office, or apartment, air conditioning is practically indispensable in hot weather. But while air conditioning provides comfort for people, it can often harm houseplants. For many people, it’s difficult to grow plants healthily in an air conditioned room.
Many people complain that plants grow well outdoors or in rooms without air conditioning. Cold air, low humidity and little sunlight go against the plants’ natural needs. However, with the right techniques and a few changes, houseplants can stay green for a long time, even when grown in an air conditioned room.
However, if you place it in an air conditioned room, the leaves will soon turn yellow, the edges will dry out, and the plant will gradually wither. The good news is that with a little common sense and proper care, you can keep your plants green for a long time, even in an air conditioned room.
In this article, we will explore the following:
- Why Air Conditioned Rooms Can Be Harmful to Plants
- Ideal Plants for Air Conditioned Rooms
- How to Choose the Right Location, Watering, Humidity, and Care
Why are air-conditioned rooms a problem for plants ?
Low humidity
Air conditioning absorbs moisture from the air. However, most plants naturally thrive in humid environments. When the humidity drops below 40%, their leaves begin to lose moisture.
Signs of insufficient watering :
- Brown leaf tips
- Dry, brittle leaves
- Dropping plant
Direct exposure to cold, dry air
If cold air from an air conditioner blows directly on a plant, it can suffer shock. Prolonged exposure to cold air can damage plant cells.
Sudden temperature changes
Frequent on and off cycles of the air conditioner can cause fluctuations in indoor temperatures. Plants prefer a stable temperature, so these temperature changes can inhibit their growth.
Lack of sunlight
In air conditioned rooms, windows are often closed or covered with curtains, which limits the amount of sunlight entering the room.
Choosing Plants for Air Conditioned Rooms
Not all plants thrive in air conditioned rooms. That’s why it’s important to choose the right plants. Ideal Plants for Air Conditioned Rooms. The following plants prefer cool environments with low humidity:
- Cinnamon flower
- Snake plant
- Poison ivy
- Peace lily
- Cobweb plant
- Rubber tree
- Areca palm
- Dragon tree
These plants grow with little care and also help purify the air.
These plants thrive with minimal care and also help purify the air. Proper placement of the plants is very important. Keep them away from air conditioning vents. Do not place plants directly under or in front of the air conditioner.
Even in air conditioned rooms, adequate lighting is essential. Windows are often closed, limiting natural light for plants. In these cases, shade tolerant plants like Indian sansevieria, pothos, and peace lilies are ideal choices. Additionally, you can help your plants thrive by placing them near a window or moving them to a spot that gets sunlight for a few hours a week. Watering methods are different in air conditioned rooms. In cold environments, the soil does not dry out easily, and frequent watering can cause root rot. Before watering, test the soil for moisture with your finger.
Proper distance :
Keep the unit at least 1.5 to 2 meters away from the air conditioner’s ventilation opening. Install it near a wall or in a corner. Do not install it near a door where cold air can enter.
- Make sure there is enough light.
- Place your plants near a window.
- Grow them in indirect light, not direct sunlight.
- Use an LED grow light if necessary.
How to maintain a consistent humidity level in an air conditioned room?
Maintaining a consistent humidity level is the biggest challenge.
Use a humidifier : Using a humidifier helps maintain indoor humidity levels between 50% and 60%, creating ideal conditions for plants.
Use a tray lined with pebbles. Place the pebble lined tray and then the pots on top. This will help retain moisture through evaporation. Plant the plants close together. Tightly grouped plants retain moisture better. Lightly spray the leaves once or twice a week. Overwatering can cause mold.
Water only when the soil surface is dry. This will prevent overwatering and help keep the roots healthy. Choosing the right soil and pot is also important. Pots with drainage holes in the bottom are ideal for air-conditioned rooms, as they allow excess water to drain and keep the soil aerated. If necessary, adding coconut fiber or sand to the soil will help loosen it and increase its aeration, promoting healthy plant growth.
How do I water plants in an air conditioned room?
Overwatering is a common mistake.
In an air conditioned room, it is important to remember the following :
- The soil will dry out more slowly.
- The growth of the plants will be slower.
Here’s how to do it correctly:
Check the condition of the soil before watering. Water only when the top 2.5–5 cm of soil has dried out. Use room temperature water. Use a pot with good drainage.
Choose the right soil and pot.
- Well drained soil
- Coir/peat moss
- Perlite or sand
- Organic compost
- Breathable pot
- Terracotta pots are ideal
- Plastic pots tend to hold water well
What is the optimal temperature for your air conditioner ?
Ideal temperature: 18°C – 26°C
Tip : Don’t set the temperature too low. Turn off the air conditioner from time to time. Maintain an even temperature.
How and when to fertilize
Plants grow more slowly in air conditioned rooms, so they need less fertilizer.
Fertilizing tips: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks. Liquid or organic fertilizers are most effective. Do not fertilize in winter. It is important to clean the leaves. In air conditioned rooms, dust quickly accumulates on the leaves.
To clean the leaves : Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Repeat this process every 10 to 15 days. Do not use leaf cleaners that contain chemicals.
Common Plant Problems in Air Conditioned Rooms
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Overwatering or Cold Air
Brown Leaf Tips
Cause: Underwatering
Wiping Despite Moist Soil
Cause: Root Damage or Cold Air
- The Best Plants for Air Conditioned Rooms
- Snake Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Peace Lily
- Areca Palm
These plants can withstand the effects of air conditioning, even at night.
Benefits of having plants in an air conditioned room:
- They purify the air
- They increase humidity
- They relieve stress
- They beautify your home
- They improve concentration and productivity
First of all, it’s important to understand that the air in an air conditioned room is always dry, and low humidity has a negative effect on plant leaves, as they need moisture to grow strong. A simple and effective solution is to place a small container of water or a tray of pebbles near your plants, which will help maintain the humidity level and create a more natural growing environment for your plants.
If the cold air from the air conditioner hits the plants directly, they may get burned, so avoid placing plants directly under the air conditioner or in a place where the air conditioner will blow directly on them. The best place to place your plant is in a corner of a room or in a well ventilated area, away from direct cold drafts. This simple measure will help extend the life of your plant.
conclusion
Growing plants in an air conditioned room is not difficult. You just need the right knowledge and proper care. If you pay attention to the following points, your plants will stay lush and healthy even in an air conditioned room. Regular cleaning, monitoring, and fertilizing can help keep your plants healthy and strong. Keeping plants in an air conditioned room not only beautifies the space, but also purifies the air, creating a sense of comfort and tranquility. Finally, it’s important to foster an emotional connection with your plants.
- Choose the right plants.
- Make sure there is enough humidity.
- Choose the right location.
- Water regularly.
- The plants will stay lush and healthy even in an air conditioned room.