With the warm season on the horizon, the sounds of summer are abuzz in every neighborhood—crickets chirping, children splashing into pools, and the distinct buzz of air conditioners running in the afternoon so people can stay cool. Although air conditioning can keep you comfortable and cool inside your home, it can also present a distinct problem if you’re a plant owner. Air conditioning can actually harm or kill your plant, especially if you keep it on the cooler side. The following guide will help you learn how air conditioning damages plants and what you need to do to mitigate the effect.
How Does Air Conditioning Impact Pilea?
Air conditioning impacts plants in a number of ways. Although the cold air breezing provides you comfort and refreshment, that is not so comfortable for plants.
Firstly, Pilea is native to tropical climates and needs warm temperatures to thrive. If the plant is placed in a room where the temperature is brisk and cold, it could gradually begin to wither, and even die.
In addition, the stream could strip moisture from the leaves. Pilea requires a certain level of humidity in order to thrive, while air conditioners create a dry environment in the home. This dry environment is harmful, even if the plant is not directly being hit by the air.
A Pilea plant that is placed too close to an air conditioner o air conditioning vent will likely start to turn brown and shrivel. If you notice this happening, then it’s time to move the plant away immediately.
How to Keep Your Pilea Healthy While Enjoying Air Conditioning
You might be thinking: “So if I have air conditioning, I can’t have plants!”
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up your air conditioning. There are several ways that you can make sure that your home stays cool—and your Pilea stays safe all summer long.
Avoid Placing Pilea In The Direct Path Of A/C Vents
There should never be any direct air blowing on your plant, no matter what temperature the air conditioner is set on. If your interior space isn’t big enough to allow your plant to be safely placed away from all vents, then you should take the time to find a way to display the plant without placing it in front of the air conditioner. For example, installing wall shelves so you can set the plant up higher and out of the way of the air conditioning vents.
Add A Humidifier If The Room Is Too Dry
Pilea requires a humid environment to thrive, and air conditioners essentially create a dry environment inside the home, which can hurt or even kill your plant. You can increase the humidity inside a room by adding a humidifier and adjusting it gradually until there is enough moisture. Raising the humidity will likely make the room feel warmer—you will need to strike the right balance between keeping yourself comfortable and keeping your plant alive.
Create A Terrarium
If you can’t seem to find a good balance between cool air and humidity, there is another option: placing your Pilea inside a glass terrarium. Terrariums are essentially miniature greenhouse environments that allow plants to get the humidity and warm temperature they need to thrive. You can build your own terrarium or purchase a pre-made one. One of the great things about terrariums is that they look chic and can be customized to suit any home decor. Terrariums can be displayed on shelves, tables, or even on the floor.
Place Pilea In A Warmer Room
If you prefer, you can move your Pilea to a room that is either untouched by air conditioning or doesn't receive as much cool air as other areas in the home. For instance, if you only have A/C in the living room and bedroom, you can keep your Pilea in the kitchen!
Keep Reading