Bring Spring Inside; Indoor Plants that Work with AC

Spring is one of our favorite seasons. We love to see plants in full bloom and all the new growth. It’s no secret this spring is very different than last year’s, but if you still want that new growth vibe, we’re sharing the best indoor plants that work with AC. Oftentimes, plants and air conditioned rooms don’t go together, but there are a few plants that—with a little care—can thrive in a temperature and humidity controlled space. Also, growing plants indoors can do wonders for mental health, creativity and productivity. If you want to bring spring inside this year, here are the best plants that work with AC.

Easy Care and Low Maintenance

When it comes to indoor plants, most homeowners want greenery that’s low maintenance and easy to care for. The plants we are sharing today all fall under these two categories. The best way to take care of indoor plants that work with AC is to make sure you’re buying potting soil that will work with your indoor temperature. Each of these plants should only be watered when the soil is completely dry, maybe every week or so. When you’re not watering the plants, be sure to mist the leaves every day. Indoor plants store moisture in their leaves and AC takes that moisture away. By misting your plants, with a simple spray bottle, every day, you ensure your plants are storing the moisture they need without oversaturating the roots.

Location matters

Plants can be like people; they have their favorite spots in the house. Nearly all plants have different needs when it comes to light. Some plants blossom in low-light areas while others need to be by a sunny window. It all depends on the plant type. If you’re unsure of where to place your plants, monitor them for a few weeks. Are the leaves withering or turning yellow? Chances are they’re too close to an AC vent, or they’re in the wrong type of light. Just move them around and see where they like living best.

Best Indoor Plants That Work with AC

We’re sharing some of our favorite indoor plants that work with AC. Each of these plants can also take a significant amount of abuse and neglect. Meaning you can forget to water them for a few weeks and they’ll probably be fine.

• Snake Plant – Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is one of the easiest plants to care for. It can easily grow in low light environments and should only be watered once its soil is completely dry.
• Spider Plant – The spider plant is another very tolerant plant. While it needs moderate or indirect sunlight, that’s the fussiest they’ll get. Water them every week or so and only increase watering if you see brown tips on the plant’s leaves.
• ZZ Plant – The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, originated in Africa, making it very drought tolerant. It is also a plant that can flourish in a low light environment and the ZZ plant’s leaves reflect sunlight, making your room much brighter.
• Rubber Plant – Most of these plants are on the smaller side, if you’re looking for something larger, try the rubber plant. A member of the ficus family, rubber plants are low maintenance trees that can grow into a beautiful statement piece. They just need a little natural light, some watering, and you’re good to go.

Mind the Humidity

It’s no secret your air conditioner makes your home drier. While this could be a death knell for many plants, with the care and maintenance we mentioned above, your plants will do fine in an AC rich environment. Despite this, you may run into problems, for both plants and the AC, if you notice your humidity levels rising. If you notice your air is heavier or feels musty, it could mean your AC is broken or not functioning properly. If this is happening, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled HVAC technicians.

Service Champions is Here for You

Curious about your home’s humidity levels? Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & AC is here to safely serve you. We’re the only Diamond Certified Plumbing and HVAC provider serving Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties. If you want to schedule any AC service—from repairs, to tune-ups, to just asking a few questions—reach out to our friendly call center representatives or click here to schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you.