Best Indoor Plants For Air Conditioned

One of the good things that have sprung out of the pandemic is individuals keeping themselves at home more than usual. It’s believed that because of this, now there seems to be so much ado about keeping plants. In just a blink of an eye, many living spaces are now getting filled with greenery. Plants are now said to dominate not just in outdoor gardens but also in secluded interiors.

Indoor plants have gained their space in many households today for good reason. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re helpful in alleviating their surroundings’ conditions. Indoor plants can instantly level up what would’ve otherwise been a boring space. Whether you’re a first-time plant parent or you’re an expert, indoor plants are easy to care for which makes them worth buying.

If you’re looking to have more indoor plants for your air-conditioned home, you certainly can’t go wrong with these options:

1. English Ivy

The English Ivy is also known as the Hedera helix. It’s one of the best plants to have in an air-conditioned space if your purpose is to filter the air circulating indoors. Further, it’s said that the English Ivy is helpful especially when your (AC) has reached that point where care and maintenance from professionals like Air Force Air Conditioning & Heating are required.

While Ivies are commonly found outdoors, they’re also gaining popularity as repotted plants indoors. It’s one of the best plants to have for filtering air, as it’s known to remove five of the strongest toxins:

• Formaldehyde;
• Trichloroethane;
• Xylene;
• Benzene; and
• Ammonia.

Because it’s a low-maintenance plant, this is a good choice for those of you who like having plants but don’t necessarily have a green thumb. It’s not really picky when it comes to the temperature and humidity levels and needs occasional watering. So, you’re assured that it’ll thrive well even when your indoor plants that work with ac is consistently switched on.

One thing you have to know about the English Ivy, however, is that it needs light to survive. Hence, you may want to place it in an area in your home where you have a good natural source of light.

2. Neon Pothos

The neon pothos is scientifically known as the Epipremnum aureum cultivar. If your home follows a minimalist tone by having only green and white and black colors, this plant can instantly brighten up its surrounding areas. Unlike other indoor plants, the neon pothos boasts a vivid green color.

Giving your neon pothos the tender loving care (TLC) it deserves will result in a beautiful, cascading vine of neon leaves. This makes it a plant that’s also ideal to place in cabinets or open shelves.

3. Peace Lily

If you want to have flowers in your home but you don’t like having too much color around, the Peace Lily is a good choice. It has beautiful, large green leaves with delicate white flowers. As long as the plants’ roots are well-hydrated, this flowering plant can grow even in a completely dry and humid area like your air-conditioned rooms.

To help your peace lily thrive, these care tips are worth doing:

• Keep the soil moist consistently, but never soggy; and
• Clean up any dust that may accumulate in the leaves, as it can wear your peace lily plant down.

4. Snake Plant

The indoor snake plant is one of the most loyal plants you can ever have thanks to its steadfast and upright features. This means your snake plant can survive on its own even when you forget about giving it some care for a prolonged period.

It can go for weeks without water and can even stay alive in extreme hot and cold weather conditions. If you love to crank up the AC in your home, the snake plant will still likely survive. Most notably, too, you won’t have to worry about placing your plant in direct light for it can thrive even in the darkness.

5. Parlor Palm

The Parlor Palm is one of the big, must-have plants for indoor and air-conditioned homes. Because it can grow quite large, it can easily add life and be noticed in an otherwise plain and boring-looking space. If you’re trying to create an indoor jungle or a relaxing resort vibe in your home, then a Parlor Palm should earn its place in your home.

To keep your Parlor Palm healthy and happy, all you have to do is to be sure it’s growing in rich and well-drained soil. Once the several inches on the top of your Parlor Palm plant dries up, that should be a signal for you to water your plant.

Lastly, Parlor Palms also do best in bright, indirect low light. But if you want to place it in a shaded area, it can tolerate a bit of shade too.

6. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another plant that’s perfect for homeowners who are busy, forgetful, or can’t be bothered to regularly water their plants. It’s one of the top drought-tolerant plants, given how its native versions proudly hail from Africa. Along with its strong ability to cope with a wide range of temperatures, the ZZ plant isn’t picky about the amount of light it needs to receive, allowing you to easily place it in any location in your home that you desire.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Indoor Plants

7. Jade Plant

If you prefer to have succulents at home, the Jade plant is a good option. It’s an easy succulent type to grow indoors that’s also just as beautiful as other indoor plants. When cared for well enough, the Jade plant can have fleshy stems and green, plump leaves.

If you can expose the Jade plant to bright light, that’s the best place you can leave it in, for it to thrive. But it works just as fine, too, in a shaded area. Just remember, though, never to overwater it as the Jade plant can wilt and die when overwatered, so The plants should only be watered carefully.

There are many reasons why a Jade plant is nice to have at home. These include:

• It may improve indoor air quality;
• It’s believed to bring good luck;
• It’s believed by the ancient Chinese to have strong medicinal properties; and
• It absorbs carbon dioxide at night.

8. Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen plant is from the Aglaonema family. It’s an eye-catching plant to have on desks such as in your air-conditioned office at home. Once you see its leaves start to droop, that’s a signal for you to start watering it again.

Because of its dramatic leaves, the Chinese Evergreen looks great in a plain or minimalist living room, bedroom, or office. It can also thrive well in low-light. When it comes to watering this, however, you have to be more diligent. The Chinese Evergreen needs to receive daily, abundant watering for it to thrive and grow.

9. Succulents

If your air-conditioned home receives quite an abundant supply of natural light during the day, succulents should be your plant of choice. They grow happily in abundant light, which is also why homes without natural light will usually have succulents positioned on window sills.

For those busy homeowners who don’t have the time to care for plants but just want to have hints of green in their homes, succulents are definitely going to be your best choice. They can stay alive even with infrequent watering.

There are many reasons why you should consider having succulents in your home and these include:

• They’re a breath of fresh air by having greenery and supplying more oxygen in a room;
• They’re believed to have a good healing factor, as they may lift up the mood of those in the room;
• They may have strong medicinal properties;
• They’re affordable; and
• They’re easy to look after.

10. Dracaena

For homeowners who like to have thick foliage in their houseplants, the dracaena plant is one of the plant species with the thickest of leaves. Especially when you’re able to take good care of it, dracaena leaves will flourish even more. Most dracaena plants can also grow tall and high and you’ve probably seen them in a lot of office plants and house lobbies.

There are many different types of the dracaena plant. But, some of the most commonly found ones in households include:

1. Dracaena Reflexa. This is one of the most common out of all the dracaena plant species. While common, it’s one of the most beautiful and striking house plants. The leaves are an attraction in themselves.
2. Dracaena Marginata. This is also referred to as the evergreen tree. It can grow anywhere from eight to fifteen feet tall. This type is a good choice for air-conditioned homes as it can thrive well, even indoors. They’re also drought-tolerant and can be very forgiving, even when you may forget to water them.
3. Dracaena Massangeana. This is also referred to as the corn plant. It’s also commonly grown indoors, as it doesn’t require heavy maintenance. If you’re on a budget but you want to have plants in your home, this is also one of the cheapest dracaena species you can opt for.

11. Rubber plant and AC

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is another popular indoor plant known for its large, glossy leaves and ability to adapt to indoor environments. Similar to the Zanzibar Gem, the plant can be affected by the conditions created by AC.

Here are some considerations for keeping a plant healthy in a room with an AC:

1. Indirect Airflow: Like other indoor plants, avoid placing the plant directly in the path of cold air blowing from an air conditioner vent. Position it where it can benefit from the general circulation of cooled air without direct exposure.
2. Temperature Sensitivity: Rubber prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). While they can tolerate slight fluctuations, exposure to prolonged cold drafts from an air conditioner might stress the plant. Ensure the room doesn’t become excessively cold.
3. Humidity Levels: Air conditioners tend to reduce humidity levels in a room. Since plants prefer moderate humidity, monitor moisture levels. You can use a humidifier or occasionally mist the leaves of plant to increase humidity if necessary.
4. Check for Signs of Stress: Keep an eye on the plant for any indications of stress caused by the air conditioner’s airflow. Watch for drooping leaves, leaf yellowing, or browning, which could indicate the plant is not tolerating the conditions well.
5. Protection from Direct Cold Air: If the rubber is near an air conditioner vent, consider creating a barrier to diffuse or redirect the direct flow of cold air away from the plant. This could involve adjusting nearby furniture or using baffles or deflectors to minimize direct exposure.

12. Spider Plant

Like rubber plants, spider plants and AC can live in harmony with a little forethought. While spider plants are generally more tolerant than plants, they still don’t appreciate the direct effects of an AC vent blast. Here’s what to consider:

Negative effects of AC on spider plants:

• Cold drafts: Cold air blowing directly on the plant can stress it, leading to:

  • Brown leaf tips: The most common indicator of cold stress.
  • Stunted growth: The plant may slow down or stop growing altogether.
  • Leaf drop: In severe cases, the plant may drop leaves.

• Dry air: Spider plants prefer moderate humidity (around 40-50%), and air conditioners can dry out the air, causing issues like:

  • Crispy leaf edges: Similar to brown tips, but localized at the edges.
  • Curled leaves: The leaves may roll inwards to conserve moisture.
  • Increased susceptibility to pests: Dry conditions attract spider mites and other pests.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no shortage of plant ideas that you can use in your home. They can thrive even in air-conditioned spaces. The abovementioned plants are easy to care for and can withstand the artificial air brought about by air conditioners. From smaller plants to bigger ones, there are so many choices you can have in your home.

Indoor plants are great to have, as they can also improve the flow of oxygen in your air-conditioned home. More so, they also add a hint of beauty and style in what would’ve otherwise been a plain and boring space.

Read More: How To Make Your Plants Thrive In Every Weather Condition

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