On hot summer days, air conditioning can be a lifesaver for you — but it’s a different story for your houseplants. Sudden temperature changes can be stressful for many plants, and cold air streams may cause leaf damage or discolouration. And of course, we want to avoid that! If you enjoy turning on the AC at home, read on for a few simple tips to protect your houseplants. That way, they stay happy even on the hottest days!

3 Tips to Help Your Houseplants Cope with AC

Watch for brown or yellow leaves

Not all plants are equally sensitive to air conditioning or fans, but it’s important to observe how your plants react. Brown or yellowing leaves can be a clear sign of stress — often caused by rapid temperature fluctuations. To reduce this, avoid turning the air conditioning on and off frequently. Instead, keep it running at a consistent setting to maintain a stable environment.

Mind the distance

Another key consideration is the distance between your plants and the air conditioner. Most houseplants — including Anthuriums — dislike draughts. The cool airflow from your AC functions much like a draft and can dry out or damage leaves. Ensure your plants are placed at least 2 metres away from the air vent. If this isn’t possible, consider temporarily relocating your plants to another room without air conditioning.

Mist the leaves regularly

Most houseplants prefer humid air rather than dry. This is especially true for Anthuriums, which naturally grow in tropical rainforests where the air is warm and moist. Unfortunately, air conditioners tend to lower indoor humidity by circulating dry air. To counter this, lightly mist your plants’ leaves now and then using a spray bottle.

Also read: Protect your anthuriums from summer heat

Extra tip: repot your plants in airy potting soil

During hot periods and when using air conditioning, it’s extra important that your plants’ roots can breathe properly. Use a light, well-draining potting mix that retains moisture without keeping the roots too wet. Tropical plants like anthuriums especially benefit from this type of soil.