Impact of Air Conditioning Growing Indoors

[JMNYC]

Hi.

While there is no way of avoiding it forever given the reality of summers in Manhattan, I try to avoid it as long as possible, but the time is approaching now.

How serious is the impact to my (or anyone's) collection grown indoors, is turning on the A/C?

Thanks!

[isurus79]

It shouldn't be a problem for cool or intermediate growing orchids. I turn my AC off in the morning while I'm at work and then back on in the evening so the apartment warms up to the low 80's before its dropped back down to 72 for the night.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by isurus79

It shouldn't be a problem for cool or intermediate growing orchids. I turn my AC off in the morning while I'm at work and then back on in the evening so the apartment warms up to the low 80's before its dropped back down to 72 for the night.

Thanks Steve! Cause, I just had to turn mine for the first time this season....I feel much better, but methinks the plants, not so much. Esp re dramatically reduced humidity.

That what works for you even includes nite temp drop is fabulous.

And, I work from home in both of my professional endeavors. I thought about it, but pretty sure moving to a rain forest...is not a viable option for me.

[tarev]

My thermostat is at 80F and I have the ceiling fan running too. Better those temps than our 100F outside.

[Ray]

A/C will lower the humidity...

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by tarev

My thermostat is at 80F and I have the ceiling fan running too. Better those temps than our 100F outside.

This.......is TRUE.

---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:08 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

A/C will lower the humidity...

I mentioned that as a core concern, yes?

[JMNYC]

Update:

Well.....I waited until the last minute, but, I did have to capitulate and turn on the A/C; the brutality of Manhattan summers has commenced.

That generated anxiety about all my plants, of course.....esp my NOID Paph in bud (I am now convinced, with major lowii genes). Long ago, I evolved a system to exploit the heat from the tops of our built in radiators to foster humidity to the orchids in winter.

So, what I just did was take this NOID in question, #81, from its hanger, put it in one of my giant growing bins in this growing area. Then, using a plant saucer of proper diameter, and an upturned tiny saucer to sit it on, filled the saucer with water. As the A/C diminishes the water, I will just replenish it. This will help some.....and some is better than nothing.

The other obvious issue is suddenly a dearth of air movement. My plants mostly get uber air movement, I like open windows. But, I am a human growing orchids and other plants.....and that means compromise is inherent, cause we must co exist.
We make enlightened, inventive, honest efforts, and, I think, that's a mandate of life in general.

[ALToronto]

As long as your plants aren't getting a direct A/C blast, they should be fine. I finally relented this weekend when the temp in the house reached 28° and my husband threatened divorce. So we took it down to 27, and he's a bit happier. The orchids haven't noticed.

Generally, the plants will be ok as long as the change is gradual. If you keep the place freezing, like Isurus79, they won't grow as fast as at warmer temps. But they won't die, either.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

As long as your plants aren't getting a direct A/C blast, they should be fine. I finally relented this weekend when the temp in the house reached 28° and my husband threatened divorce. So we took it down to 27, and he's a bit happier. The orchids haven't noticed.

Generally, the plants will be ok as long as the change is gradual. If you keep the place freezing, like Isurus79, they won't grow as fast as at warmer temps. But they won't die, either.

Bless you for this! Your husband is, OK a little weak; that is why guys do not have PMS, they couldn't handle it; so we must cut slack.

I go thru this every year even knowing what you were kind enough to share.....I always feel guilty and I worry.
When I hooked #81 up with some minor humidity augmentation just earlier....I felt a wee bit less guilty.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

If you keep the place freezing, like Isurus79,

Not to disprove JMNYC's theory, but my freezing temps are definitely at the behest of my wife!!