Do Artificial Plants Have Their Place?

When you think of artificial plants, you may think of hideous plastic leaves and dusty paper flowers. However, these have come a long way since the 1980s. There’s no doubt that real plants are on another different level, but artificial plants have definitely earned their place and are increasingly becoming popular thanks to their various benefits. It can even be difficult to tell the difference between a good artificial plant these days and a real one.

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There is no shortage of choices when it comes to the selection of artificial plants for your home or office. Let’s begin with some of the major advantages of artificial plants. 

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Affordability

Artificial plants are affordable and their upkeep equally does not require you to spend much. Just think about how costly and time-consuming it is to maintain your roses! You need to weed, prune, and water them properly at the right time of the day depending on the sunlight. If you are a busy person like most of us these days, you might have to hire someone to take care of your plants. 

Yes, some faux plants can be more expensive than real plants but their maintenance costs are negligible. And do not forget the time you have to spend on the upkeep of natural plants – this is next to zero for artificial plants! 

 

Durability

Artificial plants, especially silk varieties, last for a long time. High-quality decorative plants are made of robust materials. Durability is the prime feature of artificial plants that makes them excellent for our modern, busy lifestyles. These plants are designed to withstand most seasons and harsh weather conditions. 

 

Suitable for Most Spaces 

Artificial plants are no longer limited to indoor use. Today, you can buy a variety of outdoor artificial plants for your doorways, stairs, patios, and veranda. And then you have the option of wall-hanging plants in stylish and appealing pots. These plants are made of UV-resistant materials and can survive almost all weather conditions. 

On the other hand, there are indoor plants for living rooms, dining tables, office tables, and side tables. Your choices in terms of design, size, and colors are virtually endless. 

 

Non-Allergenic 

Many people suffer from allergies every spring when the air fills with pollen. This is arguably the biggest reason why plant lovers avoid putting natural plants indoors. Artificial plants are a blessing for all plant lovers who are vulnerable to pollen and other allergies. 

 

How to Protect Artificial Plants Outdoors

UV Protective Spray 

Yes, they are made of robust and UV-resistant materials, but you still need to protect your outdoor artificial plants. Intense sunlight during the summer can cause cracks and fading in the long run.

First, try your best to select the UV-treated plants. If they are not UV-treated, keep UV protection spray on hand and spray the stems, flowers, and leaves especially during the summer months. This spray also adds a waterproof layer that protects the plant longer than normal, though most artificial plants these days come with waterproofing properties. 

 

Clear Debris 

Debris speeds up the fading process of artificial plants. However, with a little care, you can easily blow away debris to keep your faux plants looking fresh and new for a long time. The best way to blow away debris is with compressed air. You can use a can of compressed air or a simple hair dryer for this purpose. Just make sure to keep the hair dryer on low heat. 

After blowing debris, gently clean the plant with a feather duster. It is best to protect artificial plants from direct or full sunlight over long periods. Place them  somewhere that shade is available for most of the day. 

Make sure to turn artificial plants regularly so that the sunlight does not constantly target the same exposed area. This way, even when they begin to fade, they will fade evenly across the whole plant, making it look as natural as possible. 

How Long Do Silk Flowers Last Outdoors?

Silk flowers cannot withstand direct sunlight for long periods of time. They typically last nearly three months and before showing signs of wear. With great care, they might last another month or two but these plants are not recommended for outdoor use. The best you can do is to place them in the shade away from direct sunlight. 

Proper Placement is the Key! 

If you put artificial plants somewhere that would not be suitable for a real plant, it will just look strange. Since the aim is to present a natural and realistic display, thoughtless placing can ruin the whole effect. 

Artificial plants can be a huge advantage for any indoor or outdoor space. However,  it’s important to only place them where you would keep any natural plant. Adding some natural soil and/or gravel to the top of the pot will add to the effect. 

 

This is a contributed post.

 

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