(Photography: Alan Jensen | Styling: Kate Walsh)
The benefits of growing plants indoors are well documented. They can boost your mood and may even purify the air, but artificial plants also have an important part to play in interior design. Fake plants are the necessary next step for those who love the indoor jungle look, but have tried (and failed repeatedly) to keep houseplants alive (despite choosing only indoor plants that are hard to kill).
But not having a green thumb is only one of many reasons why having real indoor plants may not be right for you. Allergies, pets and a jet-setting lifestyle may also prevent you from providing the care plants need to thrive. Here are 7 scenarios where fake plants are better than the real thing.
The family behind Melbourne-based artificial plants company The Plants Project say it was their love of indoor greenery that led them to create a high-quality facsimile of the real thing. “We are real plant lovers and wanted to create plants that are accessible for anyone to achieve their greenery goals.” To get the most out of your faux plants, they recommend opting for plants made from high-quality, UV-resistant materials that mimic the characteristics of the real plant.
How to spot good-quality artificial plants
1. You really like that plant
While there’s technically no such thing as an indoor plant (some plants’ natural habitats just have the same conditions often found indoors, including low levels of light or high levels of humidity, for example), some plants really are better off outside.
Olive trees are one example. Their dainty branches lend a decidedly Mediterranean appeal to any indoor space, but because they need six hours of direct sunlight per day, it can be hard to keep them happy even in the sunniest north-facing home. Other trees that are notoriously difficult to keep happy indoors include fiddle leaf figs, maidenhair ferns and elephant ears.
But if you love the way these plants look and want them in your home, going faux could be the solution!
2. You’re never at home
If you’re a social butterfly, a jet-setter or someone who prefers to be out and about rather than inside the house, real indoor plants may not be a good match for you. Faux plants can imbue your home with liveliness without the maintenance, watering, fertilising, repotting and … well, you get the picture.
3. You have curious pets
Did you know some of the most popular indoor plants are toxic to pets? Some plants are toxic for pets to ingest, and others may cause skin irritation on contact. Philodendrons, jade plants and snake plants are all considered no-nos if you have curious pets. Fake plants could be a solution to this problem, and dusting them regularly with a mix of 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water will help keep them dust-free (and make them less appealing to chew on).
If your dog has destroyed one too many plants, consider placing artificial plants out of reach on a decorative stand or high up on a shelf.
4. You’ve got … a history
Don’t let your history as a plant serial killer prevent you from creating the leafy interior you desire. Use fake plants strategically to give your home reliable greenery while you continue to build up your indoor gardening skills.
5. You’ve got allergies
It’s sad but true: indoor plants can cause allergy symptoms to flare up. Asthma Australia says this happens for two main reasons: the plant either releases irritating pollens, or the plant itself hasn’t been maintained correctly. Plants that release irritants include orchids, ferns and some types of male palms.
Poorly maintained indoor plants can also trigger respiratory irritation. Whether your plants are fake or real, make sure you dust them often to prevent the build-up of dust mites. For real plants, it’s important to avoid the temptation to overwater, as this may lead to fungal problems and mould growth.
6. You’re a renter
If you’re renting, real indoor plants can pose a risk of property damage. Large pots can leave impressions in carpet, or water stains on wood flooring. While you can take steps to ensure your plants don’t stop you from getting your bond back, a lightweight faux indoor plant could be a convenient option.
Moving indoor plants can also be a pain, especially if they’re large, statement plants. The main reason is because they’re heavy! You’ll also need to think about whether your new place receives the same amount of sunlight and other conditions to keep your plant happy.
7. You don’t like dirt (or bugs)
Surprise surprise, real plants grow in soil, which, to some, may be off-putting in an indoor environment. Real plants can also sometimes attract bugs (whether they’re fruit flies or fungus gnats is another question).
Faux plants suffer from neither problem, which makes them the ideal solution for the person who prefers to keep their home completely immaculate.
Three artificial plants that look real
01
Artificial bird of paradise plant
$299, The Plants Project
Want to bring a relaxed ‘still on holidays’ vibe into your home? Large, leafy bird of paradise plants are the way to go. These faux plants come in three sizes (120cm, 150cm and 180cm) and look great as a standalone statement or in a group of three. The stems are bendable, so you can style the leaves to sit exactly where you’d like them.
02
Artificial rubber tree
$399, The Plants Project
Rubber trees are a favourite. They look just as good in a minimal home as they do in a maximalist haven. One reviewer says, “The lushness and fullness of this tree is unreal! A very true to life replication.” Standing at 160cm tall, this tree will become a focal point in its own right.
03
Artificial Boston fern
$149, The Plants Project
Boston ferns are an ideal bathroom plant and look particularly beautiful when styled in a hanging basket. For some, however, ferns can cause allergy flare-ups, so if you love the look but can’t handle the real deal, this faux version is a great option.
How to care for fake plants
- To prevent dust settling on flowers and foliage: On the first of every month, use a hairdryer on the coolest setting to gently blow dust off the plant.
- Wipe down regularly: Use a damp, microfibre cloth to restore shine to the leaves.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Prevent fading by investing in plants made from UV-resistant materials and by positioning them out of direct sunlight.
How to make your choice better for the environment:
- Invest in a faux plant you really love and intend to keep forever.
- Extend the life of your artificial plant by dusting it regularly.
- If you no longer have room or need for the faux plant, consider giving it to a friend, family member or donating it to charity. You can also break the plant down into sections and use them to create decorative wreaths, permanent flower arrangements or in craft projects.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
5 updates to refresh your outdoor living space for spring
