Guide to Artificial Plants
Plants, trees, and flowers can significantly improve the look of your living spaces, especially during those cold, dark months of the year. However, many people do not have the time or energy to maintain the upkeep of plants, flowers, and trees in their homes or office. Artificial trees and plants enliven the mood of a room and brighten dark corners, and the best part is that they do not die. This guide will offer you some valuable tips on where to find good artificial plants and how to take care of them.
What Are Artificial Plants?
One of the main reasons many people consider having artificial plants in their homes is because they are a great alternative to actual live plants for decorating spaces. Not only are synthetic plants alleviate the responsibility that comes along with taking care of fresh, live plants, but they also are great options for people who are sensitive to flower pollen. Among the various materials that comprise them, including silk and plastic, the latter is suitable for areas that experience extreme heat and temperatures. Some artificial plants are resistant to fire without compromising on appearance.
Artificial Trees
One of the main benefits of artificial trees is that they improve the look and feel of living space, without the extra responsibility of feeding, watering, and maintenance associated with live trees. They provide people with a suitable option for achieving the perfect look and maintaining a fresh new feel with little effort. First, consider the type of plastic tree you would like to have in your home or office. The tree you choose should complement the overall look of your space. A banana tree in the corner of a room filled with rustic furniture would look out of place. In the same breath, artificial trees in a modern apartment would seem as strange. Therefore, it is essential to consider the interior décor and design of your room when choosing artificial trees.
Types of Artificial Trees
If there is a live decorative tree you have in mind, chances are there is an artificial alternative to them. Most artificial trees are quite appealing and are intended to serve decorative functions. However, other synthetic trees are more subdued and delicate. It is important to know that some artificial trees specifically designed for outdoor use are usually sturdy and durable thanks to their UV-resistant outer foliage. Favorite artificial plants for outdoor use include artificial buxus, olive, cyca, yucca, and eucalyptus. These make great decorative pieces for balconies, hotel pools, and lobbies. On the other hand, some artificial plants are designed to be placed indoors. Such plants include artificial ficus, areca palms, bamboo, and olive trees.
Benefits of Artificial Plants
The advantages of owning artificial plants include the minimal maintenance necessary to keep your home or office looking beautiful and alive. Another benefit of artificial plants is that there is such a wide range of these decorative elements that you can get artificial plants for holidays or themes. Artificial trees require little time and energy to keep them looking healthy and vibrant.
Plastic Plants vs. Fabric Plants
The world has experienced many technological advances. These advances, especially in the world of home and office decorations and décor, mean that artificial plants look incredibly realistic. Some even have reflective properties as well as molds of real plants. Others are full of foam that gives them a realistic, textured look.
One of the benefits of plastic plants is that they can easily complement the look of modern homes. Also, succulents look incredibly real despite the fact that they are not actual plants. However, silk plants are more prone to wear and tear than plastic plants.
What to Look For When Buying Artificial Plants
Consider choosing artificial plants that mimic the look of specific live plants such as aloe, air plants, banana trees and monster leaves. Alternatively, look for artificial plants that imitate potted varieties of actual plants. However, avoid plants that look overly fake. Plants with phony rain droplets, for example, are not the best options. Also, artificial plants that have a glossy finish may come across as a little bit tacky. Instead, choose plants with minute details such as delicate root sheaths at the bottom of the plant or even dirt around its base. When shopping for artificial plants, be sure to have pictures of the real varieties with you so that you can compare the look of everything, including the leaves and the stems.
How to Decorate with Artificial Plants
If you decide to purchase artificial plants, be sure to see them in person before you buy. That will help you get a closer look at the details of the plant including the coloring of the leaves and stems. It will also allow you to get a feel of the plant's realistic texture and high-quality materials. Although some artificial plants may look great in photos, they may not live up to expectations in person.
Choose artificial plants with realistic color gradations and simulated veins on the leaves. Even monochromatic plants have variations in the shade on their stems and leaves. Quality artificial plants are often colored to include imperfections including partially dried leaf edges. Examine the stems of the artificial plants you intend to purchase to look for realistic textures and colors.
Avoid artificial plants with perfect symmetry because they usually scream fake. If you are decorating with leafy plants, remove some stems and leaves to make one side slightly bushier than the other. However, be sure to place the thicker side nearest to the source of natural light.
Display artificial plants with real plants. Consider placing an actual potted plant in the middle of a group of potted artificial plants. Alternatively, put a vase of real flowers among the fakes. One of the most affordable ways to decorate with artificial plants is to take a pruned branch and place it in a vase of fake plants and grass, replacing it with a fresh one when it dries.
Choose a believable location for your artificial plants. A rule of thumb is to put your artificial plants in a place where they could plausibly thrive if they were real. Typically, these include locations that get lots of natural light and accessible enough to allow watering. Areas of a room that do not receive much scrutiny make great places for artificial plants.