Fake plants have come a long way from decades past. While artificial greenery might remind you of a dusty room in your grandparent’s home, hear us out when we say things have changed. Fake plants look hyper-realistic and are great for people without the time or a green thumb to care of our living leafy friends.
But of course, there are still some rules to guide you when decorating with faux plants, so read on to learn how to layer them into your space like a pro!
Always buy high quality
Silk plants are prone to wear and can lose their colour after some time in the sun. With new advancements in technology, plastic plants perfectly mimic the shine, texture, and vibrant colour of real plants. Opt for plastic fake plants whenever possible!
Inspect your faux friend for any plastic residue or transparent pieces at the tips of its leaves. Also, pay attention to what the plant is “potted in”. Opt for ones that come in artificial soil or have a thin layer of stones or pebbles at its base for an added sense of realism.
Be selective
Not every type of plant looks good as a fake. Aim for plants that have a naturally plastic look to them. Some good options for artificial plants are jade plants, aloe, lotus leaf, rubber plants, fiddle leaf, money trees, bamboo shoots, and of course — succulents!
Use realistic representations of plants when making your selections. Don’t opt for blue roses or something you wouldn’t typically find in a real plant garden.
Make it look less fake
Here are a few tips for making your plants look less fake:
• Place it in a natural light source, like a windowsill, to create the scene of a plant soaking up sunlight
• Use a worn looking terracotta pot for more of an earthy texture. Worn pots have water stains and soil on the outside. It’s the perfect decoy for a fake plant!
• Sprinkle a layer of dirt around the base of the plant. The quickest way to tell if a plant is artificial is to look at its base. Real plants are always potted in soil, so if your plant is sitting in foam or fabric, it’s a dead giveaway that it’s not real.
• Combine them with real plants. Hide your faux flora among some real living plants and succulents. Remember that real plants have air purifying properties, so you’ll definitely want a couple of your favourite real house plants around the house, as well!
Best places to use artificial plants
Artificial plants can go just about anywhere in a home, but there are a few places where they can really add a pop of life without the necessary care involved. Here are a couple places you can put your fake plants:
• In areas of your home that are either hard to reach—like high open shelves in the kitchen or the top of bookcases—or places you don’t spend a lot of time in but want a natural pop of green for the look, like a basement or bathroom.
• On a gallery wall. Add a dynamic element to your gallery wall with a small floating shelf and a potted faux plant. Airplants, succulents, and cascading plants, like ivy, are all great options for gallery walls!
• During the holiday season. If you’re a fan of holiday decorating, you can save yourself a lot of time and money, as well as contribute to a more sustainable planet, by opting to use fake decorative plants and trees. Store them somewhere away from dust and light to keep them looking fresh all year round.
• Outside during the winter when you’re desperate for a pop of green. Canadian winters are a rough and colourless season. Brighten up your yard with some artificial greenery. Look for plants made from UV protected material so they do not degrade in the sun.
Where to buy quality fake plants
It’s easier than ever to source good quality fake plants. IKEA has a great selection of faux plants along with pots and vases to accompany them. Check out sites like Wayfair and Overstock for budget-friendly selections. If you’re looking for high-quality, luxury items, CB2 and Crate and Barrel offer a nice selection of beautiful tropical faux plants.
And remember: fake plants that aren’t being used create waste in our environment, so do your part and shop with sustainability in mind if you can. Opt for second-hand plants whenever possible!
— Realtor.ca