The Real Deal with Artificial Plants: High Quality vs Tacky Imposters
Artificial plants have had a bit of a glow-up in recent years. Gone are the days when fake plants were an obvious eyesore, tucked away in the corner of a waiting room or gathering dust on a bathroom shelf. Nowadays, you can find some truly stunning artificial plants that look just as good as the real thing, and sometimes even better. We have been fortunate to have been able to supply high quality artificial plants and trees to some truly stunning residential and commercial properties, but not all faux foliage is created equal. There’s a big difference between high quality artificial plants and those cheap, tacky ones that give the whole concept a bad name.
Before we look at the differences between high quality and low quality artificial plants, let’s look at the main reasons we’ve found our clients choose to purchase artificial plants in the first place.
Where Should You Use Artificial Planting?
The short answer is wherever you like…but a little thought goes a long way.
There’s usually an artificial plant to suit most settings, we’ve supplied them to both commercial and residential clients over the years and we’ve gained some insights into why artificial planting has been chosen over the real thing.
When it comes to residential we find it’s due to a low maintenance requirement, or that the real thing wouldn’t survive in the chosen setting, and many times it’s a stress free investment. For commercial and hospitality it’s simply the best choice in certain areas due to access or concerns over maintenance, the need to always look appealing and welcoming or quite simply lack of natural light.
High quality artificial orchids for example are a great alternative to the real thing, they look and feel in most cases hyper realistic and yet you don’t have to worry about the flowers loosing petals, the leaves drooping and turning brown, the dreaded stick in a bowl scenario that many orchid lovers end up with once the plant has lost its beauty and you don’t need to be concerned about your Cat taking a nibble!
A beautiful real touch artificial orchid as a centre piece to a table or entrance side board or even a reception area can make a huge difference to a space, they’re available in every size from pelite to extra grand and many come pre potted in beautiful pots or bowls. It’s the very definition of stress free!.
Artificial olive trees are a great example too, many clients want to have a beautiful olive tree in their home or business, it reminds us of lazy days and evenings in exotic European destinations that seem miles away from the stresses of daily life. They also vary wildly when it comes to quality and shape. A high quality artificial olive tree in a unique pot placed in a dining room, kitchen, entrance or even a restaurant can transport us back to an incredible holiday and the muted greens and greys coupled with an interesting trunk and canopy can lift a space in a home or restaurant.
Let’s talk about what sets them apart, and what to look for when choosing a high quality artificial plant or tree.
Appearance: Realistic vs. Plastic
The most obvious difference between high-quality and low-quality artificial plants is how they look. Quality artificial plants are crafted to closely mimic real plants. They have realistic textures, colours, and even details like the subtle imperfections found in nature. High-quality ones use a blend of materials, often incorporating silk or premium-grade materials to create a natural appearance. Some even include natural elements like real wood stems and real touch leaves and flowers to enhance their authenticity.
Our fiddle leaf trees and plants are a great example of high quality leaf and stem detail
On the other hand, cheap artificial plants usually look, well, cheap. They tend to have an unnatural, shiny plastic finish and overly bright colours that scream "fake" from across the room. The leaves and flowers often have visible seams or glue marks, and the overall shape can be stiff or awkward. These are the plants that give you flashbacks to outdated décor in your grandparents' house.
Durability: Longevity vs. Short-Lived
Quality artificial plants are an investment. They are built to last and can maintain their appearance for years with minimal maintenance. The materials used are durable and resistant to fading, even when exposed to sunlight. You can place them anywhere without worrying about wilting or shedding leaves, which is a common issue with real plants.
In contrast, low-quality artificial plants tend to fall apart quickly. The materials degrade, the colours fade, and before you know it, you’re left with a sad, brittle mess that has turned blue rather than retained its colour. You might get a season or two out of them if you’re lucky, but they’re not designed for the long haul. After a short period, these plants end up in the bin, which isn’t great for you or the environment.
Detailing: Intricacy vs. Basic Design
A major telltale sign of a high-quality artificial plant is in the detailing. Quality plants pay attention to the small things—like the veining on the leaves, the variation in colour across the petals, and the way the plant is shaped. The leaves aren't all the same size or shade, and there’s an effort to capture the nuances that make real plants so captivating.
our artificial Cycas palm is possibly one of the most realistic replicas available…and it’s uv stable too
Low-quality plants, however, often lack these details. They might have leaves that are all cut from the same mold, with no variation in shape or colour. The flowers, if they have any, might look like they’ve been made with poor materials and coloured with cheap dyes. There’s no depth or dimension, and they look flat and lifeless as a result.
Price: Worth the Investment vs. Throwaway Cash
There’s no getting around it—high-quality artificial plants can be pricey. But like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Investing in a well-made artificial plant means you’re getting something that looks fantastic and lasts for years. It’s a one-time purchase that, if taken care of, will continue to look beautiful in your space without the upkeep of a real plant.
Cheap artificial plants are usually tempting because of their low price. They’re a quick fix or they tick a box, but they’re not a long-term solution. In the end, you might find yourself replacing them, which can add up both in cost and effort, or just generally being disappointed with the result and overall look.
Maintenance: Minimal Effort vs. High Hassle
One of the main reasons our clients choose artificial plants is the low maintenance and the ability to use certain plants in areas where real plants wouldn’t survive. With high-quality ones, the most you’ll need to do is give them an occasional dusting. They don’t require water, sunlight, or the perfect soil mixture. They won’t attract pests, and they’ll never outgrow their pot.
However, low-quality artificial plants can be a bit of a pain. They might start looking shabby quite quickly, and cleaning them can be a challenge if they aren’t durable Plus, if they start falling apart, there's not much you can do to fix them.
With All That Said…
When it comes to artificial plants, quality makes a world of difference. High-quality artificial plants are a fantastic option for those who want the beauty of greenery without the upkeep. They’re realistic, durable, and worth the investment if you want something that will truly enhance your space. On the flip side, the cheap, tacky versions might be easy on the wallet, but they won’t do you any favours in the long run.
This is why we at Artificial Green specialise in high quality artificial plants. We never offered low quality plants to gain a quick sale and we never will. Our clients are discerning and want beautiful plants that sit perfectly in their beautiful homes or business premises. We feel privileged to supply high quality artificial plants and trees to clients who know the difference and we always do it with a personal service.
Browse our plants at www.artificialgreen.co.uk or get in touch today to see how we can assist in supplying the perfect plants for your home or business.