What about other factors?
Quality & realism
Artificial plants these days are made of a mixture of materials like polyethylene, polyester, latex and natural wood. The best plants come from factories that mix these materials, using robotics and high-end machinery, to make truly incredible replicas which look, and in some cases feel, like the real deal.
Environmental impact
An artificial plant has the initial environmental cost from the raw materials, manufacturing process and shipping from the Far East. However, once they’re here, it’s all about maximising the plants lifespan.
Indoor faux plants can last for as long as you want them – providing they are cared for in the right way. You can also pop them away and store them for a while or if you are looking to switch up your décor, re-use them by passing them to family or giving them to charity.
Natural plants are frequently imported from Europe and beyond, racking up plant miles in the process. Many of these plants are cultivated in peat-infused compost, in green houses which are energy intensive.
This is particularly an issue for short-term plants like novelty and seasonal plants like sprayed cacti, succulents, and poinsettia - which are consigned to the compost heap after the festive period.
It’s a similar story for particularly tricky plants like calathea and finickity potted trees like bays. If the person is not successful in keeping the natural version available, they may have to replace them time and time again which comes at an environmental cost.
What about flowers?
A premium bunch of flowers can cost anywhere from £10 in a supermarket to £50 at an online florist. These flowers are grown across the world and flown in for maximum freshness for a lifespan of 10-20 days at best.
A top faux flower arrangement starts around £80 and will last as long as you want it to. It can also be put away in a cupboard and brought out again when the time is right – or reused by someone else.
Air purification
It’s a common claim that real plants clean the air. This claim is based on a NASA study in the 1980’s, however a more recent study casts some doubt on the overall impact. The original study in lab conditions perhaps over-exaggerated the impact of plants in a regular home or office space.
Reduced stress, anxiety & improved concentration
Numerous scientific studies have found plants to have varying benefits from reducing stress, improving attention and productivity, and reducing anxiety (among other things). Around the workplace, other studies have shown green friends to have a positive impact on productivity and job satisfaction.
Many of the studies are focused on improving the appearance and perception of interiors by breaking up décor with greenery. Artificial plants may not stack up fully to natural plants in this aspect, but when balanced with other needs, may still be the right choice for you.
It doesn't take a scientific study to know that surrounding yourself with faux orchids can help to create a more relaxing and positive environment.
Maintenance
Where artificial plants consistently come out on top. They’re super-easy to look after regardless or your time, plant knowledge or environment.
Keeping faux plants clean is quick and easy to do. We have a full blog post here with several do’s and a couple of don’ts.
Put them away
If you’re short on space or you want to switch your décor (around Christmas for example), you can store faux plants in a cupboard or the loft. You can get them out again when you’re ready and they’ll look just like they did before. Most real plants won’t enjoy that sort of treatment!
So... how to choose
Weigh up your situation and whether you have the right space. Then, consider if you'll be able to help a real plant thrive and go from there.
If you're looking for a simpler life, then it may be time to go faux.
