I Used to Joke About Artificial Plants, But These 6 Realistic Artificial Plants Bring All the Benefits With None of the Work
Faux houseplants have become incredibly realistic. Check out these options and learn how they can benefit your mental health.
Extensive houseplant collections are a staple of many homes these days, but what if you have a space in your home that is completely incompatible with growing plants? Or what if you have pets who get into everything and would hurt themselves and your houseplants if left to their own devices? Does that mean you can’t have the benefits that houseplants have to offer?
Growing plants for mental health is increasingly popular. Many gardeners know that carefully tending houseplants or a vegetable garden is good for calming the mind and centering you. But evidence suggests that even having an artificial plant in your space is beneficial for your mental health.
An article in "Psychology Today” by environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin, Ph.D., states that seeing green leafy plants boosts our mood, enhances creativity, and rejuvenates our mental energy. She also points out that these same benefits are achieved with realistic looking artificial plants! Here’s some great-looking fake plants to get you started.
How to Use Artificial Plants
There are many reasons why you might choose to bring a fake plant or two into your home and there is no shame in it!
If you are a pet parent and your cats or dogs always end up getting into plants they shouldn’t, it is better to have a fake plant than a sick pet. There are many common houseplants that are toxic to cats and toxic to dogs and it is of utmost importance to put your pet’s health first.
You may also benefit from using an artificial plant in an area of your home that simply won’t support a real plant. Do you have a spare bedroom that is rarely used or a laundry area in the basement that gets no light? Artificial plants are the perfect solution for those spots. You don’t have to worry about lighting levels or keeping on top of the watering needs of a real plant. Pick a faux plant, set it and forget it!
Large Faux Plants
This 54-inch (1.37 m) artificial fiddle leaf fig tree is incredibly convincing. It will add a lovely vertical element to your space.
Bring a Mediterranean vibe to your low-light space with a 6-foot (1.8 m) tall faux olive tree. Add a wicker basket for a rustic look.
I always end up killing my parlor palms, but this 4-foot (1.2 m) tall artificial palm is going in my shopping cart so I never have to worry again.
Small Faux Plants
This adorable succulent 3 pack is perfect for a low-light bathroom or your home office. You could even put them on your patio in the summer.
Add delicate beauty to any space with an artificial white orchid. This affordable option gives you all the charm with none of the work!
Inch plants, or spiderwort, are pretty but extremely toxic to pets. This artificial inch plant from Ikea will look great while also keeping furry friends safe.
Artificial Plant Tips
- Keep scale in mind - Don’t choose a faux plant that will overwhelm the room. You don’t want your artificial plant to be the only thing you see in a room. Subtlety is key.
- “Plant” into a better pot - Choose a cute planter or basket to elevate the look and fill it with real soil for a more convincing look.
- Dust regularly - Artificial plants are super low maintenance, but a little dusting every once in a while helps keep them looking nice.
Perfect Planters
Large, handwoven planter for a rustic, artisanal look.
Blush pink pot pairs well with a faux inch plant.
The soft, clean lines will elevate any plant.
There is nothing to fear with adding an artificial plant or two to your collection. This is a no judgement zone! Seeing more greenery in your home will give you all the mental health benefits of real plants without any of the work.
