Rethinking Fake Plants: Tacky or Totally Underrated?
Artificial plants have long been the punchline of interior design jokes. They’re often dismissed as kitschy, environmentally unfriendly, and completely useless. But is that reputation fair? Let’s dig in (pun intended 🌿).
Are Artificial Plants Actually Tacky?
Let’s start with the biggie—are faux plants a design faux pas?
We’ve all seen the tragic ones: plastic ferns collecting dust in office corners, leaves that scream “I came from the clearance bin,” and installations so obviously fake they make you question the choices that led there.
But not all artificial plants are created equal. The secret? Three simple ingredients:
Quality: A high-end faux plant can fool even the most eagle-eyed plant lover.
Placement: Where and how you position it matters more than you’d think.
Context: Pair it with the right planters and accessories, and suddenly, it works.
When done right, artificial greenery can actually elevate a space. Case in point: Octopus Energy’s cafeteria, where top-tier faux plants bring in a lush, lively vibe without any watering cans in sight.
Do Fake Plants Boost Wellbeing?
This one surprises a lot of people—yes, even fake plants can make us feel good.
There’s real research on this. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology showed that while live plants have the strongest positive impact on mood and stress, artificial ones still helped. Not as much, but enough to make a difference.
Another study by Holly Geraci explored how real vs. fake plants influence our focus. The findings weren’t statistically groundbreaking, but they hinted at the same idea: greenery—real or not—makes our brains happy.
Environmental Concerns: A Legit Criticism?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Most artificial plants are made from plastics, some of which aren’t recyclable (like PVC). Others, like polyethylene (PE), are a bit more planet-friendly and can be downcycled.
They do have one eco-upside: zero maintenance. No water, no fertilizers, no weekly visits from a gardener. That can cut down on transportation and resources—especially in hybrid setups where live and artificial are mixed.
Still, it’s fair to say that, overall, real plants are kinder to the environment. That’s why there’s a growing push to find more sustainable materials for artificial greenery.
Fire Safety: An Unexpected Advantage
Here’s something you may not have considered—fire safety. Many artificial plants can be made fire-rated, which makes them ideal for commercial spaces where safety codes are strict.
Live plants? Not so straightforward. Preserved plants? Definitely not fire-safe. Faux greenery with the right certification can be a smart (and safe) design choice.
Cost: Is Fake Cheaper in the Long Run?
Artificial plants aren’t cheap upfront. But they also don’t need water, pruning, fertilizers, or that one team member who always forgets to water the office ficus.
That said, live plants offer intangible benefits like better air quality and happier workspaces—things that are tough to quantify but undeniably valuable.
Also, faux plants aren’t forever. The lower-quality ones fade, crack, or start looking tired after a while. Premium ones can last for years, making them a solid long-term investment if you’re going for durability.
Where Faux Plants Shine Bright
Their biggest superpower? They thrive in places where real plants simply can’t.
Think dim corridors, enclosed offices, retail shelves, or that quirky high-up planter you can’t reach without a ladder. No sunlight? No watering access? No problem. Artificial plants stay fresh and vibrant no matter the conditions.
So, Are They Worth It?
Artificial plants aren’t the enemy of good design. Sure, they have limitations—especially around sustainability—but they also solve real problems in tricky spaces. With the right quality and styling, they can add life and warmth where live plants just won’t survive.
Sometimes, the best greenery is the one that works for you.