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A fuss-free way to enjoy greenery. led lit tree
Artificial plants are often a smarter choice for people who simply don't have the interest, knowledge or time to look after real plants. It's a fuss-free way to transform a bland corner (and brilliant for positioning in places where real plants just wouldn’t survive with too much or very little sunlight).
Artificial plants, also referred to as faux or fake plants, require zero care and they're an easy way to bring a sense of nature into your home, as well as helping to brighten your space.
Tracey Hague, director of Where Saints Go, agrees: ‘Artificial or faux plants can look fabulous if chosen wisely. In essence, anyone can look after an artificial plant as the care required is minimal.’
Looking after and cleaning artificial plants couldn’t be simpler (or quicker). ‘A gentle wipe down with a damp cloth from time to time will do the trick,’ says Connor Prestwood, interior design specialist at home decor brand Dowsing & Reynolds. ‘They are also hypoallergenic and non-toxic to children and pets (unlike some real plants), so you and your whole family can enjoy them for years.’
‘For tough stains on artificial plant leaves, you can use a half-water, half-vinegar solution,’ says Tracey. ‘Simply spray the solution on the affected plant, leave it to soak for 5-10 minutes, then wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth.’
The key is to opt for faux plants that avoid blocky colours or artificial-looking tones – this is vital to them looking realistic. 'Look for high-quality designs that include intricate detailing,' says Connor. This might be detailed leaf veins, realistic colours, even down to the detail on the stems, trunks and branches.’
Tracey adds: ‘It probably pays to spend a little more on an artificial plant, as not only will it look more realistic, it will probably be much better quality and last longer. Look for plants with different tones of greens and textures in the foliage. Blocks of solid green leaves on a faux plant tend to look very plastic and very unrealistic.’
You can be much more flexible with styling artificial plants than with real plants. Tracey says: ‘You can make artificial plants look more realistic by styling them with an on-trend plant pot and by adding pebbles or something similar to the pot. Some of the most realistic-looking faux plants on the market are monsteras and eucalyptus plants. So, if you are looking to buy now, maybe a coconut or exotic palm, bird of paradise, or an aloe vera or snake plant is the way to go.'
With a mass of leaves, this golden pothos will brighten any corner of your home. You don't even need to worry about putting it in a spot where it will get enough sunlight!
Tall and leafy, this faux plant is easily mistaken for the real deal. It's been potted with faux bedding, and can easily fit into a decorative planter.
Crafted with a realistic, soft-to-the-touch finish, this faux olive tree is a fuss-free version of the real thing. We love the addition of a textured ceramic pot.
This baby trailing plant is ideal for adding a pop of greenery to your shelves. Better still, it comes in a curved pot for an understated look.
Sat in a plastic woven pot, this artificial palm tree requires zero maintenance and is ready to be displayed as soon as it is bought. We love the addition of a woven basket.
The orchid-like anthurium will elevate a bland corner in an instant. With slender dark green leaves and pink flowers, it's the perfect choice for adding some colour to your interiors.
Admittedly, we love the decorative glazed pot as much as the plant here, but the combination makes for a lovely, maintenance-free display on your coffee table or sideboard.
If you're a cactus fan, look no further. This petite plant will look good indefinitely and even features realistic, prickly spikes.
This is so realistic you'll be tempted to reach out and touch – it's just the thing for brightening up empty corners and surfaces.
At 1.6m tall, this beautiful potted rubber plant adds an impressive focal point to any space in need of greenery. It's also realistic, with textured branches, deep green leaves and aerial roots.
Hanging plants draw the eye upwards and this artificial ivy is no different. Pair it with a macrame planter for a boho look.
If you don't want an artificial plant, choose stems instead for a pared-back look. We love these faux pittosporum leaves – and with white and green detailing they look unbelievably real.
Bright and bushy, add some character to your home with this impressive fern plant. Use it to fill an empty or dark corner.
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