Overcoming Common Problems with Artificial Plants

Despite having moved far beyond their days of looking cheap and tacky, artificial plants have become a popular choice in Australia for those wanting to bring a touch of greenery indoors. However, they can still leave you with a few unexpected headaches if you aren’t aware of their quirks. 

You’d think that once you’ve gone faux, it’s all smooth sailing from there—no wilting, no watering, no fuss. But as anyone who has dipped their toes into the world of synthetic greenery will tell you, a new set of quirks can crop up, literally and figuratively. 

Yes, those stunning, hyper-realistic artificial hanging plants may not need sunlight, but they do come with their own set of surprises. Luckily, we’re here to tackle them head-on, so your faux jungle looks fabulous all year round. 

And if you want to keep your synthetic flora looking their best, these artificial plant care tips will ensure they maintain their charm and elegance without any unnecessary hassle.

Things That Are Not “One-Time” About Artificial Plants

Although it is a fair and valid point that with artificial plants, you bring them in once, and they stay the same… well, forever (or close enough), they’re not entirely maintenance-free. No plant—real or fake—just sits there like a saint.

Whether you’ve splashed out on an entire collection of faux greenery from Australia or a simple arrangement of artificial hanging plants, you’ve got to know that some TLC is still required.

Dust Magnet Alert: Ever notice how a flat surface in your home can somehow accumulate an entire layer of dust in what seems like seconds? Well, fake plants are no different. Their leaves, vines, and stems are basically VIP lounges for dust particles. And while you can ignore it for a while, a dusty plant is a sad plant—whether it’s plastic or not.

Sunlight Fading: Yes, you’ve dodged the need for natural light, but the sun is still out to mess with you. Even artificial plants, when exposed to UV rays for too long, can start to look a little… tired. The vibrant greens? Faded. The lifelike textures? Washed out. It’s like your plant went on an unplanned holiday and came back sunburnt.

Posing Problems: Ever see one of those perfectly staged homes with artificial plants draping beautifully over shelves or climbing just the right amount up a wall? And then you get yours home, and it flops over like it’s given up on life. Yep, positioning is an art, even with fake plants.

Common Problems with Artificial Plants That Are Neglected

Although there’s barely as much effort involved in caring for artificial plants as there is with real ones, neglecting their quirks can lead to some less-than-ideal situations. Here are the common pitfalls people run into when they think, “Oh, they’re fake. I don’t have to do anything!” Surprise, you actually do.

The “Too Perfect” Look: Real plants have this charming way of growing in all directions. One leaf might be bigger than the other, or a branch might curl unexpectedly. That’s the beauty of nature. But sometimes, artificial plants can look almost too symmetrical. If it looks like someone measured the angles on every leaf with a protractor, it’s going to give off serious fake vibes. You want realistic chaos, not geometrical precision.

Overcrowding Your Space: Yes, artificial plants look great, and sure, they never die. But there’s a difference between an urban jungle vibe and a plant-hoarding situation. Too many faux greens crammed into a small space can make it feel like you’re living inside a cardboard box filled with greenery. Remember, moderation is key.

Ignoring Colour Variations: Ever notice how real plants have all sorts of shades of green (and sometimes brown)? That’s because, like everything in life, nature is imperfect. But when you buy fake plants, there’s often a temptation to stick to one single tone. This results in a garden of identical greens, which can look more like a plastic toy set than a realistic setup.

Must-Know Artificial Plant Care Tips for Longevity 

Where there’s a problem, there’s a solution. And luckily for you, keeping your artificial plants in tip-top shape isn’t rocket science. It’s more like… house dusting 2.0, with a bit of strategic planning thrown in.

Dusting Like a Pro: Get yourself a soft microfibre cloth or a feather duster, and make it a habit to give your plants a quick once-over every couple of weeks. You don’t need to go full Cinderella, but trust me, a little dusting will keep those plants looking like they just stepped off a showroom floor. If you’ve let things go a bit (we all do), a damp cloth will do the trick. Just be gentle—scrubbing like you’re polishing a car isn’t necessary.

UV Spray for the Win: Sun damage is real, folks, even for fake plants. Grab yourself a UV protection spray—yes, they exist—and give your plants a quick mist every few months. This will help them retain their vibrant colour without that “I left these out in the sun too long” look.

Posing with Intent: If your artificial hanging plants are more flopping than fabulous, it might be time to get strategic. You can manipulate the leaves and branches to create a more natural, organic look. Don’t be afraid to bend or reposition them—after all, no one will know if your plant didn’t naturally grow into the perfect shape!

Cleaning the ‘Soil’: If your plant is potted in fake soil or rocks, these too can get a bit grimy over time. Give the base a gentle wipe-down now and then to keep things looking fresh. It’s a small touch, but it makes all the difference.

Variety is Key: Avoid the monotony of uniform colours by mixing up the shades of green and texture in your faux garden. You don’t want your space to look like a plastic forest—so opt for a variety of plants with different shades and tones for a more natural look.

How to Repurpose Old Artificial Plants

Got some old artificial plants that are just collecting dust? Instead of throwing them out, let’s turn those faux greens into something fabulous!

Creating a DIY wreath is a fun way to breathe new life into your old plants. Grab a basic wreath frame, and start gluing your artificial flowers and foliage onto it. It’s a great way to add a pop of colour to your front door and impress your neighbours while you’re at it.

Turning tired plants into chic centrepieces is another clever idea. Trim the stems to your desired height and place them in decorative vases or jars. Mixing and matching various textures can create an eclectic vibe. For an added touch, fill the jars with stones, sand, or even fairy lights to really make them shine.

Consider creating a faux hanging garden with those neglected hanging plants. Use a simple piece of wood or an old ladder as a base, and drape your hanging plants over it. This mini indoor garden can transform any wall or shelf into a lush, cascading effect, giving your space that vibrant touch without a hefty price tag.

Some Special Considerations

You are now well-versed in artificial plant care, but there are a few more things worth noting if you’re aiming for that “wow” factor without any facepalms.

Indoor vs Outdoor Faux Plants: Not all artificial plants are created equal. Some are specifically designed for outdoor use, while others are strictly indoor items. If you’re setting up a display outside, make sure you’re picking plants that can handle the elements (yes, there are some!). Indoor plants outside will quickly give up the ghost—faded, brittle, and generally unhappy-looking.

Seasonal Switch-Ups: Just because they’re fake doesn’t mean they can’t switch things up seasonally. You can change your artificial plants as you would with decor. Maybe add some autumn-coloured foliage during fall, or switch to bright, lush greens in spring. It keeps your space feeling fresh and exciting.

Pets and Artificial Plants: If you have a furry friend at home, be mindful of the material used in your artificial plants. Some pets might see them as new chew toys, so it’s good to double-check that your synthetic greens aren’t made of something harmful to your four-legged buddies.

Key Takeaways

You now know all the things you will need to keep your artificial plants looking their absolute best. It turns out that while they’re a low-maintenance alternative to real plants, they’re not entirely maintenance-free. It needs barely any attention, but with a little bit of effort, your artificial plant will add beauty and life to your space for years to come.

Another thing that would help over time and throughout will be the quality of your plant. And Designer Vertical Gardens is the place to go for artificial plants in Australia.

The artificial plants and the sheer variety you can find is unparalleled. You can find just and exactly what you want, without any compromise on quality.

And although you are meant to look after them a bit, having quality artificial plants does a whole lot of that work for you. Remember, a little care goes a long way—just like with your favourite houseplants, except these won't wilt on your vacation!