If you are like me and don’t possess the talent, patience or interest required to grow real plants now is the time to embrace the fake! Like many things faux, plants have made a huge leap in their appearance. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that a living carbon dioxide releasing plant isn’t the pinnacle of a well-balanced home but there are many situations where a fake plant is the way to go.

If done well the faux can often look better than the real. Below are some tips for maximizing the look of faux plants.

• Try to mix some real in with the fake, it tends to elevate the look of the fake. A cluster of both makes it hard to determine one from the other.
• If you are using two of the same plant don’t put them too close together. The fake plants probably won’t vary enough in color or shape and the uniformity will be a dead giveaway.
• Don’t use colors that aren’t in nature. I realize you can get a multitude of colored hydrangeas and tulips but that doesn’t mean you should!
• Placing fake plants in some big chunky or unexpected containers will also elevate the look of a fake plant and can introduce a whimsical feel.
• Tropical plants which typically have large waxy leaves are easier to copy as are succulents and cacti.

There are also many benefits to using fake plants:

• You don’t have to worry about going out of town and coming home to dried up brown foliage.
• You can use fake plants in areas where there isn’t enough sunlight to keep real ones alive.
• If you have a black thumb you will probably save money in the long run as you won’t continue to replace and replace!
• Fake plants aren’t toxic to cats and dogs.
• You can place them in hard to reach areas and not have to worry about how you are going to water them. I’m not talking about above your kitchen cabinets! But, placed high on bookcases or built in niches fake plants can be a nice touch.
• A quick vacuum should take care of any dust build up.

At the end of the day, plants (weather real or fake) bring a softness to a space as well as texture, color and an element of life. Rooms can start to look like something is missing when there is no foliage. Be prepared, if you want fakes that will pass for the real deal be ready to pay the price. This is definitely an area where you get what you pay for.

I’ve included photos of several of the fake plants we have here at Turner Home but have just touched the surface. Stop by, we would love to show you the latest!