9 Fabulous Fakes
While it’s easier than ever to buy live plants online, sometimes, despite our best intentions, those live plants become, well, dead plants. Artificial plants — fake plants, silk plants, faux foliage, or whatever you want to call them — offer a simple solution. They’ll never outgrow their pots, the leaves will never droop down and turn yellow, and there’s no need to worry about watering or fertilizing. They’re also pet-safe and child-safe.
Like any living plant, artificial plants can work wonders for any décor situation, and we doubt that anyone will know the difference once they’re displayed on a nice plant stand.
If you’ve got even a slightly black thumb, consider artificial options for these popular houseplants – all of the impact with none of the headache.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
This wildly trendy indoor plant is actually pretty tricky to keep healthy. It’s very picky and prefers just the right amount of sun — too much exposure will brown its leaves, but too little will stunt its growth.
2. Gardenia
Gardenias boast lovely white blooms and a heavenly scent. They’re also pretty finicky when it comes to temperature. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, these houseplants need to be kept far away from heating vents or radiators, as too much hot air can kill gardenias. They also prefer plenty of light and are prone to infestations of aphids and other pests.
3. Boston Fern
These guys don’t fare well in direct sunlight. Instead, they prefer filtered or indirect light. It’s also crucial to keep their soil nice and moist as these plants can quickly wither if their root ball is allowed to dry out. Boston ferns might also struggle in a home that’s frequently chilly since they prefer year-round temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Miniature Roses
Most mini roses will bloom indoors for a week or two, but there’s a chance they won’t bloom at all if they don’t get enough light. Roses need to be planted outdoors to get the sun and other growing conditions they need for the long run. Their soil also needs to be kept damp (but not sodden) in a pot with good drainage. The plants are also prone to getting black spots on their leaves if water droplets fall on them.
5. Orchids
Although they’re popular houseplants, many indoor gardeners fail to keep up with Orchid’s strict watering schedule and specific light needs. It’s also important to know what variety of orchid you have, as different types have slightly different watering and light needs.
6. Croton
These plants depend on bright light to develop their signature bright colors, so they should be kept near a sunny window. If they’re placed in a dark corner, their foliage might become dull and turn dark green. Croton plants also hate to be moved, which can send them into shock and cause them to drop their leaves.
7. Banana Plant
You should be prepared to provide your banana plant with about 12 hours of light each day — As we live in a northern climate with short days, that might mean investing in a grow lamp. You’ll also need to feed this fellow with a fertilizer mixture every month and keep its growing environment moist and warm.
8. Peacock Plant
Peacock plants need to be kept humid and warm; misting the leaves regularly is a must. These plants should be kept in low light to prevent dulling its bright foliage. You’ll also need to use distilled or rainwater to water your peacock plant, as the fluoride added to tap water in many places can damage its leaves.
9. Zebra Plant
These striking plants like to be kept at a toasty 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. You’ll also need to supply this plant with a source of moisture as they thrive in 60% to 70% humidity. The soil around zebra plants should always be slightly damp, so be prepared for a fair amount of plant sitting.