Artificial Succulents That Take Home Décor to Another Level

One of the biggest trends that dominated the world of architecture in the past years is creating spaces that seamlessly transitioned indoor and outdoor living areas. They incorporated style elements that make home living boundlessly. Another trend that’s in line with this outdoor-indoor living arrangement is the use of plants as ornaments inside the house. Traditionally, these plants find their way in the garden and other outdoor spaces, but recently, people prefer them inside their residences. 

Some prefer live plants that give oxygen and sniff off carbon dioxide; others simply want pretty plants that could upgrade their homes’ aesthetics. And while some have all the time in the world, others don’t want to be bothered by constant maintenance. With the plethora of plants available for homeowners, finding one that ticks all the functionality and aesthetic checklist can be quite tricky. 

Why is it hard to find the perfect plant for your home? Well, for one, plants have different uses and meanings. Some varieties are said to be lucky for the homeowners, while others have therapeutic effects. Others also look insanely pleasant when mixed and matched with your interior design, furniture, and fixtures. With all these benefits, you might just want every kind of beneficial plant in your home. This is where the confusion and indecision starts. You want all the benefits, yet you can’t just put them inside your home without regard to space, motif, and floor plan. 

Another issue that comes to mind aside from plant choice is the necessity of maintenance. When you bring live plants in, you might need to set up a skyline, place the plant near the window, or manually bring them outside every day to let them catch some sunlight. Aside from that, your house can get wet and messy when you need to water your plants. All these require effort, and if you’re always on your feet, you might find it hard to keep up with the demands.

This now begs the question, how can you achieve the aesthetics and other benefits of a specific plant without the hassle and limitation of daily maintenance and particular care needs? That’s easy! Get yourself an artificial plant to satisfy your appetite for class, beauty, and home transformations. And when you talk about plant decors, succulents would be on top of the list. 

This plant class is meant to be decorated with its pretty colors, fantastic shapes, and perfect sizes. It doesn’t matter if you want them in green, yellow, pink, pastel, or rainbow colors; you can find the perfect succulent that fits your needs. Plus, they also look so real that you won’t ever dare to think that they’re plastic. 

To help you get to know more about artificial succulents and how they could beautify and upgrade your homes, read on and find out. 

What Are Artificial Succulents

Though real succulents also don’t need much maintenance, there will come a time that these living versions can be neglected because no one takes care of them or one has no time to look after them. So, to keep at least one worry off your list might as well go for replica, no-maintenance versions of the same plant. 

Also known as faux or replica succulents, these are non-living copies of real succulents. They’re usually made of such materials as plastic, air dry clay, polymer clay, melted soda plastic bottles, and so on. They replace real succulents since they offer various benefits to each home or space they occupy. Aside from the fact that they need little to no maintenance, replica succulents are also great for darker home areas, office spaces, and places that are not reached easily by natural daylight. As you know, real ones won’t thrive in these environments, so the artificial ones are the most logical and viable choice. Because these plants don’t need special maintenance except for regular, standard cleaning, you can put them in any part of your house. 

Benefits of Artificial Succulents

There are plenty of benefits to the use of artificial succulents. If you’re not sold out on the wonders of this plant, go over the advantages we listed below to help you make up your mind. 

Low to Zero Maintenance Needed 

Unlike their real counterparts, faux succulents don’t need trimming, deadheading, weeding, or watering. To keep them in new and shiny condition, all you need to do is dust them off occasionally. This benefit is much appreciated in freezing or hot environments and workplaces. If you aren’t gifted with a green thumb, you can get away and enjoy a lush green living and working space with these faux succulents. 

Easy Cleaning 

Besides regular maintenance, dusty live plants can be quite challenging to clean, considering their sensitive nature. You need to wipe down every leaf gently to keep them from being damaged. This isn’t the case with artificial plants. They are less time consuming to take care of because they’re less fragile. You won’t have to worry about the possibility of killing them when you’re less than careful the last time you cleaned them. 

Creative Design

Since there’s no limitation on the color, size, shape, and other plant details, you can get whatever you want. If you wish to have a rainbow-colored succulent, or a pastel one, no one’s stopping you from getting it. And even if you want one that isn’t available in live form, you can still pursue what you want by commissioning someone to make it according to your specifications. With your imagination as the only limitation, nothing stops you from experimenting with the colors, sizes, and shapes of the succulents you place in your room. And if you want a specific kind of succulent that would complement or enhance the aesthetics in your room, you can also order one that fits your place perfectly. 

Flexibility 

As mentioned above, when you let live plants inside your room, you need to make sure that they get ample lighting, enough watering, and substantial airflow to keep them alive. This means that your plant placement gets limited by these conditions. This further means that you might want greens in your basement or bathroom, but you can’t since they would die without sunlight. This won’t happen with replica succulents since they would pretty much stay in the same condition despite deciding to put them in. You are at liberty to determine which part of the room they would look their best. 

Waiting Time

Another advantage of using faux succulents than living ones is you don’t have to wait until they’re in full bloom before decorating them in your room. If you want a lush green space now, you can simply buy green replica succulents and fill your room with them. You don’t have to wait for the plants to grow since you can get them now and start decorating. 

Resilience and Resistance

The good thing with artificial succulents and artificial plants, in general, is that they can withstand critters and other harmful elements. You don’t have to deal with fungi, aphids, and other ailments pestering real plants. Aside from that, your pets won’t dare eat or uproot them. They are also safe since they won’t be introducing harmful or foreign pets into this new environment you placed them into. They also don’t attract certain kinds of bugs, especially the types that are harmful to humans. 

Quality 

Thanks to technology and high-end materials, today’s replica plants like artificial succulents look incredibly real that it could fool even those with the most critical eyes. Aside from that, they are also UV protected, leading them to last through the years even if exposed to weathering and direct sunlight. 

Safety 

Artificial succulents can first be treated with fire retardants to keep them from catching and spreading fire. With this, you don’t have to worry about fire hazards at home. 

Price

Plastic, silk, or clay versions of artificial succulents are often indistinguishable from real, live succulents, and they can last even longer with low maintenance. Since you don’t have to replace them every time they die or get damaged, and you also don’t have to spend money on keeping them, they’re more cost-efficient than real ones. 

Hypoallergenic 

Some people are allergic to plant pollens, so bringing in live plants might cause them severe discomfort. Plus, real succulents can get moldy when overwatered, creating another possible source of allergens. It’s okay if your allergy starts and ends with a simple itch in the throat. However, most allergies even result in an annoying and persistent cough and asphyxiation. So, to enjoy having a lush green garden in your home without suffering from allergies, go for artificial succulents instead. 

How Do Artificial Succulents Work

Creators of faux succulents have taken their creativity to the next level as they use a combination of real silk and plastics to recreate the entire succulent plant. They use the former as flowers and the latter as stems. With these materials in use, it’s easy for them to recreate a version of succulents near the real thing in appearance and feel. 

We perfectly matched texture, and color used to be a stumbling block for people who create succulents; the modern-day methods they discovered helped them truly nail the replication process. Now, it’s hard to distinguish a fresh one from its plastic variant. 

The exciting news is that you’re no longer constrained to stick to limited choices as there is a wide array of artificial succulent selections available in the market. Whether you’re aiming for the classic vintage vibe or the modern, dainty look, these succulents are the best additions to your home spaces. You can also just get a ready-made one that’s been set up in pretty bowls and pots.

So, how do you know what kind of succulent works best in the space you’re designing? Well, it depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. It’s your space, so it’s your call as to how you want to decorate it. However, if you’re unsure about these design and styling elements, go back to this cardinal rule — if it looks pretty and gives a nice vibe, goes for it. You don’t have to worry about other special considerations since these plants are hassle-free to move and decorate. 

If you want an outstanding centerpiece or a bold plant as a backdrop, you can use a Pachyphytum and star cacti on a barrow grass base. If you’re going for a clean, minimalist look, go for potted succulents in differing sizes. The good thing about succulents, in general, is that even those with the most subtle colors can add an extra dimension to any of your displays. On top of that, since they’re usually low-lying, you can accentuate the shorter varieties to make the taller varieties stand out. 

Pros and Cons of Artificial Succulents

There may be plenty of benefits in opting for the artificial versions of these real succulents, but we couldn’t deny that there are also disadvantages. So, to help you decide in a more level-headed manner, let’s explore both sides of the coin. 

Pros 

Affordable and Low-Maintenance Indoor Plant

Real succulents need to be watered at the roots. This isn’t the case with replica ones. Since they don’t need watering, they can thrive in dry and warm indoor climates. With this, you don’t have to worry about overwatering and overexposure to sunlight. Live succulents are sensitive to these things, most especially with too much watering. And since people are prone to overestimate how much water these plants tend, they end up soaking or depriving it with water. 

Allergy-Free Environment

Since real succulents are sensitive to overwatering, they often end up moldy and soggy when they retain too much fluid. And as we all know, molds can get in the air and cause allergic reactions to sensitive If. This won’t be the case if you go for artificial succulents. Since they’re made of clay, plastic, and silk, they don’t need watering; hence, they wouldn’t cause molding. 

You Don’t Have to Worry About the Plants’ Aesthetics

They would remain to look shiny and new even after years of being decorated and even if you don’t exert effort to maintain it. This isn’t true with real succulents as small neglect as overwatering them could lead to shriveled, yellowed, limp, mushy, and soft leaves. This takes away its natural beauty while also reducing the environmental benefits one ought to enjoy from plants. 

No Issues Withering and Constant Repotting

Since artificial succulents don’t need regular maintenance, you also don’t have to worry about seeing withering leaves because of neglect. Plus, since they’ll look exactly how you bought them, you don’t have to burden yourself with repotting them unless you see a pretty pot that would add to the room’s aesthetics. 

You Won’t Have to Worry About Them

While real succulents need a certain amount of sunlight to grow well, overexposure to it could also stunt their growth or cause them to die. If this happens, you might need to buy another one to replace the damaged plant. This wouldn’t be the case with artificial succulents. You don’t have to confuse yourself whether or not your succulent is getting just enough sunlight. You won’t also have to bother continually checking if they’re growing well. In other words, you’ll have peace of mind. 

You Can Put Them Anywhere

Real succulents are also sensitive to any kind of environmental changes, so expect the possibility that they react poorly when they’re repotted or relocated. This will be so much of a hassle if you couldn’t give the redesigning of home fixtures a rest. On the other hand, if you use faux succulents, it wouldn’t matter if you move and relocate your plants a couple of times a day. They’ll be perfect as before. 

Keep the Consistency of Their Colors

You can find the most beautifully hued replica succulents in different sizes and shapes, and you can guarantee that they will have the exact pattern and color you expect. This isn’t the case with real ones since you’ll have to tend to them for them to bloom; how they’ll end up when they’re fully matured will largely depend on how well you groomed them. If you’re not gifted with a green thumb, then achieving your desired succulent look would most likely remain a distant dream. 

Cons

You Won’t Have the Feeling of Growing Your Succulent

One of the downsides of owning a replica succulent instead of the real one is you won’t have the opportunity to tend to your plant, groom it to thrive, and experience the thrill of growing your own. Gardening is for people who particularly enjoy growing something with their own hands, so if you’re looking for this challenge, artificial succulents aren’t for you. Instead of buying faux variants, try planting your own succulents. 

Can’t Improve Your Environment

Since live plants offer benefits like improving your focus, purifying your air, improving humidity, adding fresh oxygen, increasing pain tolerance, and enhancing your memory, you can’t expect to experience the same with artificial succulents. 

Signs That a Succulent Is Artificial

Faux succulents look precisely like the real thing that you might have a hard time differentiating them. To make your life easier, here are some common signs to know whether or not your succulent is artificial. 

Leaf Shape, Texture and Color

When it comes to leaf shape, you can tell that your succulent is faux if it’s perfect and consistent in form. Since it’s human-made, the maker is more likely inclined to create perfectly-shaped leaves for better appeal and aesthetics. In terms of texture, real succulents feel slightly rough on the surface. Artificial succulents, on the other hand, are soft since they are often made of silk. Lastly, in terms of color, artificial succulents tend to be rich and less translucent in color. Real ones tend to be light and more translucent in color. 

Soil Texture

A real succulent needs good-draining soil because they’re sensitive to water. Usually, you’ll need to use cactus soil and add volcanic rock, gravel, or sand to create better drainage. On the other hand, Faux succulents are good with any soil since they don’t require draining and watering. You can even use styrofoam if you want to make a faux succulent arrangement. They will make your life easier. 

Planter Styles

Real succulents work best with terracotta and ceramic pots because these are both breathable. Aside from that, these kinds of pots encourage proper ventilation and water drainage. This doesn’t need to be followed strictly with faux succulents. Since they don’t require watering, adequate air circulation, and a certain kind of soil, you can use any kind of pot or planter box you want to use. You can choose the best-looking pot for your most prized succulents. 

How to Pot an Artificial Succulent

Contrary to most people’s beliefs, repotting your succulents doesn’t have to be hard. It’s even easier for replicas. Here is a simple step-by-step guide in potting an artificial succulent:

Step 1 – Prepare your potting tools 

To repot your artificial succulent, you need four things — succulent, preserved moss, desert foam bricks, and planter or container. Make sure that all of these materials are ready before you start with your potting task.

Step 2 – Lay the base

For your base, start laying the desert foam, but don’t fill the planter with it. In the spaces in between the foams, insert the preserved moss for a better appeal.

Step 3 – Conceal the foam

Once the base is appropriately laid out, it’s time to use the extra preserved moss to cover the desert foam areas. Make sure to fill the additional spaces with moss for a more natural look.

Step 4 – Insert the succulents

Before you insert the succulents, make sure that each plant is stuck to a sturdy metal wire. You’ll need the metal wire’s sharpness to attach the same to the desert foam. Arrange according to your liking. 

 

How to Clean Artificial Succulent Using Showering Method

The only problem with artificial succulents is they can accumulate dust over time; that’s why you need to clean them occasionally. One of the easiest ways of cleaning succulents is by the showering method. Here’s how. 

Step 1 – Choose a cleaning spot with proper drainage

It’s best to clean all your succulents together to give everyone a polished look. So, take them all out of their shelves and bring them to a designated cleaning spot. Since you’ll be getting rid of the dust and other debris, make sure that these particles are appropriately drained when you clean your succulents.

Step 2 – Remove any debris from your succulents

You’ll need to take your succulents out of their pots. Make sure that you keep the desert foam in the pot as you take your plant out. Remove any debris in between the leaves.

Step 3 – Flush all dirt

It doesn’t matter if you’re cleaning your plant under the sink or outside with the use of a spray head. Just make sure that as you rinse the plant, you also get rid of all the filthy matter accumulated in the leaves and between the stems. Give it a final rinse before you take them out of the water.

Step 4 – Drain them properly

Before bringing your succulents back to their pot, make sure that it’s scorched and free from water. 

 

How to Clean Artificial Succulent Using Leaf-by-Leaf Method 

Another way of cleaning your artificial succulents is through the leaf-by-leaf method. Here’s how. 

Step 1 – Choose a cleaning spot that has proper drainage

It’s best to clean all your succulents together to give everyone a polished look. So, take them all out of their shelves and bring them to a designated cleaning spot. Since you’ll be getting rid of the dust and other debris, make sure that these particles are appropriately drained when you clean your succulents. 

Step 2 – Remove any debris from your succulent

You don’t need to take your succulents out of their pots. Just make sure to remove any debris in between the leaves. 

Step 3 – Clean each leaf with a damp cloth 

With the use of a soft, damp cloth, clean each leaf of the succulent. To ensure that you get rid of the dust and other filth on its leaves, repeat each leaf’s process two to three times. The goal here is to make every leaf as clean as possible. 

 

How to Clean Artificial Succulent Using Vinegar

This process is similar to the last one, except that you use vinegar instead of water. Here’s how. 

Step 1 – Bring out your succulents 

It’s best to clean all your succulents together to give everyone a polished look. So, take them all out of their shelves and bring them to a designated cleaning spot. 

Step 2 – Remove any debris from your succulent

You don’t need to take your succulents out of their pots. Just make sure to remove any debris in between the leaves. 

Step 3 – Clean each leaf with a damp cloth 

With the use of a soft, damp cloth that’s been dipped in vinegar, clean each leaf of the succulent. To ensure that you get rid of the dust and other filth on its leaves, repeat each leaf’s process two to three times. The goal here is to make every leaf as clean as possible. 

If you don’t want to go through each leaf, you can just spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto the plant. Just make sure to drain the plant before you return them to its pot. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to artificial succulents, spending more doesn’t mean more quality. Instead, it means more succulent plants to decorate your house with! There are plenty of low-priced artificial succulents available in the market that you don’t have to spend much to get an aesthetically pleasing one. Plus, you can even make your succulent arrangement for a more personalized touch. In this case, you only need to buy the materials and use your creativity to make the succulent you desire. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Artificial Succulents

Do’s

• Go for rare and unusual species of succulents for your home spaces. 
• Invest in the world’s best succulent ground cover. 
• Remember that cacti require unique care when growing succulents. 
• Use the artificial versions of the best flowering succulents in beautifying the dark and remote areas of your home. 
• Combine real and replica succulents in a single arrangement.
• Learn how to utilize homemade succulent soil for your arrangements. 

Don’ts

• Forget to clean your faux succulents.
• Neglect your replica succulents because they’re fake; you need to dust them off too. 
• Forget to give your succulents some TLC every once in a while. 

FAQ About Artificial Succulents

How do you make fake plants look good?

Arrangement and complementing your fake plant with the room’s motif and fixtures would upgrade your artificial plant’s aesthetics. Also, you could give it a facelift by repotting it in a vintage planter box. The pot you use could quickly improve your plant’s aesthetics.

How do you make cheap flowers look expensive?

You could try mixing and matching fake flowers with faux moss and other replica plants to give it a more upgraded look. Besides that, you can also arrange it to resemble the bouquets you see in the grand ballrooms of hotels and large banquets. Plus, you can also put them in a pretty and extravagant-looking vase. This simple retouch could immediately make any cheap fake flower look more elegant.

How do you make fake plants smell better?

The simple trick in making a fake plant or flower smell better is by applying lotion on it. To make the scent authentic, go for lotions that also have a flowery or fresh scent. Apply the cream to the plant or flower just like how you would apply it to yourself.

How do I keep dust off my artificial plants?

One of the best ways to keep dust off your plants is to keep them indoors. Besides that, you also have to limit indoor dust to keep them from transferring to your plant. This can be achieved by cleaning and dusting your furniture and fixtures every day. You can also use any of the cleaning methods we suggested above to keep your plant in good condition.

Can you put fake flowers in the dishwasher?

Some fake flowers can be cleaned using the dishwasher. However, just to be sure, check the plant’s colorfastness first to keep it from being damaged. The color of your plant might end up transferred to your dishwasher. Yes, there are plenty of faux succulents you can hang anywhere you want, but not all of them can be dumped inside the dishwasher!

Conclusion

Artificial succulents are not replacements for the real ones. And comparing one with the other doesn’t mean that they couldn’t co-exist in a single arrangement. This article is trying to point out that people who don’t have a green thumb and those who don’t have the time to grow and tend to their plants also have the right and option to enjoy a real plant’s advantages. 

When you’re looking for an ornamental plant that can match the motif of your home, yet you’re afraid to commit to taking care of it, you can go for faux succulents. They may not be just like the real thing, but they also didn’t lack benefits and advantages. 

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