Are Artificial Plants Toxic?

The artificial plant market is booming.

According to new research, it’s projected to grow to $1.51 billion by 2032, thanks to the growing demand and advancements in design and technology.

But with so many new shoppers jumping on the trend, few fully understand the products they’re purchasing. Nowadays, it seems excitement leads buying decisions and many don’t pause to ask critical questions and seek proof of claims.

Misinformation about faux plants is rampant, and awareness of the materials used is frustratingly low. Many consumers don’t realize some products might contain harmful materials - and knowing how to pick safe, high-quality options isn’t always easy.

This blog will help clear things up.

We’ll break down the safety concerns, show you how to spot non-toxic artificial plants, and share tips to guide you toward smarter, safer choices for your space.

So, are artificial plants toxic?

Let’s find out.

Are Fake Plants Toxic?

They can be, especially if they’re suspiciously cheap.

While it might initially delight you to see a 1-figure price on the artificial flower at the department store, it may come at a cost to your health.

Unfortunately, many people assume artificial plants are automatically safe because they believe regulations prevent toxic materials in products. Although this should be the case, in reality, it isn’t.

Consumer awareness of potential toxic risks is low, and many don’t realize that their nice little faux plant may contain chemicals like lead. Besides this, we’ve seen our fair share of misconceptions that all UV-resistant claims are equal, yet some coatings contain dangerous substances and simply don’t work.

But there’s still hope for artificial plant parents - not all faux plants are harmful.

Reputable manufacturers ensure the products are safe and contain exclusively non-toxic materials. These claims aren’t just lip service, they’re certified by independent organizations to meet strict safety standards.

What’s Toxic in Artificial Plants?

Cheap artificial plants come with unregulated materials that can’t be traced.

Unfortunately, many artificial plants contain hazardous chemicals our team has deemed “The Toxic Ten.” This malignant lineup includes:

• Lead (Pb)

• Cadmium (Cd)

• Mercury (Hg)

• Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)

• Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

• Bis(2-Ethyllexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

If these chemicals are too difficult to read, we’re right behind you. Turns out, they’re difficult to breathe in, as well, according to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS).

This initiative was created to limit the amount of hazardous chemicals in goods, which led to the birth of this list of banned substances. Many of these compounds were used for color stabilization at first, until authoritative bodies discovered they pose significant health risks, including birth defects and respiratory issues.

Following this discovery, many companies ceased their use, but not all.

Besides the Toxic Ten, sub-standard artificial plants also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are released as off-gassing when low-quality plastics heat up, which produces strong odors and potentially toxic fumes.

Our founder, David Eden, an outspoken advocate for compliance, has a good rule of thumb for recognizing whether you’re exposed to a low-quality product:

“If you can smell it, you’re breathing it in - every breath could contain toxic chemicals from cheap plastics.”

If the manufacturer or supplier isn’t compliant with RoHS, the products they sell may emit toxins that slowly but surely harm your health.

What are cheap artificial plants missing?

If you want non-toxic artificial plants, a low price shouldn’t be your priority.

Cheaper faux plants often come from unregulated suppliers and are typically missing several essential safety features. Since these suppliers and/or manufacturers don’t have the costs of testing and chasing certifications, their product prices are lower.

The lack of compliance may also mean these artificial plants degrade quickly, lose their color and shape, and pose a health risk.

A cheap artificial plant won’t have the following:

• SGS testing that assesses product safety.
  

• RoHS certificate that ensures the Toxic Ten isn’t present

• ISO certificate that guarantees the products meet standards for quality.

• REACH compliance that ensures the products are safe for the environment.

This disregard for compliance means that nobody will admit culpability if your products damage your health.

For a better overview, we’ve created a table highlighting the differences between cheap and higher-quality, non-toxic artificial plants that comply with standards:

How to Choose a High-Quality Artificial Plant?

Now that you understand the gravity of being misinformed about toxic artificial plants, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can determine whether a product meets the criteria and is safe for you and your family.

Before you buy your artificial plant, pay attention to the:

• Price: Lower-cost plants often sacrifice quality and safety. If a faux plant is suspiciously cheap, there’s likely a good reason for that. A high-quality, non-toxic artificial plant will cost more upfront because testing and certification costs are factored into the price, but it will pay off dividends in the long run.

• Material: Look for durable, UV-resistant materials like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyester. Ask the supplier for proof of the greenery’s UV resistance to determine whether the products have been exposed to the sun for prolonged periods.

• Certificates: Check if the manufacturer/supplier meets safety and quality standards during their processes. The certificates should be available to view on their website, but we recommend asking for proof over email. To ensure the products are safe and compliant, look for the following certifications:

• RoHS

• SGS

• REACH

• ISO

• Warranties: Suppliers that believe in the quality of their products offer warranties. For example, Designer Plants has a 5-year warranty on products that covers damage by no fault of the consumer. If your chosen manufacturer doesn’t provide guarantees of longevity, look elsewhere - if they don’t trust their own products, why should you?

To help you out with your decision, use our handy checklist to verify if you’re looking at a non-toxic, good-quality artificial plant.

Finishing Thoughts

To wrap it up, we’ll reiterate that the toxicity of artificial plants is multi-layered and doesn’t just imply that a product contains harmful substances.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to read and understand the intricacies of artificial plant production and select plants that comply with safety standards, even in unregulated markets.

Not all artificial plants are created equal, and it’s up to you to make the right choice and educate others.

For more frequent tips and insights on choosing the best artificial plants, follow our Instagram page or contact our team for bespoke advice tailored to your needs.

FAQ

Are fake plants toxic?

Cheap fake plants may be toxic and contain many banned substances that can be damaging to a person’s health. But, if you prioritize buying high-quality artificial plants with certifications, you won’t have to worry about toxicity.

Are artificial plants dangerous?

Artificial plants aren’t dangerous by themselves, although cheap options from dodgy suppliers can be laden with toxic chemicals. If you purchase your artificial greenery from reputable and transparent manufacturers/suppliers, your products won’t be dangerous for your health.

Are artificial plants toxic to cats?

High-quality artificial plants aren’t toxic to cats. Since they’re made of plastic, the products should just go right through your cat. Yet, you should ensure your cats don’t nibble on any artificial greenery, as it can still be a choking hazard.

Are artificial plants toxic to dogs?

Good artificial plants from transparent suppliers aren’t toxic to dogs. While you should still make sure your dog doesn’t ingest parts of your artificial plant, the plastics won’t be harmful.

Do fake plants smell?

High-quality artificial plants should not have a strong smell. However, some cheaper alternatives or those made from low-quality plastics may emit an odor, especially if they’ve been stored for a long time. The best course of action is to ensure your faux plants come from reputable manufacturers that use non-toxic materials that prevent VOCs.

Are fake plants harmful?

Fake plants themselves are generally not harmful, but the materials used in low-quality artificial plants may pose risks. Some cheap fake plants may contain harmful chemicals like lead or cadmium, emit unpleasant odors, or constitute fire hazards when placed near heat sources. To minimize these risks, choose certified non-toxic artificial plants that meet safety standards.