Not all artificial plants are created equal.
Unfortunately, this isn’t common knowledge. During our decades-long experience working in the artificial plant industry, we’ve realized that clients assume that all faux plants on the market are safe and suitable for residential use.
As sad as it is to say, this is not the case.
The artificial plant industry is not globally regulated. There are no must-follow rules and guidelines to manufacture, test, and sell artificial plants.
This results in suppliers shelling out cheap, low-quality artificial plants with a vague understanding of materials and processes. And that’s exactly why you should do your research before buying.
Below, we’ll tell you how to choose a family and pet-safe artificial plant, what to look out for, and how to ensure a supplier isn’t pulling the wool over your eyes.
Ready to get a few more tools in your research arsenal?
Let’s dig in.
How to Choose a Family and Pet-Safe Artificial Plant?
Buying a family and pet-safe artificial plant means getting a high-quality product that’s undergone rigorous testing and has the reports to prove it.
To ensure your family and pets are safe from harmful chemicals and can enjoy the beauty of your chosen artificial plants for years, you’ll need to consider the following:
Certifications
A high-quality artificial plant will have a detailed list of certifications earned based on testing and inspections. For example, at Designer Plants, we have various badges and certificates to ensure our artificial greenery is safe, durable, and high-quality, including:
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RoHS certificates that prove there are no harmful substances in the material
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REACH certificates that vet the compliance of our supply chain
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SGS certificates that ensure we meet the standards of quality and safety
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ISO certificates that cement our quality management systems
While there are no industry-standard certificates, suppliers can send samples to independent labs to have them tested and certified for various requirements.
Of course, we don’t just say we have these certificates and call it a day. Before purchasing, you can request the testing reports for our artificial green walls and ask us questions about the results.
If a supplier refuses to share reports or has no certifications to flaunt, stay away. This usually means they have something to hide, which could be detrimental to your household's health.
Warranties
Artificial plants are an investment, and even more so if you’re buying large faux green wall panels. Since the upfront cost of artificial plants is often higher than their real counterparts, you need to confirm your decor will stand the test of time.
The best way to do this is by looking for warranties covering the faux plant you’re looking to buy. Offering comprehensive warranty coverage reflects the supplier’s confidence in the artificial greenery and shows you they trust the quality of their product. If they avoid talking about longevity, it means they know the product will crumble.
At Designer Plants, we offer a 5-year fade and crack guarantee for our artificial green walls and faux hedges across the US. This warranty protects your investment and your rights to have home-safe decor.
Pictured: A sample DP warranty card.
Includes The Safe Six
A non-toxic, family—and pet-safe artificial plant contains materials and qualities included in The Safe Six, a collection of characteristics you should look for in fauxliege. This list comprises 6 qualities that denote a safe and premium artificial plant made to last for years.
Below, we’ll delve more into detail about The Safe Six and show you why they’re crucial for choosing a good artificial plant.
Free from The Toxic Ten
Opposite to The Safe Six is The Toxic Ten—our list of characteristics notable in toxic artificial plants unsuitable for families and pets. The Toxic Ten contains 10 materials and compounds a faux plant should not have, especially if used as residential decor for spaces frequented by children or pets.
Below, we’ll talk more about The Toxic Ten and how you can tell if an artificial plant is safe for you and your family before committing.
What is The Safe Six and Why Should You Care?
The Safe Six is a set of safety and quality standards our team at Designer Plants made up to easily identify a non-toxic, high-quality artificial plant. The Safe Six is not a set of nice-to-have features, but a set of essentials.
These are the 6 key factors our team considers crucial for ensuring that an artificial plant is non-toxic, safe for families and pets, and built to last:
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RoHS compliance: A RoHS certificate proves that the manufacturer and/or supplier adheres to strict regulations that hazardous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and others are not present in the tested product. This clarifies which products are safe for families and pets.
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Independent testing: All faux green walls should be lab-tested by ISO-certified facilities. This is how our team meets high standards of safety, strength, and UV resistance, so you can get a product you can trust for years. Since testing costs range from $15,000 to $20,000 per product, many sellers just don’t bother.
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Non-toxic stabilizers: Many artificial plants rely on toxic stabilizers to retain their color and resist UV damage. We take a different approach and always use non-toxic alternatives to get that long-lasting vibrancy without exposing you and your family to harmful chemicals.
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Low off-gassing: Cheap, untested artificial plants can release harmful fumes (known as VOCs) into your home. As our founder, David Eden, says: “If you can smell it, you’re breathing it in, and every breath could contain toxic chemicals.” It’s imperative to choose products that don’t emit harsh chemical smells, even in warm environments.
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Pet and child-safe materials: Most clients have children or pets (or both). That’s why an artificial plant should be 100% safe for the household and their pets. All materials should be transparently written and the product should be free from harmful additives.
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Durability and longevity: Low-quality artificial plants fade, crack, or deteriorate after just a few months outdoors. Our faux green walls are UV-tested for over 5,000 hours to prove they withstand the elements without losing their beauty. Whether you use them indoors or outdoors, your artificial plants should last for a few years.
What is The Toxic Ten and How to Avoid It?
Unlike The Safe Six, The Toxic Ten is a group of hazardous chemicals and materials commonly found in low-quality artificial plants. These substances are often hidden in the plastics, dyes, and stabilizers, and can release toxic fumes, cause irritation, and even lead to serious health problems.
Our team believes that over 95% of artificial plants found on the market today contain harmful toxins that can affect your air quality, pose risks to children and pets, and even contribute to long-term health issues.
While it costs significantly more to test and certify our fauxliege, we refuse to compromise on safety because sooner or later, clients will call the bluff. No matter how hard a supplier tries, they won’t be able to hide a cheap, toxic artificial plant.
Here’s what you must steer clear of when buying artificial plants:
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Lead: Cheap artificial plants use lead for color stabilization. While it facilitates production, lead is linked to severe health issues, including developmental delays, neurological damage, and organ toxicity. It’s highly toxic to children and pets.
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Mercury: Mass-produced artificial plants likely contain a higher degree of mercury, which is linked to birth defects and organ damage. Mercury is also highly toxic if ingested.
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Cadmium: A toxic heavy metal present in plastic-based artificial plants and used for coloring. Exposure to this chemical for extended periods may contribute to kidney disease, lung issues, and even cancer.
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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): VOCs are released as toxic gases when low-quality plastic heats up. This leads to the product releasing a compound that can irritate the respiratory system, cause headaches, and damage the liver and kidneys.
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Formaldehyde: A carcinogen used in adhesives and paints in low-cost, untested artificial plants. With prolonged exposure, it releases fumes that irritate the respiratory tract and the skin and can even increase cancer risks.
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BFRs (Brominated Flame Retardants): BFRs are common in cheap plastics and pose a risk during use and even after. They can linger in the home for years and disrupt hormonal and reproductive health.
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Phthalates: This chemical is used to soften plastics and make them more pliable, but research has linked it to increased allergies, hormone imbalances, and developmental issues in children.
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PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons): PAHs are found in cheap synthetic materials, particularly in poorly made plastics. These chemicals have been classified as potential carcinogens.
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BPA (Bisphenol A): Low-quality plastics are rife with BPA, which is used to harden the material into the desired shape. BPA can leach into the air and disrupt endocrine function.
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Chlorine Compounds: Toxic artificial plants often contain low-grade PVC, which releases harmful chlorine gases when degraded or exposed to heat.
Finishing Thoughts
When buying artificial plants, focus on making a safe choice.
Use The Toxic Ten set to understand the risks found in many artificial plants, but always opt for fauxliege that abides by The Safe Six and sets the standard for non-toxic greenery.
If you stumble upon a fake plant that looks divine, but the supplier isn’t transparent, credible, or can’t back up their claims, look elsewhere and always put your health first.
If you decide to buy from Designer Plants, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your products meet safety standards and provide you with beauty without hidden health risks.
Want to learn more? Browse our collection of artificial green walls and contact our team to get our reports, recommendations, and bespoke advice.
FAQ
Are artificial plants safe?
High-quality artificial plants from respectable manufacturers and suppliers with certifications are safe for indoor and outdoor use. However, cheap, low-quality faux plants may be harmful, especially if they contain The Toxic Ten.
Is it okay to have fake plants?
It’s okay to have fake plants if the ones you’ve chosen are of high quality and bought from a reputable supplier. If they’re cheap, they might release toxic chemicals into the air and harm you and your family’s health.
What are the side effects of artificial plants?
Cheap, non-tested artificial plants can contain many toxic chemicals or materials that cause many detrimental health issues. However, if you choose high-quality artificial plants free from The Toxic Ten, you won’t get any side effects - just faux greenery that stands the test of time.
Are fake plants toxic to humans?
Low-quality, cheap artificial plants can be toxic to humans and cause many health issues. However, premium artificial plants that are tested and certified are free from The Toxic Ten chemicals and don’t pose a risk to human health.