Some artificial plants have gotten a bad rap over the years - and for good reason. Too often, manufacturers cut corners during production to save a few bucks, leaving customers disappointed with products that don’t meet their expectations.
But, while such decisions are deplorable, not all fake plants are created equal, and not all manufacturers deserve the criticism.
Shopping online makes it tricky to judge quality, but we’ll try to make it easier. We want to help you spot the difference between high vs low-quality artificial plants, so you can make informed choices when selecting.
Ready to separate the best from the rest? Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Low-Quality Artificial Plant?
Low-quality, cheap artificial plants are everywhere, and sadly, they’ve set low expectations for what these products can and should be.
Luckily, low-quality plants can be easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Here are some key giveaways of poor-quality fake plants:
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Leaves with shiny, plastic-like surfaces that reflect light unnaturally
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Colors that are overly bright, uniform, or inconsistent
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Stems that are rigid, brittle, or too thick
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Sloppy assembly, with visible glue or uneven spacing between leaves and stems
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Lack of proper testing, leading to quick fading under sunlight
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The presence of toxic chemicals like lead or phthalates
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Emission of a distinct, plasticky odor that’s hard to ignore
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An unusually low price tag
There are many more aspects you can consider, and we’ve got them listed in our checklist so you can have them on hand when deciding.
What Makes a High-Quality Artificial Plant?
A high-quality artificial plant has a realistic appearance, uses durable materials, and is made with thoughtful craftsmanship.
Here’s what to look for in premium artificial greenery:
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Use of durable materials like LDPE, soft-touch plastics, or fabric blends
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Leaves that feature realistic veining, subtle color variations, and imperfections
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No plastic-like sheen and a more natural look
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Multiple rounds of certified testing processes
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UV-resistant treatments that protect against sun fading
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Fire retardant coatings for added safety
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Well-built stems and leaves that hold their shape over time
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No visible glue or gaps and securely attached to the grid or base
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A higher price tag that ensures a long-term investment
What to Look for When Buying Fake Plants?
Now that you understand the makings of a low and high-quality fake plant, let’s see how you can determine which is which. You need to consider:
The certificates
There’s not much standing in the way of a supplier claiming their artificial greenery is the best. After all, opinions are subjective, and sometimes, a cheap fake plant might just last longer than expected.
However, bold claims require verification, so you need to separate fact from fiction. The best way to do so is by looking for certificates from third-party organizations or international authorities.
For example, we’re certified by various organizations that allow us to promote our products as UV-resistant, non-toxic, and recyclable, including:
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RoHS: The Restriction of Hazardous Substances is a directive to reduce the use of harmful substances in products such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. It certifies that the manufacturer has contributed to the protection of human health.
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REACH: The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulates the production, import, and use of chemicals and ensures their responsible use in the manufacturing process.
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SGS: The SGS certification ensures products meet international standards, can be transported globally, and enter new markets while complying with international regulations.
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ISO: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent body tasked with setting standards for quality, safety, and environmental performance. It certifies that a manufacturer has adhered to rigorous standards during production.
If you want to learn more, we’ve explained each certificate and certifying body in detail.
The price
When it comes to quality, you can’t expect to find it at rock-bottom prices. The rule is simple: better quality comes with a higher price tag.
While this doesn’t mean you should burn through your savings just to get a decent artificial plant, it’s important to understand what’s factored in the price.
Cheap artificial plants are cheap because the manufacturer has likely skipped a few steps to save on production costs. Since their production is cheaper, they can justify charging lower prices because they haven’t invested in testing and certifying. Of course, this comes at the expense of durability, safety, and realism.
High-quality artificial plants, on the other hand, come with a higher price tag because they’ve undergone hours of testing for UV resistance (over 5000 in our case!), fire resistance, toxicity, and durability. These tests add to manufacturing expenses, reflecting a higher price tag.
The warranties
Warranties are a strong indicator of a high-quality plant - they show the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and craftsmanship. After all, if a seller doesn’t trust their own product, why should a buyer?
Cheap, low-quality artificial plants rarely come with warranties, as suppliers know the items are prone to fading, breaking, and deforming, which means they’d lose money by offering coverage.
Designer Plants, on the other hand, offers comprehensive coverage for our bestselling artificial green walls and hedges, with a warranty for up to 5 years of continuous use.
Most of the time, even though the warranty expires, the client continues to use the panel.
Samples
If you can’t justify buying an artificial plant online without ever seeing and feeling it, look for suppliers that offer samples.
At Designer Plants, you can order a sample of an artificial green wall for $10 or $15 and get a small panel to test. These samples are cut from real-size panels, contain the same materials, and have undergone the same testing process.
Once your sample arrives, you can place it where you want to decorate and observe it over time. That way, you can determine whether you like the versatility, the placement of the panel, and the material.
You can also feel the leaves and see whether the panel lives up to your expectations before buying. In any case, the best quality assurance is the one you do yourself.
Finishing Thoughts
Choosing between high and low-quality artificial plants often comes down to understanding what each entails.
Low-quality plants may be a budget-friendly option, but they often lack realism, durability, and longevity, which leads to disappointment and replacement costs over time.
In contrast, high-quality artificial plants have a lifelike appearance, long-lasting materials, warranties, and certificates from third parties that attest to their quality and reliability.
By paying attention to the details and asking the right questions, you’ll be able to confidently select the best fake plants to stand the test of time. If you have any questions or need advice about some of our products, contact our team and we’ll be on the case.
FAQ
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What is the best material for fake plants?
- The best material for fake plants is a high-quality, low-density durable plastic (polyethylene), such as LDPE. High-quality artificial plants are made of such plastics, leading to a longer “lifespan,” flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Plus, this material lends well to repeat recycling.
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What artificial plants will not fade in the sun?
UV-resistant artificial plants will not fade in the sun. UV resistance can either be built-in during manufacturing or can be added as a coat later on with a bespoke UV spray. If the artificial plant isn’t treated with UV protection, it will fade quickly.
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How long do fake plants last?
Cheap fake plants may last for as little as a few months. High-quality faux plants, however, can last anywhere from up to 5 years outdoors and 15 years indoors. If the fauxliege comes with a warranty, it’s much more likely to last longer.
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Why do fake plants smell so bad?
Some cheap fake plants smell bad because they contain chemicals that release toxins into the air, such as lead and cadmium. If there’s a strong smell emanating from the artificial plant, ask the supplier to show you a list of the materials used for manufacturing the product. An artificial plant of a higher caliber should not have any strong smell.