You’ve wanted to get yourself a realistic artificial plant, but one thing’s holding you back - longevity.
How long do fake plants last? Is there anything you can do to keep them looking their best? Will you be replacing them every year? Every few months?
We know many questions are whirring in your mind before buying your first artificial plant.
But after decades of experience in the faux plant industry and exposure to thousands of faux plant blends - we’ve got the answers, and we’re sharing them bit by bit in our blog.
So, if you want to tell how long your fake plant will last, keep reading.
How Long Do Fake Plants Last?
We’ll have to disappoint you - there’s no one answer to this question, it depends on many factors.
Some well-manufactured, high-quality artificial plants can last up to 15 years with the proper care and conditions. Others, unfortunately, may give up on you in less than a year, regardless of the precautions you’ve taken.
How long (or short) your artificial plants last will depend on numerous factors, including but not limited to:
- The materials they’re made of
- Their (lack of) UV resistance
- The weather conditions
- The certifications
- Their placement
Luckily, you have some control over a few factors. As far as others go, you’ll need to research and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the fauxliege you’re considering.
The most crucial aspect to consider when assessing potential longevity is where you’re placing your artificial plants: inside or outside.
If you’re keeping your decor inside, it’s much more likely to “survive” for many years, even up to a decade or more. On the other hand, if you install it outdoors where the sun will beam down on it and it’s exposed to inclement weather, you should expect a shorter lifespan.
How long do artificial hedges and green walls last?
Just like any other artificial plant, faux hedges and vertical gardens can “live” for years. The faux green walls you’ve installed in your room will likely outlive those hanging outside by the pool, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor ones are doomed to a short life.
In essence, we expect fake hedges and green walls to last up to 15 years inside and up to 5 outside. Some of our products even have 4-year warranties that protect against discoloration, fading, and deterioration.
If you research properly and understand what you’re reading, you won’t be surprised by a sudden death of color and a loss of faux leaves.
If you’re buying green walls to use in your garden, take extra precautions and ensure the vertical gardens are UV-resistant, come with warranties, and withstand harsher weather conditions.
Of course, even the sturdiest faux plants (and even decor and furniture) may be worn down by severe weather events, so don’t expect unwavering permanence in all conditions. Yet, you should be sure that your artificial hedge can hold out for the brunt of it.
Do Artificial Plants Fade?
Some do, but not all.
Artificial plants fade when they don’t have UV resistance and have been staying in the sun for extended periods of time without any protection. Even if you buy from a reputable manufacturer but choose a faux plant that’s made for indoor use only, you may still face premature fading.
Still, there are ways to ensure your artificial plants don’t fade. In our experience, starting the process of protection early (before your faux plant shows any signs of fading) is the best way to guarantee longevity.
How to Make Fake Plants Last Longer?
So, let’s jump to the part where you hold the cards - what can you do to make your artificial plants last longer?
Ensure UV resistance
For outdoor-grade fauxliege, most manufacturers include built-in UV protection. This usually means the company adds special polymers resistant to UV radiation and enables the plastic to maintain its structural identity and vibrancy over extended periods under sunlight.
When talking about artificial plants, this means that the foliage includes chemical additives that absorb or reflect UV rays and protect the molecules in the plastic from degradation. In turn, this ensures your green walls stay green for longer.
If you notice that your outdoor artificial plants don’t have UV protection, grab a bespoke UV spray and coat the foliage from top to bottom. Re-apply the coating every month or so for the best results.
Ask for warranties
The best way to know if you’re dealing with reputable manufacturers is to see whether you can get a warranty with your purchase. Of course, depending on the type of faux plant you buy, you shouldn’t expect a warranty for every product, especially the smaller ones.
Still, you should request a warranty for a product with a steep price tag. If you shop at Designer Plants, you can ask to see the warranty for a few different faux green walls and hedges. If you can’t find it for a particular product, ask our team for confirmation about coverage.
If the company you’re eyeing doesn’t provide any coverage on any products, you’d be better off looking for another one.
Clean them regularly
Although artificial plants and green walls don’t require the same care and maintenance as real plants, you still need to dedicate some time to cleaning.
If you skip this step, the leaves will start gathering dust after a while. When a coat of dust forms atop your fauxliege, it will dull its shine, impede its realism, and simply look ugly.
Avoid this by keeping an eye on your artificial plant and giving it a thorough wipe-down if you notice dust particles settling on it. The cleaning process is not much different than real plants - you just need a damp microfiber cloth and 2-3 minutes of your time to wipe the leaves.
For a comprehensive step-by-step process, check out our artificial plant cleaning guide.
Move them around
UV-protected artificial plants do well under intense sun and heat, but there are still steps you can take to help them out. For example, if you have a freestanding artificial hedge or green wall, you have the freedom to move them around your yard.
While this isn’t necessary, by changing the location of your fauxliege, you’ll make sure they’re exposed to the sun from different angles. Down the line, this could mean that your vertical garden won’t have visible discoloration from one side being blasted by sunlight and the other staying hidden in the shade.
If you’ve installed a faux green wall on a permanent surface, you won’t be able to do this. Yet, you can still apply generous coats of your UV spray to protect it from unnecessary damage.
Finishing Thoughts
So, how long do fake plants last?
Since there are various types of artificial plants (along with many manufacturers with varying quality materials), it’s hard to tell exactly how long a product will last.
Still, if you follow our tips and ensure you get your fauxliege from a reputable manufacturer that offers warranties, you’ll have a decor to enjoy for upwards of a decade.
For specific questions about particular products, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help. And in the meantime, keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!