Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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When Should
You Buy Fake Plants over Real Ones?
Shireeza Langston
In
interior design, faux plants sprout discussions among enthusiasts and homeowners
alike. But although there’s always noise around these creations, there hasn’t
been a conclusion about whether they’re better than real plants.
The
positive aspects of natural greenery are undeniable, but faux foliage has gained
substantial ground in recent years.
So,
should you opt for faux plants instead of real ones?
Let’s talk about it.
Should You Decorate with Fake
or Real Plants?
Unfortunately, we’re not here to solve this dilemma and tell you what you should
do. Like most things, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In
many ways, there is no superior option because both have their merits and appeal
to certain lifestyles. Ultimately, the choice hinges on what you value most in
your home decor and how much free time you can dedicate to maintenance.
Real plants bring an authentic connection to nature with seasonal changes and
subtle imperfections. On the other hand, faux plants bring convenience and a
polished appearance regardless of the time of year.
When Should You Go Faux?
If
you’ve never bought faux plants before, we can help you decide whether they’re
right for you. The best way to do this is by looking at different aspects of
your life.
Although your choice between real and artificial is a matter of personal taste,
your lifestyle will play a big part in your decision.
So,
you should go faux if:
You’re Busy
When you’re chronically strapped for time and the world seems to spin faster
each day, low-maintenance decor becomes more attractive. If you have a hectic
schedule and limited time for plant care, fake plants would be the perfect
option.
While you may love the appearance of real plants, you must contend that they can
become a pain to look after. You need to water them consistently and keep track
of a watering schedule. Besides that, you may also need to prune and trim them.
On
the other hand, with faux foliage, you can have
an evergreen plant that mimics natural growth with less than a few minutes
of maintenance a month. Choosing faux will preserve your precious time and
ensure your home remains green and beautiful.
You Have Pets
If
you have furry friends in the family, you’ll know how much mischief they can get
up to when you’re not looking. Unfortunately, many houseplants can be a threat
to your pet. Many common indoor plants are toxic to pets, so curious nibbling
and chewing can lead to unwanted trips to the vet.
Fake plants are a good solution for pet owners who seek a safe option as a
compromise. By opting for artificial greenery, you can create a pet-friendly
environment without sacrificing aesthetics. And if your pet gets into the leaves
again, you won’t have to worry about them vomiting or falling ill.
You’re On a Budget
Real foliage is stunning. But buying more than a few houseplants for your home
may burn a hole in your wallet. Real plants can often be costly because you’re
not just paying for the plant itself. Instead, you're paying for ongoing
expenses like soil, fertilizer, pruning and watering equipment, etc.
So,
if you want to tighten your purse strings, artificial greenery may be your way
out - an economical yet satisfying alternative. Once purchased, fauxliege
requires no extra investment. In turn, this makes it a
budget-friendly choice for improving your decor and staying within your
means.
You’ve Got Allergies
While real plants contribute to improved indoor air quality (albeit not as much
as you’d think), they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers. Pollen
and mold from live plants can trigger discomfort, sneezing, and coughing for
sensitive people.
On
the other hand, fake plants are hypoallergenic, i.e. they don’t aggravate
allergies and don’t release pollen. Besides this, fauxliege doesn’t attract bugs
and critters, either, so you won’t have to worry about insects or bacteria
flying around in your home.
You Lack Natural Light
Sadly, ample natural light can’t be front and center in every home. In some
homes, you may lack the brightness live plants demand. So, if you chuck your
live plant in a dimly lit corner and expect it to thrive, you might be
disappointed, to say the least.
But, if you decide to go the artificial route, your faux plants won’t rely on
sunlight for survival. This means you can prop it up anywhere without the
environment affecting it. Even if you get
a
fake green wall panel, you won’t be bound by location, light, or
temperature.
In
situations like these, going faux can bring brightness into the darkest corners.
And who wouldn’t want that?
Conclusion
All
in all, your choice should reflect your lifestyle and your individual
preferences. In situations like these, you shouldn’t succumb to peer pressure.
Take a long, rounded look at various aspects of your life and try to determine
whether you really have time to commit to new obligations. If any of the points
in this blog resonated with you, maybe you’d be better off with a fake plant.
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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