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.

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. 

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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