No interior décor is complete without a little lush greenery and or a few bright flowers; these subtle touches make the difference between a house and a home. Unfortunately, indoor plants require regular maintenance to look their best, including watering, fertilizing, trimming, and repotting. In addition, there are certain circumstances where living plants simply will not work, such as in rooms that receive little natural light, or with homeowners who travel too frequently to maintain a regular watering schedule. More difficult still are fresh flower arrangements, which look beautiful for the first few days, but a short time later are wilted, brown, and sitting in foul-smelling water. Artificial plants are a simple solution to work around these problems, providing the beauty of natural plants with much lower maintenance.
The most natural-looking artificial plants are generally made out of silk or a similar material, but these can be more expensive. Plastic plants are inexpensive and offer greater durability, and are most suitable for plants that are less accessible, such as up on a high shelf or cabinet.
Although artificial plants require little maintenance, there are a few steps you can take to keep them looking their best. Wide leaves and flowers will eventually collect dust, so wiping them off with a damp cloth will keep them bright and fresh. You can extend the life of an artificial arrangement by protecting it from direct sunlight, which will fade the colors with time. Otherwise, you can spend your time enjoying your beautiful arrangements, rather than making trip after trip with the watering can.
Keep a stash of seasonal flowers and foliage to interchange periodically to keep your long-lasting arrangements looking updated and unique. Daffodils and pussy willows in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, squashes and berries in the fall, and holly leaves or pine in the winter give your home a festive seasonal glow, and can be reused year after year, which saves you money. So rather than investing time and money in live plants, simplify your life with beautiful artificial plants.