Top 7 Reasons Why Real Plants Always Outshine Artificial Greenery
Contrary to popular belief, artificial houseplants are not a new or modern invention. They actually date back to the ancient civilisations, where they were produced from silk and other textiles in Egypt and Rome. Artificial houseplants are still produced today, but are now made from harmful, non-biodegradable plastics that severely threaten our planet.
However, environmentalism isn’t the only reason to choose real houseplants over artificial ones. To understand more about the limitations and drawbacks of artificial plants, and all of the wonderful benefits of real ones, read on for our top seven reasons why artificial greenery will always be outshone by the real thing.
Furnishing your home with vibrant, living greenery is not only better for the environment but also your wellbeing
The Environment
No matter how convincingly realistic they look, artificial plants are made entirely from non-recyclable, non-bio-degradable, petroleum-based plastic, making them a significant threat to the environment and destined for landfill. These plastics are derived from fossil fuels which are non-renewable, environmentally destructive to extract, and contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The production of artificial houseplants directly contributes to this environmental destruction.
Additionally, due to humanity dramatically increasing its levels of waste production over recent years, we are rapidly running out of space for landfills. This has led to our oceans becoming filled with plastic and other harmful materials that will take hundreds of years to biodegrade, causing harm to marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and even posing a risk to human health.
When someone buys an artificial plant, they are directly contributing to the destruction of the planet. On the other hand, real plants are completely natural, stunning, and a far eco-friendlier way to furnish your home with vibrant and cheerful greenery.
Natural Beauty
Despite the investment made by various companies into the aesthetics of artificial plants, they will never match the beauty of the real thing. Artificial plants tend to be mass produced with unconvincing green hues, a flat texture and finish, and designs that sorely fail to emulate the natural variations and imperfections in true houseplants. Meanwhile, real plants display a rich variety of colours, shapes, and textures that change and grow over time, adding charm and dynamism to your space.
Air Purification
Whilst artificial plants do sorely little to enhance your environment, except for gathering dust, many real houseplants are renowned for their air purifying qualities. Snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants are all much-loved, easy-to-care-for varieties that help to filter indoor air by absorbing pollutants found in your home. They also release plenty of oxygen and increase humidity, improving the overall air quality in your home and assisting you with staying well and getting a better night’s sleep.
Connection with Nature
The health and wellbeing benefits of connecting to nature are absolutely abundant. From reducing anxiety and improving mood to boosting cognitive function and memory, keeping real houseplants in your home will assist you with your health and happiness, as plants bring the outdoors indoors and bridge the gap between your home and nature.
Real plants also offer you many of the benefits of quality time spent outdoors without even needing to leave your home, making them a perfect substitute for remote employees or night shift workers who struggle to find the time to get outdoors each day.
Need some inspiration?
Take a look at some of our favourite indoor plants with vibrant leaves and beautiful blooms:
Cheese Plants
Cheese Plants are great statement houseplants. Position on the floor or on a sideboard, they'll even tolerate the lower light levels
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Orchid Terrariums
Glass terrariums are in vogue at the moment. Pair with a vibrant coloured orchid for a pop of colour on a windowsill
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Satin Pothos
Really easy to care for, these Satin Pothos plants are ideal for first time plant parents or those prone to neglecting plants
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Uniqueness
One of the most underrated but loveliest things about owning real houseplants is that no two plants are the same. It goes without saying that plants are living things, meaning the peace lily in your living room will be totally unique from the peace lily in your bedroom, as will the fern in your bathroom and the fern in your kitchen.
Artificial plants are mass-produced and therefore identical. As a result, they are entirely lacking in individuality or soul. Meanwhile, real houseplants are sensitive and responsive to their environment, to food and water, and to the amount of sunlight they receive day to day. All of these things will greatly influence the personality of your real plants which, in turn, enhances their allure and charm.
Rewarding
Caring for a houseplant is not only relaxing and satisfying, but it is also proven to boost mental health by affording you a sense of order and consistency in your day-to-day life. From new leaves or flowers to an unexpected growth spurt, natural houseplants are full of surprises. You don’t get any of this charm and joy from an artificial plant: they are completely static and entirely lacking in character.
As your dreary artificial plant fades, unchanging, into the background, your real plants will build a relationship with you and reward you for the care and attention you afford them with vibrant leaves and beautiful blooms. Caring for real plants encourages patience, consistency, and a nurturing mindset, which is excellent for your mental wellbeing and can make a huge difference to your daily routine.
Seasonality
Artificial plants stay green and in bloom all year round. Whilst this may sound like a good thing, this lack of seasonality in houseplants knocks you out of sync with the true changing of the seasons. On the other hand, real houseplants naturally reflect the passage of time, helping you to stay connected to nature and its rhythms and cycles. This seasonal variation will help to bring a sense of flow and harmony to your life which artificial plants simply can't provide.
Looking for the perfect houseplant? Shop our collection of vibrant, flowering and foliage houseplants collection.
