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Recently, there has been an increase in the sales in the ornamental plant industry, but it’s not what you may think!
The trend of faux plants is now seen everywhere, from your local home decor stores to even agri-centres (which, ironically, also sell the same real versions). Faux/fake plants have captured our Trinbagonian market for many different reasons, but the concept has been around for a long time.
Faux plants date to ancient Egypt. Back then, painted linens and horn shavings were used to create fake flowers. In ancient Rome, gold and silver were the go-to materials for artificial plants. Chinese culture used rice paper, the Italians transformed silkworm cocoons into the paper, and in South America, coloured feathers were the preferred material.
In the 80s and 90s, mass-produced plants were made from polyester to facilitate quick production. They looked fake and were usually all floral.
Every Caribbean grandma had their own arrangement and for Christmas time, the season was not complete without the artificial shiny poinsettias. Let’s not forget the layer of plastic that grandma would wrap the artificial flower arrangement in to protect it from dust!
They were clearly fake because the technology didn’t exist to manufacture a better quality. This has all changed with the advancement of technology and 3D printing. Using today’s high-end manufacturing machinery and accompanying design software, companies now specialise in premium-made faux plants.
The synthetic fabrics used have also improved. The product has become infinitely more elegant, beautiful, and realistic. If the artificial plant is UV-treated (which most on the market are), you can enjoy beautiful, life-like plants outside and inside without fading or cracking for several years, even up to a decade.
These faux plants now come in succulents, vines, trees, palms and life-like flowering plants (orchids, anthuriums and so many more).
The more realistic the plant looks, the more expensive they tend to be. I recently saw an olive faux tree selling for a whopping TT$900, and a 5-foot palm retailing at TT $2000.
I must admit, the thought of not having to water, care for pests and diseases and fertilise is very tempting for a homeowner, and in some cases, the best option if you want that greenery look without the time to care for the plant.
However, in my opinion, nothing beats the real deal! We must remember that apart from decor, plants play a vital role in our environment. Our real greenery is overall just extremely pleasant with aromas that evoke positive emotions and improve the atmosphere of any space.
Plants provide many health benefits, both physical and emotional. Real plants purify the air and enrich it with oxygen. In terms of added beauty, once you buy the faux plant, that’s the same look you get for many years. But with the real plant, you get the appearance of the plant as it changes: they grow; dried leaves can be pruned; and some plants can even be cut or braided in different shapes.
So, what’s your choice? When choosing, consider budget, available light, interior design, free time, state of your health, and planting skills. If you want to create a pleasant aesthetic and improve the air quality in your house, living plants will make a perfect choice. Do not forget that caring for them will take time.
If you are a busy bee, feel free to replace real plants with artificial alternatives. High-quality faux options look natural and will make a perfect addition to your space. Caring for them is reduced to periodic wiping. The choice is yours!
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