As the winter swiftly advances, we often long for the refreshing sight of vibrant greenery and joyous blossoms that become absent with the setting in of long, chilly nights. While the initial frosty mornings may seem exciting and the occasional cold evening allows for a cozy retreat with a riveting novel or friendly company, the perpetual gloom soon starts to wear on us.
Many of us are tempted to adorn our spaces with exquisite artificial plants from our collection during these gloomy periods. If you’re one of those people, you may be intrigued to discover what your artificial plants are comprised of, given their lifelike appearance. We will unravel all your queries regarding the composition of artificial plants and why they are an adored decor element in this article.
Demystifying the Terminology: Fake Plants, Artificial Plants, and Permanent Botanicals:
Terms like fake plants, artificial plants, and permanent botanicals are synonymous, although it’s unlikely you’ll come across a premium artificial plant being referred to as a “fake” plant. The term “fake” often conveys a negative impression, implying that the product is inexpensive and of low quality.
The most commonly accepted term is “artificial plants,” since these plants are indeed artificially created. Florists tend to use the term “permanent botanicals”, particularly when artificial plants first gained popularity. However, this term is not widely used as the average consumer does not search for “permanent botanicals” when looking to purchase artificial plants.
It is essential to note that these different terms do not suggest variations in the materials used for the plants. Historically, many permanent botanicals were made of silk.
Tracing the Roots of Artificial Plants:
Artificial plants boast an extensive history, tracing their origin back thousands of years, even before the invention of plastic. The creation of artificial flowers is believed to have followed the discovery of silk by Chinese royalty around 1,500 years ago.
Silk was accidentally discovered by Leizu, the wife of the Yellow Emperor. While sipping jasmine tea in her garden, she noticed a silk moth’s cocoon unraveling into a long, soft thread after falling into her cup. This incident led to the revelation that this material could be used to make fabric. This anecdote is further explored in our post: History of Artificial Plants.
Artificial flowers adorned the hair of Chinese royals and the elite. At the same time, other civilizations like the Romans created artificial flowers using wax, and the Egyptians used animal horns to fashion wreaths, which were stunning but not exactly delicate!
Silk flowers gained popularity in Europe in the 1100s and quickly spread across the Mediterranean to Italy, France, England, and eventually America. The Victorians relished ornate aesthetics, leading to lavish floral arrangements, both artificial and real. Materials like velvet, satin, crepe, muslin, gauze, palm leaves, porcelain, wood, and metal were used in addition to silk.
In the 1920s and ’30s, Della Robbia style wreaths and ornaments with artificial fruit were trendy but quickly lost popularity within a decade. By the 1940s, celluloid became a popular material for artificial flowers. Still, its highly flammable nature resulted in deadly fires, eventually leading to its ban and the subsequent rise of plastic in the artificial flower industry.
The Making of Modern Artificial Plants:
Most contemporary artificial plants and flowers are manufactured from high-grade plastics and fabrics. These materials mimic the look and often the feel of real plants, deceiving many until they touch them. A variety of materials are used in the making of artificial plants:
Polyester: Owing to its affordability, durability, and capacity to easily adhere to glues and dyes, polyester has become the preferred fabric for artificial flower petals.
Polythene (PE): This widespread plastic is used in numerous products and is commonly used in the stems of artificial flowers and leaves and also for berries and fruits.
Silk: Though some artificial flowers and leaves are still made from natural silk, most “silk” flowers and leaves are made from synthetic fabrics or alternative natural fabrics like rayon and cotton.
Wood: Real wood or bamboo is used for the trunk or stem of many artificial plants to impart a realistic look and feel.
Metal: Metal wires are used to shape artificial flowers and plants, giving structure or allowing for position alterations.
Thermocol (Polystyrene): This synthetic polymer is used to make custom packaging and posting boxes for plants. In some cases, these containers can be repurposed as plant pots.
Rubber: Despite being plant-derived, rubber is often used in artificial plants due to its light weight, durability, and ease of sourcing.
Artificial plants are predominantly manufactured in China’s Guangdong Province, Thailand, and Honduras. While many parts are machine-made, high-quality artificial plants and flowers are usually hand-assembled, adding significant value to the product.
Manufacturers often label their plants as UV-resistant, meaning that during production, they add a chemical stabiliser, light blocker, or absorber that enables the plant’s outer layer to absorb UV light and preserve the plastic’s color and structure. This addition extends the lifespan of the plants and flowers, making them ideal for establishments like restaurants, bars, and hotels that aim to create a welcoming atmosphere but lack the resources to maintain real plants.
The process of making artificial plants involves die-cutting white silk, cotton, and rayon into various leaf and petal sizes and shapes. These are then dyed and shaped using heated molds. Some are stiffened using thin wires for added structure, and finally, the flowers and smaller leaves are added to the stem one by one.
Benefits of Adorning Your Space with Artificial Plants:
Adorning your space with artificial plants offers several benefits, making them a popular choice for home and office decor:
Non-Allergenic: Artificial plants are an excellent option for people with plant allergies or sensitivities. Since they don’t produce pollen or release any allergens, they provide the beauty of greenery without causing discomfort to those who are allergic to natural plants.
Low Maintenance: Low Maintenance: Artificial plants offer a major benefit as they demand very little upkeep. Unlike real plants, they don’t need watering, pruning, fertilizing, or repotting. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or those lacking a green thumb, as they can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of plants without the need for regular care.
Long-Lasting Beauty: Artificial plants are durable and designed to retain their appearance for a long time. They do not wither, shed leaves, or wilt, maintaining their vibrant colors and lush foliage for years. This longevity ensures that your space remains visually appealing without the need for frequent replacements.
Versatility: Artificial plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types, allowing you to choose from an extensive range of options to suit your decor preferences. Whether you prefer a contemporary look, tropical vibe, or classic elegance, there are artificial plants to match any style.
Low Light Tolerance: Some indoor spaces have limited access to natural light, making it challenging to keep real plants alive. Artificial plants do not rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, so they can thrive in any environment, regardless of the light conditions.
Cost-Effective: While the initial investment in high-quality artificial plants may be higher than buying live ones, they can save money in the long run. Real plants require ongoing expenses for maintenance, such as buying fertilizers, soil, and replacement plants if they die. Artificial plants eliminate these recurring costs.
Safe for Pets and Children: Certain real plants can be toxic to pets and young children if ingested. With artificial plants, there is no risk of poisoning or harmful reactions, providing peace of mind for families with curious pets or small kids.
No Soil or Water Mess: Real plants can sometimes create a mess with soil spills, water stains, or droppings from leaves. Artificial plants keep your space clean and tidy as they don’t require any soil or water.
Easy to Clean: Cleaning artificial plants is a simple task, usually involving just dusting or a gentle wash. This upkeep ensures they continue to look fresh and attractive.
Year-Round Beauty: Some natural plants are seasonal and may not bloom or look their best throughout the year. Artificial plants maintain their beauty regardless of the season, providing consistent aesthetics to your space.
Artificial plants offer a hassle-free, attractive, and allergen-free way to bring the beauty of nature into your surroundings, making them an excellent choice for decorating your space.
