The Best Green Plants – Faux & Real
As we wind down a beautiful summer and look forward to the colors of autumn, it's pretty clear, that being around nature brings happiness into your life. They say that nature is the best medicine so, when you are indoors, why not take a piece of nature and make it part of your decor?
That’s why this month I’m sharing my favorite plants, faux and real, that I recommend to my Design, E-Design and Home Staging clients.
When deciding to bring plants into your home, the first thing you must do is decide if you want to go real or artificial and that may depend on which plants you choose. There is something nice about having a something living in a room, also to note, they help to clean the air we breathe. However, if you don’t have the desire or light to nurture a plant, then faux is the way to go. Today's artificial plants can be high quality & look quite authentic.
Whatever you choose, it will definitely add designer appeal to your home. So let’s take a look at the best options.
Monstera like humidity, do best in indirect sunlight and only need to be watered every one to two weeks. The big holes in the leaves add interest and have earned it the nick name Swiss Cheese. 🙂 They also can be purchased as faux stems and look great in a vase.
Philodendrens are highly decorative and low maintenance so don't hesitate to go for the live version. You often spot them in offices because they are so hearty. They thrive indoors and when the weather is right, they love a visit to the outdoors too. Their vines grow long and can be guided where you want them to go. Let them dangle or have some fun twisting them around a stake or trellis
Succulents & Cactus both require very little water, making them super easy plants to grow. You can go on vacation and not worry that they'll be dead when you get back. Be sure though, that you have a sunny spot in which to place them because they do require a healthy dose of sun. They come in countless varieties and multiple colors so when you group them together they look artful and really make a statement.
Lavender likes at least three to four hours of direct sunlight each day and it's best to rotate the pot weekly so it grows evenly. If you are able to nurture a plant in this way, go for the live version, because your reward will be a sweet desirable smell.
Aloe is a type of succulent with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. We all know it as a relief for sunburn and it's also being used for wrinkle prevention, wound care and to treat skin conditions. They thrive in indirect light and both the real and faux versions have a striking appearance making them a pleasing addition to your decor.
Orchids are beautiful flowers that look great alone or grouped with other decorative items. They do not require a lot of water and are easy to take care of. As it cycles through it's lifetime, it loses its bloom leaving a bare quirky looking stem. If your orchid takes center stage in your decor, a faux version that flowers all the time may be the way to go.
Fiddle Leaf Figs are beautiful but can be a lot of work, so finding a really nice faux one is a great solution. You'll be hard pressed to find an interior design magazine without seeing a fiddle leaf fig tree in one of the pictures. The tree version is often used to fill a corner bringing life to an empty and often awkward space. If you don't have the space for a standing plant you can still enjoy the lush sculptural leaves in a pretty table-top version.
Plants are an easy way to bring that natural element into your home. If you prefer to have living greenery but don't have a green thumb or the proper growing environment think about a mix of faux and real plants. Don't worry, If you purchase a good quality artificial plant, both you and your guests will be hard pressed to tell the difference.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to kellydesigns anytime for more info or to set up a consultation.