Have you ever bought a couple plants thinking you had a green thumb, only to have them wither away while you look upon them with shame?
Or do you simply enjoy having a lot of greens without the necessary work behind taking care of them all?
Ever wonder whether you can decorate your outdoor spaces (like porches, patios, and decks) with artificial or fake plants?
The answer is yes, you can definitely decorate your outdoor spaces with fake plants!
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Addressing The Negative Perceptions That Fake Plants Can’t Be Used Outdoors
The negative stigma behind artificial plants is taking a turn, and these types of decorations are now actually sought after. So, where do you start with the decorations?
Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. Check out our list of some great artificial plants for outdoors. We’ve also laid out some of the benefits and pitfalls of using artificial plants in your outdoor areas.
Fake plants are a great way to make your porch, patio, walkway, deck, and yard look more beautiful and fun!
The Pros of Using Fake Plants For Your Outdoor Landscaping
One of the greatest benefits when decorating with a fake plant is that it can save you time. For example, fake plants do not need to be watered or kept in a specific environment like a real plant would require.
Lower Maintenance
When your schedule gets inevitably busy, because the plants are artificial, you will not have to care for them as often as you would a natural plant.
Additionally, fake plants can also reduce the leaves and petals that fall onto your sidewalk, your pool, or your grass, which can help reduce clean-up times significantly – no raking, sweeping, or pool cleaning.
Water savings
Another great thing about fake plants is that they can open a whole world of opportunity for you, especially if you live in an area where using water on your lawn is prohibited.
Just because you can’t use the real plant doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun decorating your space.
You can cut down on water usage by decorating with artificial plants to make your outdoor space look fantastic. And when it does rain, the shower will keep your fake plant looking pristine and clean.
If your plants need a little cleaning between rain showers, just gently spray them with the hose.
You might be thinking, “artificial plants sometimes look too fake.” Well, some do. But if you invest in high-quality artificial plants, they can look almost or as good as the real thing.
Something like this boxwood topiary would be a beautiful decoration for your patio table, or deck, and it gives off a totally realistic vibe.
For a larger space like an outdoor porch or deck connected to your home, consider an artificial plant like a large spiral topiary to provide the desired greenery – and even give you a little bit of privacy.
Use artificial plants to bring color, light, and fun into empty spaces. Plants can brighten an area up and give it more flare.
Whether you want to hang some fake plants on your porch, decorate with tall potted trees on your deck, or even line sidewalks with higher quality artificial flowers, the possibilities are endless.
The Cons of Using Fake Plants For Your Outdoor Landscaping
While artificial plants are perfect for many outdoor spaces, there are some things you’ll need to consider before embarking on the quest for the perfect fake plant for your space.
UV Rays Can Damage Fake Plants Over Time
The bright rays of the sun are great for live plants but can be damaging for artificial ones. Protect your fake plants by keeping them out of direct sunlight so the color doesn’t fade.
Keeping them in a shaded area will make it so that you do not have to replace the artificial plant as often, and you can get more usage out of your purchase.
If you do want to decorate spaces in the sun with fake plants, just provide your outdoor artificial plants with UV protection. I know what you’re thinking, “UV protection. Isn’t that what we use sunscreen for?” Yep. And your artificial plants need it, too.
Many artificial plants and flowers are made from a combination of plastic and dyed silk, which can actually fade over time, especially under direct sunlight.
Products like a floral protectant spray can provide long-lasting UV protection for outdoor plants, which will be a great investment to make your artificial décor last even longer.
Be Aware Of Whether Your HOA Will Allow Fake Plants As Part Of Your Landscaping
Another thing to consider is your homeowners’ association rules about artificial plants. Some may prohibit using artificial plants and flowers in permanent landscaping.
Each HOA can differ on their regulations and restrictions, so it is best to research and contact your HOA to make sure that you are following all the rules correctly.
Read your HOA covenants before you invest in a large number of artificial plants for outdoor areas so your money is not wasted.
Get Moving!
Now that you know you can have a beautifully decorated outdoor space, reduce the amount of time that you spend caring for the plants, and avoid using water while maintaining a beautiful yard, by using artificial plants…
Well, what are you waiting for? Get decorating and have some fun!
Let us know below which tip was your favorite or if you have any helpful tips for decorating the outdoors with artificial flowers!