Some artificial plants have gotten a bad rap over the years - and for good reason. Too often, manufacturers cut corners during production to save a few bucks, leaving customers disappointed with products that don’t meet their expectations.
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But, while such decisions are deplorable, not all fake plants are created equal, and not all manufacturers deserve the criticism.
Shopping online makes it tricky to judge quality, but we’ll try to make it easier. We want to help you spot the difference between high vs low-quality artificial plants, so you can make informed choices when selecting.
Ready to separate the best from the rest? Let’s dive in.
Low-quality, cheap artificial plants are everywhere, and sadly, they’ve set low expectations for what these products can and should be.
Luckily, low-quality plants can be easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Here are some key giveaways of poor-quality fake plants:
Leaves with shiny, plastic-like surfaces that reflect light unnaturally
Colors that are overly bright, uniform, or inconsistent
Stems that are rigid, brittle, or too thick
Sloppy assembly, with visible glue or uneven spacing between leaves and stems
Lack of proper testing, leading to quick fading under sunlight
The presence of toxic chemicals like lead or phthalates
Emission of a distinct, plasticky odor that’s hard to ignore
An unusually low price tag
There are many more aspects you can consider, and we’ve got them listed in our checklist so you can have them on hand when deciding.
A high-quality artificial plant has a realistic appearance, uses durable materials, and is made with thoughtful craftsmanship.
Here’s what to look for in premium artificial greenery:
Use of durable materials like LDPE, soft-touch plastics, or fabric blends
Leaves that feature realistic veining, subtle color variations, and imperfections
No plastic-like sheen and a more natural look
Multiple rounds of certified testing processes
UV-resistant treatments that protect against sun fading
Fire retardant coatings for added safety
Well-built stems and leaves that hold their shape over time
No visible glue or gaps and securely attached to the grid or base
A higher price tag that ensures a long-term investment
Now that you understand the makings of a low and high-quality fake plant, let’s see how you can determine which is which. You need to consider:
There’s not much standing in the way of a supplier claiming their artificial greenery is the best. After all, opinions are subjective, and sometimes, a cheap fake plant might just last longer than expected.
However, bold claims require verification, so you need to separate fact from fiction. The best way to do so is by looking for certificates from third-party organizations or international authorities.
For example, we’re certified by various organizations that allow us to promote our products as UV-resistant, non-toxic, and recyclable, including:
RoHS: The Restriction of Hazardous Substances is a directive to reduce the use of harmful substances in products such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. It certifies that the manufacturer has contributed to the protection of human health.
REACH: The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulates the production, import, and use of chemicals and ensures their responsible use in the manufacturing process.
SGS: The SGS certification ensures products meet international standards, can be transported globally, and enter new markets while complying with international regulations.
ISO: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent body tasked with setting standards for quality, safety, and environmental performance. It certifies that a manufacturer has adhered to rigorous standards during production.
Are you interested in learning more about Artificial Green Plants Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
If you want to learn more, we’ve explained each certificate and certifying body in detail.
When it comes to quality, you can’t expect to find it at rock-bottom prices. The rule is simple: better quality comes with a higher price tag.
While this doesn’t mean you should burn through your savings just to get a decent artificial plant, it’s important to understand what’s factored in the price.
Cheap artificial plants are cheap because the manufacturer has likely skipped a few steps to save on production costs. Since their production is cheaper, they can justify charging lower prices because they haven’t invested in testing and certifying. Of course, this comes at the expense of durability, safety, and realism.
High-quality artificial plants, on the other hand, come with a higher price tag because they’ve undergone hours of testing for UV resistance (over in our case!), fire resistance, toxicity, and durability. These tests add to manufacturing expenses, reflecting a higher price tag.
Warranties are a strong indicator of a high-quality plant - they show the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and craftsmanship. After all, if a seller doesn’t trust their own product, why should a buyer?
Cheap, low-quality artificial plants rarely come with warranties, as suppliers know the items are prone to fading, breaking, and deforming, which means they’d lose money by offering coverage.
Designer Plants, on the other hand, offers comprehensive coverage for our bestselling artificial green walls and hedges, with a warranty for up to 5 years of continuous use.
Most of the time, even though the warranty expires, the client continues to use the panel.
If you can’t justify buying an artificial plant online without ever seeing and feeling it, look for suppliers that offer samples.
At Designer Plants, you can order a sample of an artificial green wall for $10 or $15 and get a small panel to test. These samples are cut from real-size panels, contain the same materials, and have undergone the same testing process.
Once your sample arrives, you can place it where you want to decorate and observe it over time. That way, you can determine whether you like the versatility, the placement of the panel, and the material.
You can also feel the leaves and see whether the panel lives up to your expectations before buying. In any case, the best quality assurance is the one you do yourself.
Choosing between high and low-quality artificial plants often comes down to understanding what each entails.
Low-quality plants may be a budget-friendly option, but they often lack realism, durability, and longevity, which leads to disappointment and replacement costs over time.
In contrast, high-quality artificial plants have a lifelike appearance, long-lasting materials, warranties, and certificates from third parties that attest to their quality and reliability.
By paying attention to the details and asking the right questions, you’ll be able to confidently select the best fake plants to stand the test of time. If you have any questions or need advice about some of our products, contact our team and we’ll be on the case.
- The best material for fake plants is a high-quality, low-density durable plastic (polyethylene), such as LDPE. High-quality artificial plants are made of such plastics, leading to a longer “lifespan,” flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Plus, this material lends well to repeat recycling.
UV-resistant artificial plants will not fade in the sun. UV resistance can either be built-in during manufacturing or can be added as a coat later on with a bespoke UV spray. If the artificial plant isn’t treated with UV protection, it will fade quickly.
Cheap fake plants may last for as little as a few months. High-quality faux plants, however, can last anywhere from up to 5 years outdoors and 15 years indoors. If the fauxliege comes with a warranty, it’s much more likely to last longer.
Some cheap fake plants smell bad because they contain chemicals that release toxins into the air, such as lead and cadmium. If there’s a strong smell emanating from the artificial plant, ask the supplier to show you a list of the materials used for manufacturing the product. An artificial plant of a higher caliber should not have any strong smell.
Artificial greenery has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These low-maintenance plants provide a year-round option for bringing the beauty of nature into any space without requiring the same care and attention as live plants. But what goes into creating these lifelike, high-quality artificial plants, and why is it important to choose the right materials?
The Manufacturing Process of Artificial Greenery
The manufacturing process of artificial greenery starts with the selection of materials. High-quality artificial plants are typically made from plastic due to its durability, realistic texture, and ability to mimic the appearance of real plants.
Once the materials have been selected, they are shaped using various techniques. One of the most effective techniques is injection molding, which involves injecting molten plastic into a mold to create a desired shape. This technique is particularly effective for creating the stems and leaves of artificial plants, as it allows for precise control over the shape and size of each individual component.
Other techniques used in the manufacturing of artificial greenery include die-cutting, thermoforming, and hand crafting. Die-cutting involves using a sharp blade to cut shapes out of flat sheets of material, while thermoforming involves heating a flat sheet of material until it becomes pliable and then shaping it using a mold. Hand crafting involves traditional techniques such as wire wrapping and flower arranging and is commonly used for creating bespoke artificial plants.
Once the individual components of the artificial plant have been created, they are assembled to create the final product. The stems are attached to the leaves and flowers, and the plant is arranged in a way that creates a realistic-looking plant.
Why Choosing 'Silk' Artificial Plants is a Bad Idea
While silk artificial plants may seem like an attractive option, they are not the best choice for a number of reasons. Most manufacturers advertise their plants or flowers as “silk" although they are made from rayon. Rayon is a synthetic fiber that is made from cellulose, I highly flammable material that can quickly ignite and spread flames. As a result, it is important to choose artificial greenery made from fire-retardant materials.
A part from safety, another major disadvantage of silk artificial plants is their durability. Their colours fade quickly once exposed to direct and indirect sunlight, leaving them looking dull and lifeless within as little as a few weeks.
In contrast, high-quality artificial greenery that's made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) offers a safer and more durable option. Quality artificial plants made from LDPE are treated with fire-retardant chemicals to prevent them from catching fire, instead dissipating into thin air. Artificial plants made from UV injected LDPE also maintain their vibrant colours for many years even when exposed to direct sunlight.
Choosing High-Quality Artificial Greenery
When it comes to choosing artificial greenery, it's important to select high-quality products that are made from durable materials and manufactured using effective techniques. At Evergreen Walls, we are committed to producing the highest quality and safest artificial plants and green walls for our customers. Our products are crafted using the best materials and manufacturing techniques available.
We offer a wide range of artificial plants and green walls to suit any space and style. From lush green walls to realistic-looking artificial plants, we have something to suit every need and budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you incorporate artificial greenery into your internal or external space.
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