When it comes to decorating your home with artificial plants, you might wonder—are artificial plants harmful?
With so many options on the market, knowing what you’re bringing into your home is essential. Unfortunately, most people don’t have all the information you need at your fingertips.
While they may look stunning, not all faux greenery is created equal.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers of low-quality fake house plants and how to choose safe, high-quality options.
Let’s get into it.
Are Fake Plants Bad for Your Health?
David, our founder, firmly believes that over 95% of fake indoor plants sold today contain toxic materials.
And, while unbelievable, there’s no strict regulation around what goes into these imitation plants.
So, it’s up to you to remember that just because an artificial plant is available for purchase, it doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Low-quality artificial house plants can release harmful chemicals into the air, negatively affecting indoor air quality and, in turn, your health.
Cheap faux plants indoor may even be made with materials that off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to potential respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term exposure risks.
What Is a Toxic Artificial Plant?
As we said, not all artificial house plants are created equal—some are packed with harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health and home environment.
Toxic fake house plants often contain hazardous substances that can off-gas into the air, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution. This off-gassing process can lead to poor air quality, triggering allergies, respiratory discomfort, and even long-term health risks if exposure is consistent.
One of the biggest concerns with faux house plants is that many are made using The Toxic Ten, a group of harmful substances commonly found in low-quality plastics, paints, and adhesives, and prohibited by the RoHS guidelines.
These chemicals include formaldehyde, lead, phthalates, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), among others, which are known to be hazardous to human health and trigger a bevy of health conditions.
And the worst part is that most of these toxins aren’t even regulated in the artificial plant industry. Even though the industry is huge, there are no internationally accepted standards, meaning you could unknowingly be introducing toxins into your home.
Besides this, heavy metals like cadmium and mercury may be used in colour dyes, making these plants not only unsafe to touch but also hazardous as they degrade over time. When placed near heat sources or in direct sunlight, these chemicals can break down and release even more toxins into the air.
Over time, exposure to these materials can cause significant health issues, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or sensitivities to chemicals.
To better understand the dangers of cheap and toxic artificial plants, here’s a breakdown of the most harmful substances commonly found in them:
| Toxic component | Why it’s harmful |
| VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) | Can off-gas into your home, causing respiratory issues |
| Toxic Ten | A group of chemicals often found in plastics that can be dangerous |
| Lead & heavy metals | Sometimes used in colour dyes, can be hazardous to touch or inhale |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | A common but harmful plastic that can release dioxins |
| Cheap flame retardants | Some are highly toxic and banned in many countries |
What to Look for When Buying Fake Plants?
There is good news on the horizon though—not all faux house plants are bad! There are high-quality, safe alternatives out there—you just need to know what to look for.
Here’s how to ensure you’re buying safe, non-toxic faux greenery:
Certifications
One of the easiest ways to identify safe artificial plants is to check for certifications on the website.
At Designer Plants, we ensure our products meet strict safety standards. Many of our products are certified to be free from toxic chemicals, but we also provide our certification ID and can send you the detailed testing report that earned us this badge.
Look for certifications that indicate non-toxic materials, such as REACH, RoHS, SGS, and ISO. These ensure that the fake indoor plants you bring into your home won’t cause any health conditions.
Or as David says, “If a plant doesn’t come with a safety certification, assume it’s got something to hide.”
Warranties
A good warranty is a sign that a company stands by its products.
At Designer Plants, we offer industry-leading warranties on our fake plants, ensuring they won’t fade, crack, or release toxic substances over time.
Before buying, always ask about warranties.
A lack of warranty might indicate that the manufacturer doesn’t have confidence in their product’s longevity or safety. And if that’s the case, then neither should you.
High-quality faux house plants should come with guarantees of durability and non-toxicity that ensure you’re covered for issues you’re not responsible for.
Materials
Understanding the materials used in artificial house plants is crucial. Many contain The Toxic Ten, which includes substances like lead, mercury, and PVC, which are not materials you want hanging around you.
Instead, look for The Safe Six, which consists of materials that have been tested and deemed safe for use.
The safest faux greenery is made from high-quality, non-toxic plastics free from harmful dyes and coatings. These materials prevent off-gassing and ensure a healthier home environment.
Price
If a faux plant option seems too cheap, there’s probably a reason for it.
Low-priced imitation plants often cut corners on safety testing, quality materials, and durability. Most cheap fake house plants skip critical safety testing, which is why they can be sold for such low prices.
Investing in quality means better safety, longevity, and realism.
Remember, if you’re paying only a few dollars for a plant, it’s likely because the manufacturer has cut corners somewhere—whether in materials, testing, or design.
Supplier Reputation
Not all artificial house plants suppliers operate by following strict guidelines. Before making a purchase, do some research:
- Do they provide case studies and customer testimonials? (Read our case studies)
- Can you find high-resolution photos of their products? (Check our gallery)
- Do they offer samples? (We have a whole sample page)
- Is their customer service team accessible and knowledgeable? (Contact us yourself)
- Do they have independent safety tests backing up their claims?(Ask for our reports)
At Designer Plants, we make sure to stay transparent. We provide customisable options, UV resistance, and top-tier customer support to help you make the best choice for your home. And when you’re not sure whether to invest in our fauxliege, try a free sample before committing.
Checking the supplier’s track record can save you from buying low-quality fake indoor plants that could be harmful.
Final Thoughts
So, are artificial plants harmful?
They can be—but only if you choose the wrong ones.
Low-quality fake indoor plants can off-gas harmful chemicals and deteriorate over time, affecting your health and home environment.
But with high-quality artificial plants, like ours at Designer Plants, you’ll get safe, certified, and reputable faux house plants designed to last.
FAQ
It depends on the quality of the artificial plants. Many cheap, low-quality fake indoor plants are made with harmful materials that can release toxic chemicals into the air. These include VOCs (volatile organic compounds), heavy metals, and The Toxic Ten often found in plastics. However, high-quality, non-toxic faux greenery, like those made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene), are designed to be safe and free from harmful toxins.
Yes, as long as you choose artificial house plants that are free from toxic chemicals. Poorly made fake house plants can release harmful substances, especially when exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Look for plants that have been tested for safety, like Designer Plants’ range, which prioritises non-toxic materials and certifications.
Some faux house plants and flowers can be bad for your health if they contain high levels of toxic chemicals. Cheaper options often include harmful dyes, glues, and plastics that release fumes over time. However, high-quality, carefully manufactured imitation plants are safe and don’t pose a risk to indoor air quality.
Yes, there are fake plants with eco-friendly aspects. While most artificial plants are made from plastic, some brands (including Designer Plants) focus on sustainable materials and ethical production. Eco-friendly faux greenery avoids toxic chemicals, minimises plastic waste, is recycled and recyclable, and is designed to last for years.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Real plants provide natural air purification and a living touch to your space. However, fake indoor plants require zero maintenance, are ideal for people with allergies, and won’t attract pests or wilt. This choice depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Most fake house plants are made of plastic, fabric, or a combination of both. However, the type of plastic matters. Our faux plants are made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene), a safer, low-porous plastic that doesn’t easily absorb dirt or release harmful chemicals. This makes them a better alternative to cheaper PVC-based plants, which are more prone to off-gassing.
