Do Artificial Plants Fade in the Sun?

Artificial plants sometimes have a bad rap.

Thanks to the litany of cheap fake plants available on the market, people expect faux greenery to crack and fade at the first sight of the sun.

The sad thing is, some actually do. And people are left wondering where they went wrong.

To avoid these mishaps and have all the facts at hand before buying your first outdoor artificial plant, you need to learn a thing or two about fauxliege, with the most important one being: do artificial plants fade in the sun?

Here, we’ll explore the factors that can cause artificial plants to fade and lose their vibrancy, and provide tips on selecting and maintaining your faux greenery.

Let’s get to it.

Do Fake Plants Fade in the Sun?

The simple answer is yes—fake plants can fade when exposed to sunlight, especially if they are made from low-quality materials.

The primary culprit behind this fading is UV radiation, which can break down the pigments in the faux plant’s leaves and flowers, causing them to lose their vibrant colours.

Low-quality artificial plants are particularly susceptible to this, as they often lack adequate UV protection and aren’t meant to be used for longer than a few months. As a result, these fake plants can start to fade in exactly the same time – a few months, leaving you with the shell of a once exquisite plant. Now, it’s just lacklustre.

But not all artificial plants are created equal. Fade-resistant artificial plants armed with UV protection are not as susceptible to fading or cracking from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

This UV resistance typically comes from special treatments or materials that are resistant to UV damage by themselves.

So, when shopping for artificial plants, you shouldn’t just be looking at the price tag, especially if you plan on decorating outdoor spaces. Instead, it’s crucial to determine whether the faux plants have built-in UV protection. This feature is a key indicator of quality and longevity, as it helps preserve the plant’s colour even in direct sunlight and extremely sunny conditions.

The best way to ensure you’re not making any costly mistakes when buying faux plants is by inquiring about the expected lifespan of the product and whether the supplier offers any warranties.

For example, at Designer Plants, we provide warranties for some of our green walls, including a 5-year crack and fade guarantee. This allows you to have peace of mind knowing that your investment will stand the test of time, even when exposed to the elements.

How to Keep Artificial Plants from Fading Outside?

Maintaining the vibrant appearance of your artificial plants outdoors requires some care and consideration. Here are some practical tips on how to keep fake flowers from fading outside:

1. Mind the Location

While placing your artificial plants in direct sunlight can enhance their realistic appearance, it also increases the risk of fading. In order to know how to keep fake flowers from fading outside, you need to consider a few key points.

To preserve the colour and extend your artificial plant’s ‘lifespan’, place them in areas where they receive partial shade or are protected from the harshest midday sun. For example, under a pergola, awning, or shaded balcony. This way, your plants can still get enough light to look realistic without standing in harm’s way.

This isn’t to mean that exposure to direct sunlight is a sure sign your fauxliege will fade, but it might speed up the process. In any case, it’s also important to know that fade-resistant artificial flowers for outdoor use are a better choice than ones meant for indoors only.

Additionally, protecting your plants from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain, can help maintain their structural integrity and appearance.

2. Clean the Faux Plants

Dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on the leaves of your artificial plants, dulling their appearance and obfuscating their shine.

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your faux plants looking fresh and vibrant.

Since we have a detailed cleaning guide available on our page, let’s just go over the general steps you need to take:

1. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove dust and debris
2. Use mild soap and water for a deeper clean if necessary
3. Rinse the fauxliege with water
4. Spray UV protectant spray if necessary (see point below)
5. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the plant

3. Use UV Spray for Extra Protection

Many clients ask us what to spray on artificial flowers to keep them from fading.

If you get artificial outdoor plants, you don’t need to spray them with anything as they’re already well protected. If your faux plants are not UV-resistant, get a bespoke UV spray that covers plants and outdoor furniture.

Since we’re an artificial plant supplier, we’ve developed our own UV spray. It creates a protective barrier that helps shield your plants from the sun. Applying UV spray periodically can enhance the longevity of your plants, so you don’t have to bat an eye even if it’s hot enough to scald a lizard outside.

This extra layer of protection is particularly useful in areas with intense sunlight or very long, hot summers.

4. Rotate or Move the Plants

If you have potted artificial plants, rotating them regularly can help distribute sun exposure evenly. This way, you’ll prevent one part of the plant from fading more quickly than the rest and leaving a discolored gap.

Alternatively, this piece of advice ties into our first one about minding the location, as it’s very easy to move your plants around if they’re not fixed to anything. In particularly sunny areas, move your faux shrubs and bushes under the shade until the heat breaks.

For green walls or larger installations, consider using an umbrella or other shading device to block the sun’s rays for some parts of the day. Intermittent shading prevents uneven fading and weird yellow spots on the leaves.

Why Choose Outdoor Artificial Plants?

When it comes to decorating your outdoor spaces, choosing the right type of artificial plants is, hands down, the most important decision you’ll need to make.

Outdoor artificial plants are specifically designed to withstand the elements, including UV radiation, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. These plants consist of durable materials treated with UV inhibitors to protect against fading and cracking.

As a result, choosing outdoor artificial plants ensures that your greenery will keep its colour throughout the seasons.

Still, It’s essential to verify that the plants you’re purchasing are for outdoor use. If they’re not and you unknowingly purchase an indoor artificial plant, you may not have the same protection and durability.

So, always ask the supplier if the plants are suitable for outdoor conditions and if they come with any warranties or guarantees. Check out this blog for more insights into selecting and maintaining outdoor artificial plants.

Conclusion

So, do artificial plants fade in the sun?

They can, but they don’t have to.

Selecting high-quality, UV-protected fake plants can reduce this risk and ensure you have beautiful fauxliege for years.

By following proper care guidelines and making sure your artificial plants are comfortable, you can maintain their realism for years.

In any case, prioritise fade-resistant artificial flowers and plants and always verify their suitability for outdoor use instead of assuming.