How to Tell a Non-Toxic, High-Quality Artificial Plant from Cheap Alternatives

Artificial plants have come a long way from where they started – cheap, ugly, shiny, and low-quality. Unfortunately, due to the abundance of suppliers and manufacturers selling fauxliege today, it’s still hard to tell the good from the bad.

We’re not born with the ability to sniff out a high-quality artificial plant, but does that mean we should leave it to hope before buying?

We’re here to tell you, wholeheartedly that, no, there are ways to tell. You just need to learn about them and keep your wits about you.

And since we’ve been supplying fauxliege since the 2000s, we have the experience to help you make the best choice.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Makes a Good Fake Plant?

Before we get into the technical bits, you should know what a good fake plant is. Of course, neither of these factors are exclusive. To determine if an artificial plant is good, you need to be looking at the full combination of factors.

So, when searching for high-quality faux plants, consider these key aspects:

Material

You don’t need the knowledge of a chemist for this, but it’s a piece of information the manufacturer will give you if you ask for it. Often, like in our case, the material will be clearly visible on the product page. And if it isn’t, don’t just assume – ask. This is useful when buying in-store, as well.

Look for certificates that verify the plant’s safety standards. The materials used to make artificial plants significantly impact their quality and safety. High-quality fake plants contain non-toxic materials and keep you and your home safe. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure this.

These materials often include polyethylene (PE), silk, or a blend of textiles that have been rigorously tested for safety and durability. Reputable manufacturers will possess certifications from authorised organisations that confirm they abide by recognised standards and are free from harmful chemicals. Below, we’ll talk about which certificates you need to look for.

Realism

A key indicator of a high-quality artificial plant is its realism. The plant should closely mimic the look of its real counterpart, with detailed textures, varying shades of green, and natural-looking forms and shapes.

High-quality plants will have leaves and stems that show subtle variations in colour and texture that resemble those found in real plants. For example, the leaves may have discolourations or asymmetry often present in natural leaves. After all, nothing in nature is perfect, so why should you expect your fake plant to be?

When inspecting the plant, either in person or through detailed product images online, look for the details we mentioned earlier. The point of having realistic artificial plants is for people to mistake them for the real thing without worrying about upkeep. So, if you go with a perfect plant, with identical leaves and even colours, this will stick out immediately.

When shopping online, zoom in on product images to check for these subtle imperfections. If you’re purchasing in-store, closely examine the plant to ensure it doesn’t look flawless.

Price

If an artificial plant is unbelievably cheap, it’s likely made with low-quality materials and poor craftsmanship. As the old saying goes: Good doesn’t come cheap. Investing a bit more is the better option to get a plant that looks good and lasts longer.

“You get what you pay for” holds true when it comes to artificial plants. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, low prices often indicate poor quality.

Cheap artificial plants may contain low-grade materials and lack the attention to detail that gives high-quality plants their realistic appearance. So, if you want quality, it’s worth spending a bit more.

Of course, some sellers may have exorbitant prices to show superiority. To make sure nobody is ripping you off, check product reviews and compare prices with other suppliers to determine whether you’re making a wise investment.

Odour

High-quality artificial plants should be odourless. If a plant has a strong plastic smell, it’s a sign of poor quality, inferior materials and poor manufacturing processes.

This odour can also indicate the presence of harmful chemicals, which can be unsafe for your home environment. That’s why you should read reviews before shopping online to see if there’s any mention of a noticeable smell. Or, if possible, order a sample of your fauxliege to test it out before committing.

If purchasing in-store, smell the plant. Yes, it might look weird, but it can only benefit you.  A high-quality artificial plant should have no significant odour, which may signal that the product is non-toxic.

Feel

The texture of the artificial plant is another crucial indicator of its quality. A well-made artificial plant will be smooth and pliable. The leaves and stems of high-quality faux plants should have a realistic texture that mimics the feel of a real plant. Note that this doesn’t mean they should feel identical to real plants, as that’s virtually impossible, but they should feel close to it.

In contrast, poorly made artificial plants can feel rough, patchy, or scratchy. These tactile differences are important to consider, especially if you place the plant in an area where people are bound to touch it.

When shopping in-store, feel the plant to assess its texture. For online purchases, look for detailed product descriptions and customer reviews that mention this aspect.

What Certifications Should You Look For?

We’ve finally come to the tangible factors to consider. The artificial plant industry is subject to rigorous standards that ensure quality, safety and longevity. These certificates are the proof you need to know whether what the supplier is advertising is indeed the truth. Before purchasing an artificial plant, check for the following certifications:

• ISO Certification: The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an independent body that certifies products that abide by globally recognised standards for quality, safety and environmental performance. It ensures that the product meets international safety and quality standards.
• RoHS Compliance: RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance means the plant is free from hazardous materials, ensuring it’s safe for your home and the environment. For artificial greenery, this means the products don’t contain any of the 10 restricted substances.
• REACH Compliance: REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance demonstrates that the plant does not contain harmful chemicals, meets European Union regulations and doesn’t pose a health risk.
• Fire Resistance: Fire-retardant plants are crucial for safety, especially in public spaces. This certification means the plant has been tested and will not easily catch fire. Our faux green walls are fire-tested against AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 standards.

With this being said, many still wonder: are there eco-friendly fake plants?

Yes, there are eco-friendly artificial plants. Eco-friendly faux foliage means it’s made from recycled materials, lasts long, doesn’t need water to thrive and doesn’t require pesticides. This means it’s not harmful to the environment, doesn’t soak up valuable resources and reduces chemical use.

How to Choose a Good Fake Plant?

With all that said, how do you choose a good artificial plant that has everything you need and more?

Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Research: Look into the suppliers, the types of plants they offer and the materials used. Reviews and testimonials can also provide insights into the product’s quality.
• Check the certifications: Ensure the plant has the necessary certifications, such as ISO, RoHS and REACH.
• Ask for warranties: A reputable supplier will offer warranties on their products. For instance, Designer Plants offer a 4-year warranty on artificial green walls.
• Try a sample: If possible, try it before you buy it. At Designer Plants, you can order a free sample (just pay shipping) to feel and see the quality before purchasing.

Finishing Thoughts

When looking for a high-quality artificial plant, focus on the materials, their realism, the price, the odour, and the feel.

Check for important certifications and do thorough research before making a purchase. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of greenery without compromising on quality or safety.