Most of us know Artificial plants are not what they used to be. When you think of silk or artificial plants, the word “artificial” or “fake” seems to have a negative connotation such as “the lack of”. Even “Plastic Plants” once sounded cheap and very fake-like. You may even think of the old 1980’s style- fake bush with frayed edges, or plastic ficus tree with super shiny, peeled leaves. Yet, the terms “fake” or “plastic” seemed to always evoke a negative feeling with people.
A couple decades ago, Faux” emerged (the French version of Fake), a more acceptable term. Other terms like, Imitation Plants, Permanent Plants or Botanicals, or Plant Replicas, or simply “Replicas” are widely used terms for artificial plants.
Several positive changes were made in the artificial plant industry. Improved methods of molding, new technology in equipment, paint finishes, and upgrades in materials like fabrics and resins helped give artificial plants a better name. Improvements led to more natural-looking artificials (Natural-Touch) and plastic plants began to look more realistic than some of its fabric counterparts.
Plastic plants are widely purchased artificials used for a more realistic overall natural look. They are soft, flexible, and life-like.. Plastic plants are used for interior as well as exterior use. Plastic plants are multi-functional. Some are made with UV inhibitors, some are Fire Retardant, and some plastic plants are both. Some plastic plants are molded with colored pigments, or molded with a painted finish. The finish is very important too. You can have a plant with a very shiny finish like an artificial pothos leaf or a fake flower with a matte finish. Many of our trees such as Cypress Shrubs, Cedar Trees, artificial cedar garlands, Norfolk Trees, and Spiral Topiaries are Natural Touch. The needles or foliage tips are delicate, soft, and feel like real material replicated by synthetics to look and feel life-like.
What are some reasons people need or use artificial foliage? Why would you want artificial plants when you can have live plants? Many businesses choose artificial plants for various reasons, for example, an office lobby is bare and could use some sprucing up, but the budget is limited to low maintenance plants. Or, a specific type of plant is requested but not suitable for the environment. Oftentimes, strict building codes require Fire Retardant plants and that will restrict the job to artificial plants. Sometimes the client may want flexibility by either rotating foliage seasonally simply to keep the space fresh and updated. For whatever the reasons are, Autograph has a large selection of artificial greenery to fit just about every type of environment, theme, or emerging trend out there today.
As a Plant Professional, staying in front of the trends is one of the most important aspects of the job. Sure, you are an expert in live plants, you know how to care for living plants and trees, maintenance, irrigation, the whole nine yards. But what if your client can not use or care for live plants? What if they request replica plants? Listening to their needs is as important as understanding them. Teaching about artificial plants and the upgrades made in artificial plants is step one. Whether they choose fabric or plastic, there are some good quality and some not so-good quality. In most cases, you definitely get what you pay for!
We understand there are times when live foliage is necessary and favored over artificials. Some clients will prefer live foliage. And sure, plant maintenance is profitable. But if budget is limited or the job does not allow for optimal climate control for living plants to thrive, then artificials will be the perfect solution. These and many other concerns are a great selling point for offering artificial greenery or FireSafe or Fire Retardant artificials. More than ever, most commercial properties, government buildings, and hospitals have strict fire and safety codes for decorative items including fake plants.
Fire Retardant artificial plants must pass the ASTM-E84 test - for both smoke development and flame ignition timing. These plants are typically made of fabric material like Polyester. Autograph carries a large line of Fire Retardant plants and trees with a Class A or Class 1 Rating by ASTM-E84. Autograph also has plastic plants with fire retardant additives. FireSafe plastic plants pass NFPA Small Scale 701 Test for flammability. Our popular polyblend outdoor plants can be special ordered inherently Fire Retardant. Autograph stocks several Polyblend UV/FR plants such as grasses, mats, and plants.
So what artificial plants are popular for 2020 and beyond? How about you take a look at our website www.autofol.com and see a smorgasbord of new plant and tree replicas!
Some of our most gorgeous artificials include:
- Colorful Succulents
- Plastic UV Flowering Plants
- Herbal Garden Foliage
- FireSafe Silk Flowers
- Variety of Exterior Greenwall Components
- Faux Greenery Wall Mats for Interior use
- Designer Style Trees
- Beautiful Faux Natural Touch Topiary Balls and Hedges
- Spiral Topiaries
- Exterior Topiaries
- Different Boxwood Varieties
