Fake is fine.... sometimes

A colleague asked me recently if I would think any less of her if she brought a silk plant in for her windowsill. I said, of course not and added I might do the same.

“It’s actually showing your love of plants,” I told her. “Yeah”, she laughed, “because I’d be saving the life of one.“

With that statement, she hit the nail on the head. Of course, real plants are preferable, but I know myself I find it a lot easier to take care of gardens outside, opposed to plants inside. I keep forgetting to water the darn things. Then there’s the misting that should be done occasionally, the repotting, the fertilizing...

The addition of artificial plants to the interior of a home is another reflection of today’s society. Fewer people have the time to dedicate to living, potted plants. However there are other considerations as well.

For people who suffer from allergies, pollen and bacteria doesn’t have the chance to grow in soil or water-filled saucers. There’s no worry of cats or dogs munching potentially deadly leaves. There are no insects with artificial plants. You never have to worry about pruning or repotting them. There’s also no danger of saucers overflowing and staining wood or carpets. Silk plants free you up to take vacations for as long as, and whenever, you wish.

The only thing you have to do to maintain a sik plant is dust it occasionally. Some can be placed in the shower to restore that fresh, vibrant appearance, but check cleaning instructions first.

Thanks to improvements in the silk plant industry, some amazing reproductions are now available. You’d be hard put to tell the difference in look and feel. There are flowering dogwoods, citrus trees, tulips, roses and foliage plants in every shape and size.

Use of artificial foliage will increase in the next decade and I’m not going to condemn it. Fake is fine, and sometimes quite impressive in how close it mimics the model. However, for those who appreciate originals, biological wonders and the ebb and flow of seasonal change... living plants will become all the more precious and appreciated.