Silk plants were not always as natural looking and beautiful as they are today. In the beginning, they were made from a silky material and, due to technological shortcomings in those early years, they were often unrealistic in appearance and very expensive. Nowadays you see silk plants wherever you go.
They are often so realistic now that if you look very closely, you can see that they have silk plants mixed in with the real ones. Manufacturers are now able to do this because of new techniques that allow them to replicate the actual plant, right down to the smallest detail. Some high-end plant manufacturers hand paint their plants to add an even more realistic finish. And fortunately, with the new advances in technology, silk plants are more affordable than ever.
Taking the Silk Out of Silk Plants
Silk plants are not made from actual silk. They are usually composed of silk-screened polyester, and created to give the movement and feel of live plants. This makes them more convenient and inexpensive to care for than real plants. Artificial plants do not need to be watered. They do not need plant food or proper lighting. The primary maintenance concern is that the plants may need to be cleaned every now and then to maintain their realistic appearance. Special plant cleaning sprays and gels are now available that not only dusts your silk plants, but also protect them and help maintain their appearance.
Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Plants
A major benefit of choosing silk houseplants over live ones is that there is no risk of poisoning for pets and small children. Many plants can be toxic if eaten, and sometimes it’s hard to know which ones are safe for every member of the family. With silk plants you can choose the artificial counterpart to the dangerous plant and never have to worry that it could be harmful to those you love.
Picking the Right Artificial Houseplant
When choosing a plant, be sure to pay close attention to the quality of the materials. Is the plant lush and full or are there bald places? Are there any tears of frayed edges? These are indicators that the plant is poorly made and will not last as long as a high quality product. Remember, silk plants should look like a live plant, and a poorly constructed product is a dead giveaway. You may even want to bring along a real plant, or a picture of the type of plant you had in mind.
Greenery is a visually pleasing and stylish ingredient to any home décor. If chosen wisely, your silk plants will be a beautiful and natural looking touch that will last through the years.