Artificial Vs. Live Interior Plants
San Francisco is considered to be one of the top places to live in the apartment world. In the 2008 National Apartment Report, everyone’s favorite City by the Bay edged out New York City and Seattle to claim the No. 1 spot in terms of most expensive rent, most desired location, and supply and demand.
However, San Francisco is notorious for its microclimates. One side of the city could be a good 10 degrees warmer and sunnier than another side of the city. The fog rolls in during the afternoon and cuts off the sunshine. Summers are known to be colder than its winters. Apartments, too, are not known for being large or full of windows that if they did would bring in the sunshine and would also bring in the fog.
For such a top place to live, what types of plants to choose? Apartment living itself is a tough one. One deals with tight living spaces, poor lighting and urban sunshine. There’s the fragileness of the floor – consider if the plant or tree stains the carpet or leaves a watermark. Apartment dwellers may work a lot or go to school and may not be able to properly water or maintain the plant on a routine basis.
Artificial plants could be an option for those apartment dwellers . or others . where live interior plants just will not do.
Of course, not everyone lives in San Francisco or in an urban apartment, but their issues are universal: lack of space, poor sunshine and lighting, floor concerns, maintenance and water issues.
Artificial plants do not require pruning or trimming. This would be a relief to someone choosing an artificial bonsai, for example. Artificial plants do not die. Their leaves will not yellow or whither with age. They are a good alternative to those who lack the proverbial “green thumb” and may either under- or over-water their plants.
The water issue is a huge reason why individuals and companies choose artificial plants over live interior plants. Whether it is one plant or an entire million-dollar interiorscape project, plants need to be watered over time. This costs money and can be bad for the environment. In areas that are prone to drought, such as our Showroom and Production Center in Las Vegas, companies may be asked to scale back unnecessary watering or to turn off the hose as much as possible. Artificial plants require no watering. They are better for the environment in that regard, compared to live interior plants that require continual watering.
Live interior plants attract bugs and other pests. Cats and dogs may chew on their leaves.
Some live interior plants have a smell or pollen, both of which are not attractive to those sensitive. Artificial plants are allergen free and do not have a scent.