Green Without the Grief: Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces with Artificial Plants

What do you like most about being outdoors? The sunshine, fresh air, birds, flowers? The opportunity to enjoy a sport or hobby?

People head outdoors to boost their mood, quiet their mind, improve their focus or engage in physical activity.

However, most Americans are not getting outside nearly enough.

A study by Talker Research for RVshare notes that most people need more than an hour of outdoor time each day to recharge. But a 2021 survey conducted by the National Recreation and Parks Association revealed that only about one-third of Americans met that threshold. Given increased post-pandemic return to office mandates, current numbers are likely lower.

One way to encourage more time outside is to spruce up your outdoor spaces.

Plants make just about any outdoor area – balcony, porch, patio, deck, yard – more welcoming by adding color, texture and life. However, not everyone has the time or motivation to maintain plants. Seasonal allergies can further limit some people’s ability to enjoy the outdoors.

Artificial plants that are rated for indoor-outdoor or covered outdoor use provide an allergy and maintenance-free alternative for patios, porches and the like. Today’s artificial plants are more durable and lifelike, making them an attractive and time-saving addition to your outdoor space.

Let's look at some of the best faux plants for outdoors and what you should know about their care and maintenance.

One of the best reasons to fill your outdoor space with artificial plants is that they are extremely fuss-free, since they don’t need watering, pruning or fertilizing. This makes faux plants perfect for those who have busy schedules or a “brown thumb.”

Furthermore, outdoor artificial plants have fewer weather worries. A faux plant won't wither in extreme heat and isn’t picky about light levels.

In addition, artificial plants are a one-time investment. Unlike real plants that may need to be fertilized, pruned, repotted or replaced regularly, artificial plants can last for several years with proper care. Plus, a faux plant never outgrows its pot!

You don’t have to devote all your outdoor space to fake plants – there’s room to share! A combination of faux plants mixed in with real potted outdoor plants creates a lush backdrop for your outdoor activities, while keeping maintenance to a minimum.

When choosing an artificial plant for your porch or patio, consider the type of foliage that will best suit your space. Some familiar options include:

Boxwood is a popular choice for artificial outdoor plants. Boxwoods have a classic, elegant look and can be used as an accent plant or hedge. Choose boxwood topiaries or sculptural stand-alone plants for added interest.

Natural cedar trees are often used as privacy screening. Artificial cedar trees in pots can create the same effect on balconies, porches and patios where planting is impossible or inconvenient. They look like the real thing, but don’t require upkeep or pruning!

Lush ferns are a great way to bring a touch of green to your outdoor space. Versatile artificial ferns can be used in hanging baskets, planters or as ground cover. Faux ferns also are a great choice for shady areas where real plants may struggle to thrive.

Succulents are a trendy option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Their popularity stems from their versatility, as faux succulents come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Fake succulents also are low maintenance and can add a touch of modernity to your outdoor decor.

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Artificial plants don't need much care, but there are a few things you can do to make sure they look their best in your outdoor space.

First, choose the right plant for your outdoor location. Most artificial plants that are rated for indoor-outdoor use will do well on a protected patio or porch. However, be aware of changing weather conditions. Shelter your artificial outdoor plants from extreme sunlight, wind, heat or cold to prevent damage and keep them looking their best.

If you place your artificial plants in a sunny spot, consider spraying them with UV-resistant spray to prevent fading.

Also, clean them regularly to remove any dust or debris. You usually can clean faux outdoor greenery with a damp cloth.

Plants can turn an uninspiring outdoor space into one you’ll enjoy, motivating you to spend more time outside. Even better, artificial plants make the transformation easy and maintenance free.

Plus, since you're not limited by climate or style, you can introduce artificial plant varieties that normally wouldn’t thrive in your area. That means you can turn your desert patio into a tropical oasis or enjoy plants earlier and later into the typical growing season.

In short, faux plants let you design rich, green exterior areas with little investment of time, effort and maintenance.

Browse Christmas Central to explore all the beautiful possibilities of artificial plants – including our high-quality Real Touch™ botanicals, some of the most realistic artificial outdoor plants you’ll find! 

Christmas Central, a reliable online retailer for more than 20 years, offers an extensive selection of artificial plants for indoor and outdoor use. Popular styles include artificial snake plant, boxwood, agave, fiddle leaf fig, ferns, dracaena and more. For best results, check out the varieties rated for indoor-outdoor use, and browse our Real Touch™ luxury botanical line for the most realistic outdoor faux plants.

Because artificial plants that are displayed in planters outside aren’t as heavy as planters filled with soil, they may tip over in high winds. To keep your plants stable (especially taller, leafy varieties), it’s best to add weights to the base.

In most cases, you can lift out the plant to fill the base with stones, sand, weights, or even concrete. 

If the planter your artificial outdoor plant comes in isn’t decorative or to your taste, consider placing it inside a larger, sturdier ceramic or concrete planter. It will look better and be more secure when the wind blows.