Fake vs. Real : My Thoughts on Artificial Succulents

So, you are here to read about my thoughts on fake succulents. Maybe it’s because you are debating whether to get fake ones or real ones, or maybe you just really want to know my opinion. Either way, I think it is only fair to start by telling you my overarching opinion of artificial succulents. I don’t particularly like them. I wouldn’t judge if you have/want one, but I just don’t really see the point. Don’t get me wrong, there are some positives to owning artificial plants, but in my opinion, the pluses are not substantial enough to sway me towards plastic plants. But if you are on the fence and want to know some positives and negatives to help you make your decision, keep reading.

+ Mess free

There is no risk of mess with an artificial plant. I find myself dripping water and dropping bits of soil onto my windowsill. With an artificial plant, there is no chance this could happen.

+ Everlasting

Another plus is that these will last forever no matter what they go through. Drop it on your way in from the store? No problem! Been forgetting to water your plants for months? Don’t worry about it! With a plastic plant, risk of destruction decreases by nearly 100%.

+ Decorate anywhere

With an artificial succulent, you don’t have to worry about the location of it. Real succs often require light, so you can’t always use them to decorate anywhere you want. However, a shelf in the darkest corner of your room can house a plastic plant.

- Unrealistic

To me, artificial succulents are so obvious. It is very rare that I see a realistic one, so what’s the point? Succulents are the easiest plants to take care of, so in my opinion, if you want one, you should go for the real one.

- Pricing

From what I have seen, the artificial plants are not any cheaper than the real thing either as far as initial costs go. Yeah, maybe in the long run if your succulents keep dying and you have to buy more, or after buying soil it could get more expensive, but you are buying something that is so much more worth it.

- Lost benefits

With artificial plants, you lose the ability to propagate and multiply your plants. You also lose the satisfaction of caring for a living thing. There are just some things that come along with owning a real succulent that you just can’t get with a fake one.

Maybe my points didn’t sway you, and you still are thinking about buying a fake succulent. That’s okay; not everyone is suited for caring for things. And if you still think the easiest to care for plants are to overwhelming for you, no judgement. But regardless, hopefully this was of some help to you in making your decision.