Choosing Plants for your house: Faux vs. Real

Written By Madison Swenton

Greenery in interior decorating breathes new life into any space, sometimes quite literally. I am a designer who really enjoys adding earth elements into my work. I get most of my inspiration from nature. It only feels right to bring nature inside because it is so healing for our mind, body, and soul, and bringing its essence indoors feels like an act of alignment and care.

Indoor plants don’t only make a space look pretty, but they are also beneficial to the human mind. Living plants can purify the air we breathe and boost our mood. Scientific studies confirm that lush, leafy greenery has a remarkable ability to boost our mental well-being. Think about it—whenever you need to destress, where do you go? For me, I would say my number ONE feel good place is ALWAYS in nature. A walk in the woods or a moment by the ocean restores my inner peace and ignites my creativity. Plants offer us that same healing energy within our own walls.

Now you are most likely asking, what if I don’t have a green thumb?!? Well, good news for you then… artificial plants can have the same positive psychological benefits as real ones as long as they look real. So deciding on a real vs faux plant is completely up to you and your lifestyle needs !




**Choose Real Plants If:**

- You love nurturing living things and enjoy caring for your plants.

- You want to improve air quality and bring a touch of nature’s vitality indoors.

- You’re up for the rewarding experience of tending to greenery.

**Choose Faux Plants If:**

- You have new wood floors and want to avoid water damage or stains.

- The space is a rental, and you want a worry-free option.

- You prefer low-maintenance décor without compromising on style.

For those hesitant about plant care, start small! Consider hardy options like bonsai trees, snake plants, or cacti. These plants are resilient and require minimal attention—perfect for beginners.

Whether real or faux, greenery transforms a space into a sanctuary, inviting serenity and balance into your life. Let plants inspire your creativity, reduce stress, and connect you to the healing power of nature—right in the comfort of your home.



RESOURCES

  • Beukeboom CJ, Langeveld D, Tanja-Dijkstra K. Stress-reducing effects of real and artificial nature in a hospital waiting room. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Apr;18(4):329-33. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0488. Epub 2012 Apr 10. PMID: 22489806.

  • Haupt, Angela. “Indoor Plants Have Surprising Health Benefits. Here They Are.” Time, Time, 2 Mar. 2023, time.com/6258638/indoor-plants-health-benefits/.

  • Lee MS, Lee J, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y. Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. J Physiol Anthropol. 2015 Apr 28;34(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8. PMID: 25928639; PMCID: PMC4419447.





Madison Swenton