Did you know that there are just as many types of artificial plants suited for outdoor use, as there are suited for inside?
Outdoor artificial plants are treated to protect them from UV rays, and they are designed to be able to withstand normal weather and environmental conditions. As such, they are perfect for use in a garden, terrace or window box, and requiring minimal maintenance, they are the convenient choice for those who love plants, but don’t have the time or inclination to tend to them daily. That said, Protecting Outdoor Artificial Plants is still important, and while it’s a lot less time consuming than caring for real plants, there are some steps you should take to ensure you get the very best out of your artificial greenery:
Always buy UV stable outdoor plants
To prevent your outdoor plants from degrading quickly, you should opt for artificial plants that have already been treated with a chemical to protect them from harsh UV rays.
Consider drainage
While you obviously don’t need to water your artificial plants, if they’re going to be used outside and aren’t placed under a roof of some description, they are likely to get wet from the rain at some point. With this in mind, you should think about how the water will drain out of the pot (many pots come with drainage holes or you can create them yourself), and if planting them in the ground, help drainage at the plant’s base by placing some sand or a few stones around it first.
Apply clear preservative to topiary trees
Some topiary trees designed for outdoor use come with a stem made from wood, which should be treated annually with a clear preservative to help them look good for longer.
Protect them from extreme weather
While most artificial plants will survive stormy weather, with such incidents on the increase across the UK, it might be necessary in some instances, to give the plants added protection from heavy rain and strong winds. Rain isn’t ordinarily a problem for artificial plants, but if a lot of rain falls over a short period of time, the plant pots and the ground can easily become waterlogged. Plants with wood stems will do a good job of absorbing the water temporarily, and will dry out again once the sun comes out, but if winds are combined with heavy rains, the stem may be more prone to snapping. Strong winds alone can also cause taller artificial plants and trees to blow over or become damaged, and where possible, such plants should be moved to shelter during particularly severe storms. If you’re not able to move any of your artificial hanging plants or trees, you may want to reinforce them with some supports or fasten them to a nearby structure for added protection.
Protect them from intense sun exposure
While you can buy UV treated artificial plants, the more they are exposed to the sun, the more likely they are to deteriorate and fade at a faster rate. If a heatwave is predicted, try to move your artificial plants into the shade, or cover them with something like a sheet.
Artificial plants for outdoor use have revolutionised gardening for those who don’t have green fingers, and given those who either don’t have the time to tend plants, or simply don’t want to, the opportunity to enjoy beautiful plants in their garden, on their terrace or patio, or even in their hanging baskets.
