Joybuy Insights

Buying artificial plants: a guide for choosing plants for your home, office, balcony and patio

Artificial plants are a practical way to keep indoor and outdoor spaces green all year round, without having to plan for watering, repotting or moving them to a different position. However, materials, dimensions and intended uses can vary considerably. If you decide based solely on the product photo, you could easily end up with a decoration that looks too small in its intended location, fades outdoors or arrives without a suitable pot.

Three common pitfalls when buying artificial plants

1. “Weatherproof” is not always explained clearly enough

When buying artificial plants for balconies and patios, shoppers should check which properties are actually specified. Terms such as “suitable for outdoor use”, “water-resistant” or “UV-resistant” do not automatically cover every type of weather or length of use. Look for specific details about water-repellent materials, UV resistance, colourfastness and care.

Products with silk flowers and plastic components may be designed for outdoor use. Even so, the plant should be secured as safely as possible against the wind. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, frost and strong gusts can affect its lifespan.

2. The size is often underestimated in product photos

An arrangement measuring 75 cm in length may look compact on screen, yet appear considerably larger on a balcony or in a hanging basket. Before buying, compare the length, width and projection with the available space.

With artificial hanging plants in particular, it is important to check whether the stated length includes the pot or refers only to the trailing stems. If there are several stems, also check whether a pot or hanging fixture is included in the delivery.

3. The product does not always arrive as a complete decoration

Some items consist only of plant branches. A suitable pot, an artificial hanging basket, wall bracket or fastening system must then be sourced separately. Other arrangements are supplied in a plant container and can be placed directly on a table, shelf or windowsill.

Weight and the size of the base are also important. Small decorative stones, narrow plant containers or flexible stems can tip over on uneven surfaces. In households with young children, loose decorative elements should also be placed out of reach.

Important buying criteria compared directly

Material and care

Plastic is suitable for textured leaves, grasses and succulents. Silk or fabric flowers may feature a textile surface and graduated colours. For many models, cleaning with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Artificial plants need neither water nor sunlight, but they should be dusted regularly.

A new plastic arrangement may initially have a noticeable material odour. The MyGift succulent arrangement, for example, explicitly points out this possibility; the supplier recommends airing it out.

Intended use: indoors or outdoors

For indoor spaces such as living rooms, offices, cafés or shops, stability, footprint and style are usually the key considerations. Artificial plants in pots can be placed on sideboards, desks and reception counters without any installation.

For balconies, patios or gardens, shoppers should also look for UV-resistant, water-resistant or explicitly weatherproof materials. The term “Outdoor” is no substitute for checking the specific product details. Additional securing is recommended in strong winds.

Shape, fullness and colour impact

Artificial flowers, artificial grasses, artificial succulents and hanging plants serve different decorative purposes:

  • Grasses create a compact look and work well in low plant bowls or as table decorations.
  • Succulents suit modern arrangements and generally require little space.
  • Hanging plants fill vertical spaces, railings, shelves and wall areas.
  • Flowering trails add splashes of colour to seasonal displays, events or outdoor areas.

If you want a fuller appearance, pay attention to the number of trailing stems and branches. Several individual hanging branches can be combined, but they require a suitable hanging fixture or a sufficiently large container.

Our selection for different ways of using artificial plants

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
MyGift 10-Inch Artificial Faux Plant in Luxury Acacia Wood Planter

MyGift 10-Inch Artificial Faux Plant in Luxury Acacia Wood Planter

Why this product suits this profile: This compact arrangement is designed for desks, windowsills, shelves or small table surfaces. The rectangular acacia wood planter comes with two artificial grass shoots and black decorative stones.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions of approximately 23.9 × 10.9 × 14 cm make it easier to plan the space realistically. Four foot pads help provide a stable base while protecting the surface.

Main benefit & strengths

Ready-to-display arrangement with wooden planter, grasses and decorative stones; no assembly or watering required.

Ideal for: Shoppers with high quality expectations
MyGift Artificial Succulent Centerpiece, 15.75 Inch Faux Succulents Arrangement

MyGift Artificial Succulent Centerpiece, 15.75 Inch Faux Succulents Arrangement

Why this product suits this profile: This elongated arrangement combines several artificial succulents with a black MDF wooden planter. It works well as a table centrepiece, desk decoration or accent on a sideboard.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated width of approximately 40 cm and depth of 13 cm prevents you from judging the size solely from the photo. The supplier notes that there may be an initial plastic odour.

Main benefit & strengths

Modern black finish; a ready-made arrangement with no watering, repotting or regular repositioning required.

Ideal for: Special uses & frequent users
2Pcs 29.5in Artificial Petunias Hanging Basket

2Pcs 29.5in Artificial Petunias for Outdoor Areas

Why this product suits this profile: Two flexible petunia trails, each approximately 75 cm long and 30 cm wide, are designed for window boxes, railings, plant baskets, walls or seasonal decorations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The UV-resistant flowers, textured plastic leaves and flexible stems are described clearly. Additional fastening should still be planned for windy conditions.

Main benefit & strengths

24 flowers and two buds per trail; flexible stems can be adapted to different baskets and railings.

Ideal for: Vertical indoor decoration
MyGift Artificial Hanging Vine Plant for Indoor Home Decor

MyGift Artificial Hanging Vine Plant for Indoor Spaces

Why this product suits this profile: The trailing Peperomia Angulata design is intended for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and commercial spaces. The cement pot is supplied with fastening materials.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is specified for indoor use. This helps prevent an item not described as weatherproof from being used inappropriately on a balcony or patio.

Main benefit & strengths

Wall mounting with standard screws and wall plugs; compact pot with a stated overall height of approximately 46 cm.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Care and safe placement

Even low-maintenance decoration stays attractive for longer when positioned correctly:

  • Remove dust regularly with a soft cloth or soft brush.
  • Only use products with explicitly stated outdoor properties outside.
  • Avoid direct heat, naked flames and strong heat sources, as many leaves and flowers are made from plastic.
  • Place heavy plant containers on level, load-bearing surfaces.
  • Keep small decorative stones and detachable individual parts away from young children.
  • With hanging plants, check the load-bearing capacity of the hooks, wall and fastening system.

Frequently asked questions about artificial plants

How long do artificial plants last?

Their lifespan depends on the material, UV exposure, moisture, mechanical stress and care. Indoors, plastic and fabric plants can remain decorative for a long time if handled carefully. Outdoors, shoppers should look for UV-resistant and water-resistant materials; however, this does not make it possible to determine a specific service life.

Are artificial plants suitable for balconies and patios?

That depends on the individual product. Models described as water-resistant, UV-resistant or intended for outdoor use may be suitable for balconies and patios. Secure fastening and a sheltered position can reduce exposure to the weather.

What are the ongoing costs of artificial plants?

Compared with real plants, there is no need for watering, fertiliser, soil or regular repotting. Ongoing costs generally arise mainly from occasional cleaning and, where necessary, additional fastening or a separate plant pot.