The Pros and Cons of Using Fake vs. Real Plants in Property Staging
Written by Amy Walker
When it comes to property staging, the goal is to create an environment that feels warm, inviting, and polished. One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating plants into the design. Plants, whether real or fake, bring life and vibrancy to a space, but each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using fake and real plants in property staging to help you make an informed decision for your next project.
Real Plants in Property Staging: The Pros
- Fresh Air and Fragrance
- Real plants have the added benefit of purifying the air. Some plants, like peace lilies and spider plants, can help improve indoor air quality, making a home feel fresher and more breathable. Additionally, certain plants may even add a subtle, pleasant fragrance to the space.
- Appeal to Nature Lovers
- For buyers who appreciate nature, real plants can be a strong selling point. A property that showcases a variety of healthy plants may appeal to those who enjoy gardening or want a space with a more natural feel.
- Dynamic Visuals
- Real plants have a dynamic presence in the room. They grow, change, and respond to their environment, giving the space a sense of life and vibrancy. Their leaves sway gently in the breeze, adding movement and a touch of tranquility to the space.
- Genuine Charm
- Real plants have a unique, natural appeal that artificial ones can't match. They bring an organic element to any room, making it feel more inviting and in tune with nature. A vibrant, healthy plant can set a warm, welcoming mood that resonates emotionally with potential buyers.
Real Plants in Property Staging: The Cons
- Maintenance and Care
- Real plants require regular care, including watering, pruning, and ensuring they get adequate sunlight. During property staging, you will likely not have time or access to a property to help keep the plants healthy, especially if the staging lease is for an extended period of time.
- Limited Lifespan
- Some real plants have a limited lifespan and can begin to wilt or die if not properly cared for. This can negatively impact the overall appearance of the property, potentially giving a poor impression to perspective buyers that the property is not maintained or cared for.
- Allergies and Sensitivities
- While plants can purify the air, they can also trigger allergies in some individuals. Pollen and strong fragrances from certain flowers or plants can be off-putting to buyers who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.
- Potential Mess
- Real plants can sometimes create a mess, especially if they shed leaves or drop soil. This can create extra work for the property stager and will likely detract from the polished look they're aiming for.
Fake Plants in Property Staging: The Pros
- Low Maintenance
- One of the biggest advantages of using fake plants is that they require little to no care. You won’t have to worry about watering, pruning, or providing them with sunlight. They stay looking fresh and vibrant throughout the entire staging process, no matter how long the furniture lease is for.
- Longevity
- Fake plants are durable and can maintain their appearance over time. Whether you're staging a home for a few weeks or several months, they won’t wilt, dry out, or lose their appeal, providing consistent visuals for potential buyers. This is also a huge benefit financially, as the staging company will not have to continuously buy plants for every property.
- Allergen-Free
- Unlike real plants, fake plants don’t produce pollen or fragrances that can irritate allergies. This makes them a safer choice for homes with potential buyers who may have sensitivities to certain types of plants.
- No Mess
- Fake plants don’t shed leaves, drop soil, or require regular cleaning. This can make them an easier and less stressful option for property staging, especially in high-traffic areas where the plants may be bumped or disturbed.
Fake Plants in Property Staging: The Cons
- Less Authentic
- The biggest disadvantage of fake plants is that they lack the authenticity of real ones. Even the best quality fake plants can sometimes look plastic or artificial up close. If not carefully chosen, fake plants can detract from the realism of the space, making it feel less natural and more staged.
- Limited Visual Interest
- Fake plants, while often beautifully designed, don’t change or grow over time. They lack the vibrant visual appeal that actual plants provide to a space because of their still nature. A fake plant may look just as good on day one as it does on day 30, but it won’t provide that same sense of vitality and movement.
- Perception of Cheapness
- If the quality of fake plants is poor, they can make the space feel less luxurious or well-curated. Buyers may perceive the use of low-quality fake plants as a shortcut or a sign that the staging wasn’t thoughtfully executed.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between real and fake plants for property staging comes down to your goals, budget, and the specifics of the property you're staging. If you have the time and resources to care for plants, and you want to create an organic, fresh feel in the space, real plants are a great option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a hassle-free, long-lasting solution that will keep the property looking polished throughout the staging lease period, fake plants may be the way to go.
For the best of both worlds, consider a mix of real and fake plants, incorporate real greenery such as water plants or air plants that require little to no maintenance in key areas while using high-quality faux plants where maintenance is challenging or for added flair. With careful selection, you can enhance the appeal of any property and make it feel like home to potential buyers.