When Artificial Plants Are the Smart Choice for Commercial Spaces.

In the world of interior design, live plants are usually the preferred choice for bringing warmth and vibrancy to commercial spaces. However, there are times when artificial plants are not just a practical alternative but a smarter and more sustainable choice. With advancements in manufacturing making faux plants more realistic than ever, businesses can achieve the lush, green aesthetic they desire without the challenges that live plants sometimes present. Here are the key situations where artificial plants are the perfect solution for commercial spaces.

1. Low Light or No Natural Light Areas

Many commercial spaces, such as basements, windowless office meeting rooms, bars or restaurants, suffer from a complete lack of natural light. Even the most shade-tolerant live plants will fail to survive in these conditions, requiring costly regular replacement plants and energy-intensive artificial lighting to stay healthy. Instead of fighting nature, artificial plants provide a long-lasting, maintenance-free alternative that looks just as good without the worry of them wilting away.

A basement faux plant display for restaurant, Bubala in Soho, London.

2. Hard-to-Reach Locations

A well-placed plant can elevate the ambiance of a space, but some ideal spots are difficult—or even impossible—to maintain. High shelves, hanging planters in atriums, or greenery installations suspended from ceilings can be visually stunning but create major maintenance challenges. If watering, pruning, and dusting become safety hazards, artificial plants allow you to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of greenery without the logistical headaches. Plus, if people can’t physically touch the plants, they often mistake them for the real thing!

A high level replica houseplant display for restaurant Grind in Greenwich, London.

3. High-Traffic and Hygiene-Sensitive Areas

Commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic—such as lobbies, shopping centers, toilets and busy corridors can be harsh environments for live plants. Constant exposure to dirt, fluctuating temperatures, and even accidental damage from passersby can leave live plants looking ragged or unhealthy. Another area to consider is high level planting above bars and kitchens in cafes and restaurants - These are often very warm and dry and directly above busy staff or diners.

Floor standing faux plant in a high traffic spot in restaurant Grind, Broadgate, London.

4. Sustainability Considerations

A common argument against artificial plants is that they are not as environmentally friendly as live plants. However, if a live plant is constantly struggling, requiring frequent replacements and additional resources like fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial lighting, the environmental impact can be greater than investing in a high-quality artificial plant that lasts for years. Choosing the right type of greenery for the right setting ultimately leads to a more sustainable solution.

5. Allergy and Air Quality Considerations

While live plants improve your spaces’ air quality and bring much needed nature and wellbeing to your staff and customers; they may not always be suitable your more sensitive environment. In settings such as healthcare facilities like doctors surgeries, dental practices, beauty and grooming businesses - Artificial plants will provide a worry-free way to incorporate greenery into your business.

6. Advancements in Artificial Plant Manufacturing

Gone are the days of obviously fake, plastic-looking plants. Thanks to improvements in materials and craftsmanship, modern artificial plants feature high-quality silk, latex, and even bio-based plastics that closely mimic real leaves, stems, and textures. Some even incorporate UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With options ranging from realistic succulents to full-size trees, businesses can now enjoy hyper-realistic greenery that is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Artificial plants are beginning to look more and more like the real thing!

Final Thoughts

While live plants will always take priority in commercial space design, artificial plants are an invaluable tool for spaces where natural conditions simply don’t allow for healthy plant growth. They even come with their own biophilic properties as it’s been proven that we still respond positiviely to the prescence of green foliage in a room - even if it is fake.

Whether due to lighting constraints, maintenance challenges, or high-traffic wear and tear, artificial greenery ensures a stylish and sustainable solution that will enhance any environment. By embracing today’s high-quality replica houseplants, businesses can create inviting, lush spaces without the upkeep—proving that sometimes, fake is the smartest choice of all!

Find our more about how Plants By There can help you create an indoor jungle in even the trickiest of spaces using artificial planting.