Artificial plants are much easier to take care of than real plants, and they last longer. They can be used in a variety of ways, from floral arrangements to wreaths for your front door or even as centerpieces at your next party.
But what if you want to use them outside? What about the chemicals that go into making these things? And how do you know whether they’re safe to put on your plants?
The answer is: It depends on which type of artificial plants you buy. Some types contain toxic substances, while others don’t. Here’s everything you need to know about artificial plants.
What Are Artificial Plants Made Of?
There are two main categories of artificial plants: those made out of plastic and those made out of paper.
Plastic plants come in many different shapes and sizes, but most of them have one thing in common: They’re made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a petroleum-based product that’s been linked with cancer.
Paper plants are usually more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but they’re also better for the environment because they don’t require any petroleum products to make.
Silk plants are not poisonous, but some silk plants may have a small amount of toxin in them. This is usually found in the stem or leaves. The stems can be removed before you use the flower. If you don’t know how to remove the stems, then it’s better to avoid using these types of plants.
How Do You Know Which Kind Is Better For Your Plants?
The best way to tell whether an artificial flower contains harmful chemicals is by looking at its label. If it says “PVC free,” it doesn’t contain any dangerous materials. But some labels may say something like this: “Made with 100% recycled content.” These words mean nothing, so you should avoid using them.
If you’re concerned about the safety of your plant, look up the manufacturer online. Most companies will list all of the ingredients on their packaging, including the ones that aren’t included in the name.
Can I Use Plastic Plants On My Plants?
Yes! As long as they’re not labeled “PVC free.” Just be sure to wash them well after you get them home.
You might think that plastic plants would be less likely to cause problems than other kinds since they’re made of a non-petroleum substance. But there are still concerns about the health effects of plastics. Studies have shown that they leach toxins into the air and soil around them.
That said, you shouldn’t worry about plastic plants harming your plants. The only reason why you wouldn’t want to use them is if you already have allergies to certain petrochemicals.
Can I Put Paper Plants On My Plants?
You can use paper plants on your houseplants. Just make sure that they’re treated properly before putting them in water. Otherwise, they could end up molding and rot away.
Some people prefer to use natural plants instead of synthetic ones. However, they’re often more difficult to find. Plus, they tend to die quickly. So if you want to use fresh plants, you’ll probably have to settle for artificial ones.
Do All Types Of Artificial Plants Have The Same Ingredients?
Not exactly. There are three main types of artificial plants: those made out of plastic, those made out of paper, and those that combine both plastic and paper.
Each kind has its own set of ingredients. That means that each type of flower has its unique risks.
For example, plastic plants typically contain phthalates, which are known carcinogens. Phthalate levels are higher in plastic plants than in other artificial plants.
However, it can wash off plastic plants easily. So if you’re worried about these chemicals, you can always use them once or twice and then throw them away.
On the other hand, paper plants are generally safer. They don’t contain any toxic substances, and they won’t harm your plants when you use them.
But it would help if you never used paper plants printed on a machine that uses ink containing lead. This chemical can damage your plants and even kill them.
What About Those Mixed-Type Plants?
Mixed-type plants are the safest option. They contain no harmful chemicals, and they’re easy to clean.
However, they do cost more than either plastic or paper plants. And they’re harder to find. So if you’d instead save money, you’ll need to stick with one of the two other options.
How Do You Know Which Type Of Flower Is Right For Your Plant?
The easiest way to figure this out is to read the label. Look for the word “artificial.” Then check the product description to see what else it says.
If it says “PVF,” then it’s safe to use. It means that it’s PVC-free.
If it says something like “100% recycled content,” then you know that it’s made from recycled material.
If it says anything about how much-recycled content it contains, then you can assume that it’s mostly made of recycled materials.
And if it doesn’t say anything at all, then it’s probably not very good quality.
How Long Should Plastic Plants Last?
Plastic plants last for several months. But they’ll start to break down after six weeks.
Paper plants will last longer. They usually last for a year or more.
In Summary
In short, as long as you buy regular artificial flower products, you don’t need to worry about toxic issues. Buy as much as you want!