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    3. How To Care for Artificial Plants

    How To Care for Artificial Plants: Cleaning and Storage Tips

    Updated last Dec. 17, 2024

    Different types of artificial topiary
    Outdoor Cypress Topiary
    Artificial plants spruce up your home décor season after season. They never wilt nor dry, which makes them perfect for display throughout the year. Enjoy their organic beauty for years to come with this guide on how to care for artificial house plants.

    How to Care For Artificial Plants

    An outdoor lounge setup with lit artificial topiary plants
    Outdoor Boxwood Foliage

    Step 1 | Look for the ‘Outdoor-Safe’ Label

    When decorating outdoor spaces, choose UV-protected artificial plants that can resist certain levels of sun damage and fading. Check if they're marked "Outdoor Safe" before displaying them outside.

    Step 2 | Adjust Your Plant’s Placement

    For indoor plants near windows, rotate them at least once a month to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Alternatively, reposition your artificial greenery in different areas of the house as the seasons change. This also allows you to refresh your home décor with minimal effort.

    Step 3 | Regularly Clean Your Plants

    It's important to keep artificial plants free of dust and dirt to extend their life and preserve their vibrant hue. Follow our cleaning tips below.

    Insider’s Tip

    How do you keep artificial plants from fading in the sun? Choose outdoor artificial plants crafted with UV protection. Balsam Hill's outdoor-safe foliage are designed to resist damage from the sun and weather as long as they're displayed outside for up to three months per year. Protect them even more by placing them under a form of shade such as a canopy, archway, or pergola.

    How To Clean Artificial House Plants

    A collage of photos showing an indoor house plant
    Outdoor Boxwood Topiary

    Step 1 | Set a Cleaning Schedule

    We recommend dusting your artificial potted plants weekly or biweekly to keep dirt from building up. The frequency of your cleaning varies based on your location and weather conditions.

    Step 2 | Use a Soft-Bristle Paintbrush

    To avoid spreading dust inside your home, clean topiaries and house plants outdoors. Start brushing surfaces from the top, then work your way down. If your artificial topiary is pre-lit, take care not to tug on or remove the light strings. Remember to clean accumulated dust at the base of your planter.

    Step 3 | Gently Wipe off Stains

    Wipe the foliage with a damp rag. Simply use water to moisten the cloth. Avoid using harsh detergents or cleaning solutions as these can discolor or remove any adhesive used for the accents.

    How To Store Artificial Plants

    A slightly open red storage bag for topiaries
    Rolling Topiary Storage Bag

    Step 1 | Choose a Safe and Dry Storage Area

    Keep your artificial plants away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. These elements can discolor and damage them. A closet and spare bedroom are ideal storage locations.

    Step 2 | Clean Before Storing

    Make sure to clean artificial potted plants following the tips mentioned above. If you wiped the foliage with a damp cloth, air it out and dry thoroughly prior to storage.

    Step 3 | Use a Sturdy Container

    Place your artificial plants inside clear plastic bins or durable storage bags. Balsam Hill’s Rolling Topiary Storage Bag features internal paddings and straps to keep your plants in place. They also have wheels at the bottom so you can move plants from the display area to storage easily.

    Step 4 | Store Plants Carefully

    Put small plants together in a large box. Fill in spaces with crumpled newspapers or packing peanuts. Remember to label which side of the container should be kept up.

    Insider’s Tip

    Invest in high-quality storage bags to protect your artificial plants during the off-season. These bags are specially crafted to preserve the form and beauty of your greenery.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where To Buy Artificial Plants

    You can purchase Balsam Hill’s premium artificial plants, topiaries, and urn fillers directly from the website. Enjoy free shipping on all orders to the contiguous US.

    How To Secure Artificial Plants in Pots

    Add a layer of dirt, moss, and pebbles to the base of your artificial garden plants. These natural elements help keep them in place and create a lifelike effect.

    How To Make Artificial Plants Look Real

    Pair high-quality artificial plants with their natural counterparts to make your garden foliage look more realistic. Make sure that these are weatherproof artificial plants, so they withstand elements. Accents such as dirt, moss, and rocks will help them blend seamlessly. For indoor plants, place them next to a window or a glass door to give the illusion that they need ample sunlight to grow.

    We hope these tips help keep your artificial plants and topiaries vibrant for years to come. For questions on your product, please contact our Customer Service Team.

    Shop Artificial Plants

    Further Reading

    Learn more tips on how to choose and decorate with artificial greenery. Visit the links below:

    Wreaths and Garlands: Your Ultimate Guide to Faux Greenery

    How to Fluff Wreaths and Garlands

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