Do Fake Plants Need Sunlight?

With all the cheap fake plants available on the market, people assume that artificial plants will crack and fade as soon as they see the sun. Some plants do. One can't help but wonder what went wrong with them.
There are a few things you need to know about artificial plants, the most important of which is: Do artificial plants fade in the sun?

Do fake plants fade in the sun?

The answer is simple, yes - fake plants will fade in the sun, especially if they are made from low-quality materials. The main cause of this fading is UV radiation, which damages the pigments in the leaves and flowers of artificial plants, causing them to lose their vibrant colors.

Low-quality artificial plants are particularly susceptible to this because they usually lack adequate UV protection and are not meant to be used for more than a few months. As a result, these fake plants will begin to fade within a few months, leaving you with only a shell of the once exquisite plant. Now, it's just dull and lifeless. But not all artificial plants are the same. Anti-fading artificial plants equipped with UV protection will not fade or crack from prolonged exposure to the sun. This UV resistance usually comes from special treatments or the material's own ability to resist UV damage.

How to prevent artificial plants from fading outdoors?

Maintaining the vibrant look of artificial plants outdoors requires some care and consideration. Here are some practical tips on how to prevent fake flowers from fading outdoors:

1. Pay attention to the location

While placing artificial plants in direct sunlight can enhance their realistic appearance, it also increases the risk of fading. In order to know how to prevent fake flowers from fading outdoors, you need to consider a few key points.

To maintain the color and extend the "life" of artificial plants, place them in a location that can be partially shaded or protected from the strongest midday sunlight. For example, under a gazebo, awning, or shaded balcony. This way, your plants will still get enough light to look realistic without being harmed.

This doesn't mean that exposure to direct sunlight will definitely make your artificial plants fade, but it may accelerate the process. Regardless, it's important to know that fade-resistant artificial flowers used outdoors are better than those used only indoors.

In addition, protecting your plants from extreme weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy rain will help maintain their structural integrity and appearance.

2. Clean your artificial plants

Dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on the leaves of artificial plants, giving them a dull, lusterless appearance. Regular cleaning is essential to keep artificial plants looking fresh and vibrant.

3. Use UV spray for extra protection

Since we are an artificial plant supplier, we developed our own UV spray. It forms a protective barrier that helps shield your plants from the sun. Regularly spraying with UV spray can extend the life of your plants, and this extra layer of protection is especially helpful in areas with strong sunlight or long, hot summers.

4. Rotate or move your plants

If you have potted artificial plants, rotating them regularly can help evenly distribute sunlight exposure. This way, you can prevent one part of the plant from fading faster than others and leaving gaps of discoloration.

Alternatively, this tip ties in with our first tip about paying attention to location, as it’s easy to move plants around if they’re not secured to anything. In particularly sunny areas, move your artificial shrubs and bushes to a shady spot until the heat subsides.