When it comes to incorporating plants into interior spaces, one design question comes up again and again: Should we use live plants or artificial ones? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer! At Oakland Green Interiors, we utilize both live and artificial plant solutions, and the best choice depends on the space and the goals of the project. Understanding the benefits of each option will help ensure that your investment looks and stays beautiful for years to come.
The Case for Live Plants
Live plants bring huge benefits to interior environments. They boost energy, improve general wellbeing of occupants, and connect people to nature in a meaningful way—key principles of biophilic design.
Live plants are the right choice when:
- There is adequate natural or supplemental light
- The space can accommodate regular maintenance
- You want the sensory and experiential benefits of living plants
- Seasonal change and growth are part of the appeal
From statement trees to clusters of planters and living walls, live plants add movement and authenticity to any space. The challenge of living plants is without the right amount of light, watering schedule, and plant knowledge, even the healthiest plants can struggle. However, with proper planning and ongoing professional maintenance from trained horticulturalists, they will thrive year-round and grow beautifully.
Where Artificial Plants Shine
Artificial plants have come a long way in recent years—and we’re not talking about your average Amazon or big box craft store type of artificial! High quality, professionally-designed artificial planters and arrangements now offer a realistic alternative to live, especially in spaces where living plants won’t thrive.
Artificial plants are often the best fit when:
- Light levels are low or inconsistent
- Maintenance access is limited or unavailable
- The space experiences heavy temperature fluctuations
- Consistency of look and longevity are priorities
Entryway vestibules, conference rooms, shelving, and overhead or ceiling applications are all excellent options for artificial greenery. Unlike live plants, these artificial installations maintain their shape and appearance without any ongoing maintenance. At OGI, we focus on custom artificial solutions with high quality product from the best vendors. Each project is tailored to the scale and style of the space, ensuring it feels intentional to the brand or style.
Design Matters Most
One of the biggest misconceptions that we encounter in our industry is that choosing artificial plants means sacrificing design quality. In reality, thoughtful biophilic design is what makes the difference, regardless of whether plants are living or artificial.
The most successful projects consider:
- Proportion and scale
- Plant variety
- Method of staging and/or planting
- Container selection
- Proper placement within the space
A poorly designed live installation can feel sparse with the chance of plant health declining quickly, while a well-designed artificial arrangement will feel lush and elevated. The key is choosing the right solution for the environment and executing it with care.
A Hybrid Approach: Often the Best Solution
Many of our projects use a mix of both live and artificial plants. This hybrid approach allows us to maximize impact while working within the real-world constraints of a building. In this scenario, live plants are great in bright, high-impact areas. Artificial plants can be worked throughout the remainder of the building in low light zones (such as under a stairway, in a conference room, hanging overhead), with the added option of preserved moss art for wall applications! This layered strategy creates cohesive, nature-inspired environments that look great and function well long-term.
Let the Space Guide the Decision
Ultimately, the best greenery solution starts with asking the right questions:
- What are the lighting conditions?
- How is the space used?
- Who will maintain it?
- What feeling should the space evoke?
Whether the answer is live plants, artificial plants, or a thoughtful blend of both, intentional design ensures that the final result feels natural and aligned with your space. Our team will help determine the initial investment, the measurable ROI of living plants, and the longevity and maintenance needs of each proposed project. We help our clients navigate these choices with clarity and creativity, designing custom plant solutions that work beautifully in the real world.
