The Lifespan of Artificial Plants in Outdoor Settings

Today’s UV protection can provide 5 years+ of protection!​

The lifespan of outdoor artificial plants varies depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the materials used in their construction, the weather conditions they are exposed to, and how well they are maintained. Generally speaking, high-quality outdoor artificial plants can last for several years or even decades with proper care.

One of the advantages of outdoor artificial plants is that they do not require water, sunlight, or fertilizers to thrive, so they are not subject to the same environmental stresses as living plants. However, they are still exposed to the elements, including wind, rain, and direct sunlight, which can cause fading or damage over time.

To maximize the lifespan of outdoor artificial plants, it is important to choose high-quality products that are designed for outdoor use and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance. This may include periodically cleaning the plants to remove dirt and dust, as well as storing them properly during periods of extreme weather.

Outdoor artificial plants for outdoor will not last indefinitely. Over time, even the most durable outdoor materials will begin to age, crack, and fade. There are two types of outdoor Products:

1. UV Protection sprayed on the artificial plant:

Treating your artificial plant with UV protection, its life expectancy is longer than untreated indoor products. It should last 3- 5 or so years. Without UV treatment, regardless of the material, the outdoor artificial plant last will be even shorter for they are prone to age and lose shape and texture. Pacific Silkscapes can spray commercial-grade UV protection on selected indoor products that are going outdoors and will not have direct sunlight.

2. Products made with UV inhibitors inside the mold:

The best outdoor product is Polyblend®. This product is a secret proprietary formulation of UV Inhibitors and UV Screeners to absorb the sunlight and protect the resin. How long will Polyblend^® foliage provide suitable service?   Southern regions of the U.S. such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona with the most intense exposure to direct UV rays year-round can expect up to 5 years of color consistency without any brittleness or cracking to the leaves. Solid steel or stiff wireframing provides additional support in other harsh weathering conditions including rain, wind, or snow. (Note1)”

If your outdoor artificial plants are outdoors, it is essential for you to buy UV-treated artificial plants or Polyblend products rather than untreated ones.  If you purchase UV-protected products, stay away from extreme weather.  In some bad weather, such as heavy rain, heavy snow, or strong wind, move the artificial plants inside your home. Some extreme temperatures will cause artificial plants to crack and shatter, affecting their service life.

For ideas on using artificial plants for the outdoors, refer to our outdoor plant webpage.

Note1: Taken from the Autograph Foliage website