Outdoor artificial plants are the perfect solution for people who want a pretty, vibrant garden without the ongoing maintenance that live plants require. However, one big problem that many people have with outdoor artificial plants is fading from the sun and weather. We hear all the time about how durable artificial plants are, but nobody talks about how to keep them from fading and keep them looking good.
That’s what I’m going to talk about in this article. Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to make your outdoor space look great, or you’re a business owner who wants to invest in some commercial artificial plants, these tips will help you protect your investment and keep your outdoor artificial plants looking great.
Table of Contents
– Tips for Users: Protecting Artificial Plants from Fading
Fading occurs from the sun, weather, and sometimes pollution in the air. In this section, I’m going to give you some tips you can use to keep your artificial plants from fading and make them last longer.
Positioning for Maximum Protection
a. Strategic Placement
Where you position your outdoor artificial plants is a big deal in terms of how long they will hold their color and vibrancy. The sun is the biggest culprit. Avoiding full sun exposure, especially during peak hours, is the best way to prevent fading. Here are some tips to avoid fading:
Avoid full sun exposure: You can put them in areas that get partial shade. Under a porch, pergola, or along a wall that stays shaded are all great places.
When plants are out in the sun too much, the UV rays penetrate the materials and start breaking down the pigments they used to color the leaves and flowers. By putting your plants in partially shaded areas, you’re extending their life because you’re reducing the intensity of the UV rays. You also want to choose locations that provide indirect sunlight. Indirect sunlight is a softer light and doesn’t have the same fading effect as direct sun exposure.
Rotate them regularly: Just like real plants, rotating your artificial plants every few weeks will prevent uneven fading. A lot of times, the side of the plant that is facing the sun will fade faster, so one half of the plant will be more discolored than the other half.
This is an area most people overlook, but it’s important. Many people find that their artificial plants tend to fade on one side more than the other. By rotating your plants every three to four weeks, you ensure that all sides get equal exposure to the light, so you don’t notice one side being faded more than the other.
b. Applying UV-Resistant Sprays
Artificial plants, especially silk and plastic, tend to fade when exposed to the sun’s UV rays for long periods of time. You can apply a UV spray that acts like an invisible shield to protect your plants from the sun. Here’s what you need to know:
What are UV sprays?
UV sprays are specifically designed to give you extra protection from the sun. You can find them online or at most garden stores. You spray it on the leaves and flowers of your plants, and it creates a protective coating that keeps the sun from fading and discoloring your plants.
How to Apply UV Spray
Choose the right spray: Make sure the UV spray you buy is made for the type of material your plants are made of (plastic, silk, fabric, etc.).
Prepare the plant: Clean your plant so there isn’t any dust or debris that will keep the spray from sticking.
Test first: Before you spray the whole plant, test a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t change the color or texture of the plant.
Evenly apply: Spray in a well-ventilated area and make sure you get even coverage by holding the spray about 12 to 18 inches away from the plant. Let it dry completely before you put it back outside.
Reapply schedule: You’ll need to reapply every six months or after a heavy rain because the protective coating can wear off over time.
c. Routine Cleaning and Maintenance
Dirt, dust, and pollution can collect on your plants and make them look bad. When they’re dirty, the UV-resistant coating doesn’t work effectively as well. A regular cleaning routine will keep your plants looking fresh and vibrant.
Dust and debris removal: Regularly dust your plants to keep dirt from settling in and dulling the colors. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to gently wipe the leaves, stems, and flowers. For hard-to-reach areas, use a can of compressed air. Don’t use strong chemical cleaners that will strip off the UV coating.
Use of mild cleaning solutions: For outdoor artificial plants that have accumulated grime or stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution:
· Mix one part water with one part mild dish soap.
· Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surface of the plant.
· Rinse with water and let the plant dry completely before you put it back outside.
During your routine cleanings, check for any signs of wear, such as tears in the leaves, broken stems, or areas where the color has faded significantly. By addressing these issues early, you can prolong the life of your plants.
d. Bringing Plants Inside During Extreme Weather
Even though outdoor artificial plants are made to withstand the elements, extreme weather can cause them to fade or become damaged. Pay attention to the weather in your area, and don’t be afraid to bring your plants inside when necessary.
· Weather considerations: Heavy rain can wash away the protective UV coating and cause water to pool in your plants, which can lead to stains or even mold. Strong winds can tear delicate leaves and blow over potted plants, causing physical damage. Extreme heat can cause the sun’s UV rays to become more intense, which can cause the plants to fade faster.
· Best times to bring them indoors: During heatwaves when the temperature is over 90°F (32°C), it’s best to bring them inside. During stormy seasons or monsoon rains, you should also bring your plants inside to avoid any damage from too much moisture or wind.
e. Investing in High-Quality UV-Resistant Plants
If you want to avoid fading over the long term, look for outdoor artificial plants that are UV-resistant. They will cost a little bit more, but they are worth the investment because they will last longer.
· The importance of UV-resistance: UV-resistant artificial plants are made to be outside and not lose their color. They are treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process that inhibit UV light, so they can handle the sun.
· Long-Term Cost Savings: Even though the initial cost of UV-resistant plants is higher, you’ll save money in the long run. You won’t need to replace faded or damaged plants as frequently, and you’ll spend less on UV sprays and protective measures.
With the above tips, you can make sure you get the most life out of your outdoor artificial plants. Whether it’s putting them in the right location, using a UV spray, or investing in UV-resistant plants, every little bit helps.
– Tips for Artificial Plant Wholesalers: Ensuring Longevity and Customer Satisfaction
As a wholesaler in the artificial plants industry, your primary goal is to provide products that not only meet the immediate needs of your customers but also stand the test of time. Most wholesalers only care about how cheap they can sell something and how many different things they can sell.
I’m going to show you some things that most people in my business never talk about. These are things that will help you run your business better, make your customers happier, and help your artificial plants look better outside for a long time.
1. Sourcing UV-Resistant Artificial Plants
UV protection is the first thing you need to look for when it comes to outdoor artificial plants. UV rays are what cause fading and material breakdown in artificial plants, especially outside. Most manufacturers do not make their plants with UV protection, so this is something you need to look for and point out to your customers.
UV-resistant plants have special additives in them that allow them to be in the sun for a long time without fading or breaking down. If you sell people plants that are not UV-resistant, the color will fade, and the materials will get brittle. Selling people good UV-resistant products will help you build trust with them, and they will buy from you again and again.
2. Offering Pre-Treated UV Protection
Here’s a little-known secret that most people in this business don’t talk about. You can buy UV spray to put on your plants. Even if you buy UV-resistant plants, you can still spray them with UV protectant. This is a huge benefit to the people who buy plants from you, especially if they are distributors or retailers who sell to end users in places where the sun is very intense.
There are several benefits to spraying your plants with UV protection:
Your UV-resistant plants will last even longer if you spray them with UV protectant. This is a great selling point to the people who buy plants from you because they want plants that require as little maintenance as possible.
You can charge a premium for plants that are pre-treated with UV protection. People will pay more for plants that require less work on their part.
You can advertise that your plants are pre-treated with UV protection. Most people don’t think about this, but it is a great marketing point.
3. Packaging Considerations for UV-Resistant Plants
When you ship your artificial plants, especially if they have UV treatment, you need to use packaging that blocks UV rays. Most people use clear plastic packaging when they ship plants. This means the plants are exposed to sunlight while they are being shipped. This is not good. You need to use opaque packaging that blocks UV rays. Here are some tips:
- Use cardboard or opaque plastic that does not let UV rays through.
- Use some kind of internal packaging material like foam or air bubble wraps to protect the leaves and branches from damage.
- If you are shipping to a wet or humid climate, add a moisture-absorbing packet to your package to keep your plants from getting moldy or mildewed.
- Make sure your plants are labeled clearly and that you include information about the UV resistance of your plants. Include instructions on how to maintain them for long-term use, how to reapply UV protection, and how to take care of them in general.
4. Training Retailers on Best Practices
Another way to add value to your business is to provide education to the retailers or distributors who sell your products. Most wholesalers don’t do this. They assume that the people who buy their plants know how to take care of them and how to sell them. Helping people learn how to use your plants will increase their satisfaction and reduce the number of returns you have because of fading or damage. Here are some things you can do:
- Give people written or digital guides they can give to their customers.
Placement instructions。
How to apply UV sprays？
How to maintain the plants so they don’t fade？
When to take the plants inside during bad weather？
- Offer these materials as part of your wholesale package or as an online resource people can access.
- Offer post-sale support. This can be as simple as having a FAQ section on your website or as complex as a customer service hotline where people can call and get help.
5. Staying Ahead of the Market with New UV Technologies
As a wholesaler, you need to know what is happening in the market and what new products are coming out. One thing that most people in my business are not paying attention to is the development of new UV technologies for artificial plants.
There are new materials and coatings being developed that make plants more resistant to the sun. Some companies are even making plants with polymers that block UV rays built into the materials, so you don’t have to spray anything on them.
Work closely with manufacturers that provide certified UV protection. Certification can be a huge selling point for your buyers, especially those working in markets that demand high-quality, long-lasting products. Some certifications to look for include
By using the latest UV technologies and offering certified products, you can sell your plants as premium outdoor plants. This allows you to sell to high-end retailers and charge more money for your plants.
By following these essential tips, both end users and wholesalers can significantly extend the lifespan of outdoor artificial plants. Whether it’s through proper placement, applying UV-resistant sprays, or sourcing high-quality UV-protected products, these actions ensure the plants maintain their vibrant color and appearance. For wholesalers, educating customers and offering premium products will boost customer satisfaction and repeat business. Protect your investment, ensure long-term value, and enjoy the lasting beauty of artificial plants outdoors.