Tips for choosing plants

Tips for choosing plants
GOOD FAKE
Texture looks natural.
Edges are crimped like a real plant.
Plastic components are evident only up close.
Leaves have subtle color shading.
Underside does not look overly plastic.
BAD FAKE
Texture visibly shows that it is fabric.
Edges show threads.
Plastic components are evident even from a distance.
Leaves are unnaturally green and don't vary in color.
Underside looks unnatural, and glue is visible.
Tree considerations
Plan: Take along photographs and measurements to help designers create a tree that meets your needs.
Price: The more realistic and taller the tree, the higher the price. It's not unusual to pay more than $400 per tree.
Placement: Think about furniture. If the tree goes behind a chair, branches and leaves should not interfere with sitting areas.
Volume: Thick, full plants look best with traditional interiors. For modern decor, think lean and sparse.
Shape: Some want a tree to dramatically sway a certain way so it looks cool from their spot on the sofa or from outdoors if it is in front of a window.
Scale: Trees and tall plants should not touch the ceiling and should not be level with the furnishings.
Style: Choose containers and top dressings that complement colors and furnishings. A porcelain pot filled with bark fits in with traditional interiors. An iron urn filled with black rocks looks stylish in modern rooms.
Sources: Sue Reinertson, National Equipment Co.; Bryan Messmer, Stay Green Silk Plants; Mark Sudermann, Madden-McFarland Interiors
Care instructions
To clean, place a drop cloth around large artificial plants; take smaller ones outside.
With a rag, feather duster or a 1-inch-wide soft-bristle paint brush, dust off leaves. (This part can be skipped if there's just a moderate amount of dirt on the plant.)
Spray artificial foliage cleaner (found at craft stores), or a mixture of dish soap and water, onto leaves.
Air dry.
Source: Ranchview Floral and Interiors