Fake Vs. Real Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
16th Aug 2022
Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
Real fiddle leaf fig trees can be pretty challenging to keep alive in the home. Fiddle leaf figs require care and the right kind of tropical climate to survive. If you love these trees but are afraid you won't be able to maintain them, you’re not alone, and faux fiddle leaf fig trees are the best alternative.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to settle for a faux tree that looks fake. You can get a faux tree with a very lifelike look and your house guests won't even be able to tell the difference! All of ours even have a natural, real timber trunks and feel real to the touch. Let's look at a handful of positives and negatives of getting either real or fake fiddle leaf fig trees.
Comparing Fake and Real Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
Water
For real fiddle leaf fig trees, when the top layer of soil on the tree is dry, you'll need to water it. You can gauge it by inserting your finger into the soil. You'll need to test before deciding how frequently your fiddle leaf fig tree needs to be watered. Keep in mind that the watering schedule can change depending on the season, humidity level, etc.
You'll need to water thoroughly when the time comes and allow the plant to dry again before watering. If plants don't get enough water, the leaves will turn brown. If they get too much water, the oldest leaves (near the plant's base) turn brown and fall off. Fake fiddle leaf figs don't need any water, so you are free from this task if you opt for artificial trees.
Fertilise
Real fiddle leaf fig trees need fertiliser about once a month. Fake ones don't need that either.
Soil
Real fiddle leaf fig trees require rich soil that drains well. You have to change their pot once a year because crowded roots will begin to grow through the container's drainage hole. This will cause circulation issues and even root rot.
No such problems exist with faux fiddle leaf fig trees as they don't need soil.
Light
Real fiddle leaf fig trees require plenty of light but not direct sunlight. This tree does not require direct sunlight at all times, but it does require a consistent flow of light. Once it starts to lean towards the light, you should turn it every few months. Also, make sure that the area is not cold and damp.
On the other hand, fake fiddle leaf fig trees don’t require light at all.
Cleaning
The big leaves of both natural and faux fiddle leaf fig trees will need dusting from time to time. Use a soft cloth to dust it but don't be harsh. This is the one area where there is little difference between real and fake - both require cleaning to look their best.
Appearance
There is no doubt that a healthy, refreshing live fiddle leaf tree is a pleasant aesthetic to look at. There are no two real fig trees precisely alike, and they make a truly stunning addition to any décor setting.
On the other hand, fake options have become popular in recent years. Fake fiddle leaf fig trees have improved drastically, with high-quality fake trees looking just as beautiful as the real ones. With real timber trunks and incredibly detailed leaves, it’s hard to tell they aren’t real!
Price
Prices for a 1.5 m tall live plant range between $200 and $400. However, remember that this doesn't include the cost of a decorative planter, fertiliser or the time you spend caring for it. You’ll definitely need a nice planter as the standard black plastic pots provided by nurseries are basic and don't do much for home décor.
The price varies greatly with faux fiddles and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Unrealistic ones can be around $100 while a top quality one approx 1.6m tall is around $360. So, it all comes down to the height you want and the quality. Taller trees are more expensive due the the additional materials that are needed. In general, the higher the quality of fake plants, the more expensive the plant will be.
Benefits of Having a Real Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Although you'll need to put in quite some effort to take good care of real fiddle leaf fig trees, they have many incredible benefits.
Follow seasonal cycles
Fiddle leaf figs follow the seasons. They bloom and have vibrant colours during the spring and summer, unlike some other indoor plants. But in autumn and winter, you will see the leaves wilting and sometimes dying off.
Whether or not the leaves fall off or wilt, they'll be back in full force come spring. The majority of other house plants, including succulents, have their own annual cycle. They can survive for a long time because they don't require much water, but you won't be able to relax and watch nature take its course.
As these trees grow in many different places, each fiddle leaf fig experiences a unique seasonal cycle. If you reside in a region with a humid, warm climate, the plant will likely thrive much longer than in cold, dry weather.
For many of us that don’t live in tropical environments, growing a real Fiddle Leaf is out of the question - the climate heavily dictates what you can and can’t grow in a particular geographic area.
Improve mental health
You will understand the mental benefits of these beautiful trees if your fiddle leaf fig has ever sprouted a new leaf! Managing one of these trees is a fantastic way to feel accomplished. Many fiddle leaf fig owners become attached to their plants, giving them names and caring for them.
You can find pruning, repotting, propagating, cleaning, watering, and fertilising these trees extremely rewarding and, at times, meditative. Nothing beats watching a beautiful plant grow and thrive under your care.
Boost concentration level
The mental benefits of fiddle leaf figs do not end here! Fiddles and other houseplants can also improve your concentration and productivity.
According to a study, elementary students were more attentive and able to feel productive when their classroom contained live house trees (rather than fake plants or their images). When you're trying to focus on something, try sitting near your fiddle. You might notice an improvement in your ability to concentrate.
Purify the air
You've probably heard that many indoor plants can remove chemicals like ammonia and benzene from the air better than any technology. This results in promoting healthy oxygen levels as they respire. Moreover, a study conducted under conditions similar to those found in a self-contained space station found these plants may also provide benefits in our homes.
According to studies, many plants are good at purifying the air and removing harmful chemicals, thus improving air quality. Fiddles can additionally grow quite large, and larger plants respire more than smaller ones, making them more effective at cleaning indoor air.
Simple to propagate
Fiddle leaf fig plants are relatively simple to propagate or breed if you want to grow extra plants in your home or give new plants as gifts to your friends and family.
You can root fiddle leaf fig leaves, but they will not produce stems or grow into complete plants. To propagate a successful fiddle leaf fig that will eventually grow and mature, take a cutting that includes about 7.5 to 15 cm of the plant stem.
Tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions
Almost all fiddle leaf figs thrive in environments with 6 hours of direct, indirect, or filtered sunlight per day. They can, however, tolerate environments with lower light levels or that only provide artificial light in the form of fluorescents. So, even if your office lacks natural light or your home's windows face north, you can grow a fiddle leaf fig.
Overall, if you have the right climate, the inclination to try growing a real one and the patience required, it’s definitely worth it. So what go artificial if there are all these benefits to having a real one???
Benefits of Having a Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Saves money
Purchasing a fake fiddle-leaf fig will save you money in the long run if you are unsure about keeping your natural plant alive. You can additionally save yourself time and money by going faux from the beginning!
It can be pretty sad to buy a plant only to have it die on you a few weeks later. For those of us who were tragically born without a green thumb, this sequence of events is all too familiar. It may not only make you depressed as a plant parent, but you feel that your money has also gone to waste.
Evergreen, Never wither and die
This seems pretty obvious; however, good-quality fake plants will last and look great indefinitely. You also won’t need to go through months on end of a tree that looks like a bunch of dead sticks… none of us enjoy looking at that!
Requires no maintenance
Can we take a small moment to truly appreciate how wonderful it is to have something beautiful in our home that requires no maintenance? Your faux friend will continue to look beautiful every single day without having to water it. Dusting once in a while is nothing compared to determining the best watering schedule, repotting, rotating, and fertilising a natural plant. You also still have all that natural feel and texture of a real tree - being real timber, they are made to look as real as possible.
Great for home
As fiddle-leaf figs are so popular, faux versions are easily obtainable. There isn't really any standard room that wouldn't be able to fit a nice faux fiddle-leaf fig, as sizes can vary with faux options. They look fantastic anywhere as a decorative piece.
Many people use fake fiddles to make their homes look aesthetically appealing to potential buyers when selling. Many people associate fiddle leaf figs and nature with beautifully designed interiors. If you’re looking to get a few more dollars for your home, considering adding some greenery throughout. You’ll barely notice that you're looking at a fake tree in photos (or even in person!).
Ideal for filling empty corners
Do you have any empty corners in your house? With their tall height and large leaves, faux fiddle leaf fig trees are especially appealing in corners. They play a fundamental role in enhancing the visual quality of your house without being pricey.
Perfectly fit for low-light areas
Plants immediately brighten and cheer up low-light areas. The issue is that many natural plants do not thrive in low-light environments. Real fiddle-leaf trees also don't live in low light. That is why a fake tree is an ideal solution.
No more drainage holes
If you've ever grown plants, you'll know that drainage holes are essential for preventing root rot. Displaying plants in attractive baskets or pots can be problematic because water can seep through the drainage holes and ruin them. But not with a false plant! Because no watering is required, you can use any display vessel you want without fear of ruining it. Choose the pot that is perfect for your space, without having to compromise because of draining end other pesky details.
No danger of harmful bugs
Many dangerous insects, aphids, and other plant bugs will not be easily attracted to an artificial tree.
Fake Fig Trees Are a Great Choice
Real fig trees aren't for everyone. They require a lot of regular maintenance, can be messy, and must be monitored so they don’t outgrow their space. If you like the look of fiddles but don't want the hassle, we have plenty of artificial options available.
Variety in shape, size, and colour of your faux fiddle will make it look real. As the trunks of fiddle leaf figs aren't totally smooth or straight, look for faux fiddles with real wood trunks and branches like a real tree.
These are some essential details that make your fig trees much more realistic. Visit Artificial Plant Shop to find the best fake fig trees for you.