How to protect artificial plants outdoors.

Intense sun and heat

Outdoor artificial plants should ideally always be UV-resistant. That protects them against the rays of the sun, but in extreme sun and heat it is worth taking further measures.

You can also treat outdoor artificial plants with a UV-resistant spray, but because this coating is not impregnated, the protection is less effective and less even. Parts of the foliage and the plant itself may still fade.

Other things you can do to protect outdoor artificial plants against the sun:

• Apply a UV spray
• Move them to a shady spot
• Use a shade cloth to avoid direct sunlight

Sun and UV radiation can significantly shorten the life of your artificial plants. Artificial hanging plants and colourful plants in fixed planters are particularly prone to fading in the sun. Cover them temporarily with a shade cloth or move the plant.

Protection against heavy rainfall

When you put your artificial plant in a pot or planter, you also have to allow for rainfall. Excess water in the pot must be able to drain away easily to prevent rot or damage. Some artificial plants have a trunk made of real wood, and once it becomes waterlogged the trunk is also more likely to break.

• Planters with drainage holes
• A base of gravel or clay pebbles
• Put artificial plants under cover temporarily

Most pots for outdoor artificial plants have drainage holes in the bottom. You can also line the base of the planter with gravel, stones or clay pebbles for even better drainage and faster run-off of excess rainwater during extreme weather.

Severe frost or extreme cold and artificial plants

Artificial plants can handle a normal outdoor climate. They can stay outside through the winter, but they do need extra protection in severe frost or cold.

• Move them to a sheltered spot
• Apply horticultural fleece

You can move the artificial plant temporarily to a sheltered spot, or cover it with horticultural fleece. That prevents the leaves or stems of the plant from fading.

Protecting artificial plants against strong wind

Strong wind or storms can also damage artificial plants on the balcony, in the garden or on the terrace. Wind can distort branches or even loosen leaves. Naturally you want to prevent that. You protect artificial plants against strong wind by placing them in a sheltered spot. Where possible, take hanging artificial plants down for a while.

• Weigh the pot down with gravel or stones
• Secure or stake large artificial plants
• Move the planter out of direct wind

Do you have a large artificial plant or tree in the garden that is not easy to move? Then provide extra support in the form of guy lines or a stake.

How your outdoor artificial plants survive wind, rain, sun and cold

Giving your artificial plants the protection they need during extreme weather matters. It prevents damage and fading, and keeps your plants looking good for longer. Besides the tips above, you can also move plants from the balcony or terrace indoors for a while, into the shed, the garage or the living room.

In any case it is important always to choose UV-resistant artificial plants for outdoors.