Real Plants, Real Vibes: Why Plant Circle Rarely Uses Artificial Greenery (And When We Might)
Let’s address the fern in the room: artificial plants have come a long way. Gone are the days of plastic ficus trees with dust as their only foliage. These days, some faux plants are real show-stoppers – they pose well, don’t need watering, and honestly, in dim lighting, they can almost pass as the real thing. So why, you ask, do we at Plant Circle Berlin so rarely use them in offices around the city?
Well, darling, the truth is: faux might fool the eye, but it doesn’t fool the soul.
The Myth: Artificial Plants Always Look Cheap
Let’s bust this myth right open. No, not all artificial plants look like they belong in a dentist’s waiting room circa 1987. There are high-end, stunning artificial pieces that have us doing double takes. Some are so well-crafted they could walk a runway (if only they had roots).
But while quality faux plants do exist, they still fall short in one major area: they’re decor, not living design.
Why We Prefer Living Plants in Berlin Workspaces
Here’s where the real magic lies: living plants breathe life into a space – quite literally. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and filter the air. They're little green wellness machines quietly working their magic while looking fabulous.
Berlin offices, from Kreuzberg startups to Mitte co-working spaces, thrive on creative energy and dynamic design. Real plants grow. They stretch toward sunlight. They drop leaves. They surprise you with new shoots or blooms. They evolve with your space. That constant movement and quiet change brings an organic energy that no static object ever can.
Artificial plants? They stay the same. Always. No growth, no change, no life. Over time, that stillness can subtly drain a space of vitality. It’s like putting a paused video on loop – the illusion is there, but the experience is flat.
When Artificial Plants Do Make Sense
We’re not complete purists. There are times when artificial greenery makes sense, even in stylish Berlin interiors:
High-up placements: Think tall shelves or ceiling installations in stairwells where maintenance is difficult.
Filming sets or events: A film captures a single moment. When plants aren’t the focus, static visuals are totally fine.
Mixed into living bouquets: Combining real and artificial elements can be a clever way to reduce waste and cost. Reusable artificial leaves or branches can extend the life and volume of plant arrangements while keeping the look vibrant.
In these cases, we carefully select high-quality artificial plants that bring the look without compromising the overall design integrity. And we always pair them thoughtfully with living elements whenever possible.
Living Plants: A Vital Design Choice
Choosing living plants isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about experience. It's about creating spaces that feel dynamic, grounded, and vibrant. In Berlin’s offices, hotels, and restaurants, that vibrancy translates into higher well-being, increased productivity, and a more welcoming atmosphere.
So yes, artificial plants have their moment. But in our world, the real stars are rooted, breathing, and alive. Because your space deserves more than a lifeless placeholder. It deserves a living, growing companion.
Ready to bring some real green into your Berlin workspace? Let Plant Circle Berlin help you grow your office into a living, thriving environment.
