Real plants commit suicide at my house, so I am forced to use fake and try to get the nicest silk ones I can find. I have a huge 5 trunk palm in my master suite, it is my pride and joy...got it at Naturwood in Sacramento. I got a great banana palm at a silk-plant store that was going out of business. I suggest you look up stores in your area so you can actually see them in real life. Since I haven't bought off the net, not sure about the link, but their plants look nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: silk plants

Thanks to both of you for responding. I really like that link and am thinking of ordering something small just to see if I like it before I go for the larger plants. I do love philodendron but at this point I think I need a break from the live stuff! Thanks.

Just keep in mind, you'll need to dust those fake ones-I personally would go without any plants-cut flowers are nice!lol. Of course, large-leafed real ones need dusting as well, I suppose.

greenjewels...I look forward to seeing what you think of the quality from that site. I have 4 feet above my kitchen cabinets and will be doing a special project that will need some plants. I have looked at that site many times before and plan on ordering from there too. Best of luck to you.
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Here is an article on cleaning plants. I know you can even hire companies to come into your home and clean your artificial plants...I may need to do that some day. :-)
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Silk plants are an attractive accessory, but only if they are kept clean and dust-free. Silk plant maintenance is simple since they do not need the sun, water and fertilizers real plants require, but cleaning must be done regularly to keep the plants crisp and pretty.

Basic dusting is the most important part of silk plant care. Use either a feather duster or a lambs wool duster to brush the loose dust and dirt off of your plantÂs stems and leaves on a regular basis. Periodically, use a soft brush attachment with your vacuum to collect heavier deposits of dirt or cobwebs.

Once or twice a year, your plants may require heavier cleaning to maintain their beauty. Before you clean them, you should still remove the dust first so the application of water or cleaner will not turn the layer of dust to mud.

Remember that each silk plant is unique since different types of silk and dyes may be used, and you should test your cleaning solutions on each plant in a hidden area. Always check the care label on your plants since some silks should not ever get wet.

Several manufacturers sell silk plant cleaning sprays, and these generally do a good job when carefully applied to your plant. However, several less expensive cleaning methods work just as well. The first thing to try is plain tap water. Isolate one leaf or petal and run tap water over it gently. Shake it out. If the surface looks glossy and clean, you should be able to use water to clean the whole plant.

Place the plant in a sink, outdoors or on any water-friendly surface. Gently spray water from a faucet or pour water from a large cup, washing each part of the plant without saturating it. Make sure whatever the plant is resting in is water resistant as well. Spanish moss will dry if it is washed along with the plant, but crumpled paper should be removed before you clean the plant. Once you are done washing the plant, shake it gently to remove any excess water and fluff and arrange the leaves. Set it in a sunny spot to dry more quickly. When it is completely dry, it should be as good as new.

If you do not have a place you can pour water over the plant, spray water gently on the leaves and wipe them dry with a soft towel or cloth.

For extremely dirty plants or plants with stains, add either a small amount of dishwashing liquid or white vinegar to your water solution. Spray the plant with this solution, then gently wipe with a soft cloth. Follow up with a spray of clean rinse water. Soap residue will attract dust and dirt quickly, so make sure the plant is well-rinsed. For a stain or problem area, apply the dishwashing or vinegar solution with a soft toothbrush, gently agitating the spot. Stronger cleaners are likely to damage the silk, so simply spend more time with the gentle cleansers on stubborn stains.

How large a plant are you wanting?
I have a 7' tall plant (leaves look like a filbert) that I found at Tues. Morning and another 8' that I bought from a design center.
In the spring check places such as TM and Home Goods, but go, or call often, since the trees sell quickly.

If you need a small plant, consider a really nice faux orchid.
Some large nurseries and gift shops carry quality stems so don't hesitate to put an arrangement together.

Is a plant really needed? Could you do something with artwork or vases?

I dont have an answer to your question, but I laugh when I see my mom cleaning her silk plants with dads air compressor. It works great on the wicker baskets too!

I know what you mean, sadie 709! Honestly, greenjewels, if you can spend the money and energy it takes to keep silk plants looking good, live plants should be a breeze.

OK. I'll be quiet now.

I clean my faux plants with 3M Dust Remover spray that you use to clean the computer keyboard.

I forgot to mention that once a year I haul my plants outside and wash them down with the hose. I have some cheap plants and some expensive ones and they all get the same treatment. I've not seen any damage to the plants.
With the large plants, I cover the base and any moss with a garbage bag before wetting down the plant.

So much great info! Thanks EVERYONE! Don't have a Homegoods store but I do check Tuesday Morn often. Great article on caring for the plants and I enjoyed seeing everyone's cleaning methods. I'm off to look for plants today! I found a great bouquet of dogwoods at Belks yesterday. Very realistic looking and half-price!

Gump's always has a selection to choose from.

Their Bird of Paradise looks pretty realistic, but it should at that price.

VistaFolia offers amazing life like designs with our artificial plants.

Upscapers