Confessions of a Plant-Killing Airbnb Host (and How I Found Redemption)

Fake plants are everywhere these days. Flip through a decor magazine or scroll through Instagram, and you'll see them in all the stylish homes. Have you noticed that too? Even some of those fancy, five-star Airbnbs I've stayed in have those faux plants.

It got me thinking about my own Airbnb.

I wanted it to feel super welcoming and inviting from the start. And plants are a key for that, wouldn't you agree?

This reminded me of my friend Chiqui – she used to book hotels for picky clients. Her trick for knowing if a place was truly five-star? Checking if the plants were real! Crazy, right?

My partner feels the same way about fake plants. So, I was determined to have real plants in my Airbnb for that lush, relaxing vibe.

Let me tell you, though – it’s hard! In the six months since I started hosting, I’ve killed more plants than I’d like to admit. Overwatering, underwatering, ant infestations – you name it, I've faced it! I even managed to kill snake plants and cacti – those supposedly indestructible ones!

Just when I was about to give in and buy fake plants, my Taro plant stepped up.

It’s been thriving since July, handling my “oops” moments like a champ – overwater it, underwater it, it doesn’t mind. Just loses a few yellow leaves and keeps on going.

My Taro plant reminded me why I wanted real plants in the first place – they bring life, authenticity, and that unique vibe I wanted for my space. 

But is going all-natural worth the hassle?

The Pros and Cons of Real Plants in Airbnbs

Pros of Real Plants:

• Natural Vibe: Real plants bring that relaxed, inviting energy that instantly makes a space feel cozier and more connected to nature. It’s that “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I love the vibe” feeling guests always mention!
• Improved Air Quality: Think of plants as little air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen, giving your space a cleaner, more refreshing feel – like having a mini oxygen factory right in your living room
• Unique Decor: Every plant has its own personality, adding a one-of-a-kind charm to your space. They’re the perfect way to make your Airbnb feel warm and distinctive!

Cons of Real Plants:

• Maintenance: Keeping the leafy babies alive takes some effort. Regular watering, pruning, and pest patrol are all part of the job. This adds a few extra chores to your cleaning routine. If you're mostly hosting short stays, it might not be a big deal. But for those week-long or mid-term rentals, those plants might need a little TLC during their visit. (Shoutout to the considerate guests who've messaged me about a droopy leaf or two!) 
• Pests: Sometimes, those leafy friends attract more than just admiring glances.  Pests can be a real issue with real plants.  Remember when a guest left a less-than-stellar private feedback because of ants in the kitchen?  Yeah, they were after my poor, unsuspecting  Dieffenbachia!  
• Expense: While some houseplants are easy on the wallet, those showstopping statement plants (e.g. rubber plant, Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, etc.) can cost a pretty penny.  And if your green thumb isn't as green as you thought, replacing those dearly departed plants can add up. (Pro tip: Make friends with plant-loving people who might gift you cuttings! 😉)

What’s the Best Choice for Your Airbnb?

If you’re looking for low-maintenance and hassle-free decor, high-quality fake plants might be a win. But if you’re up for a bit of effort to create a natural and welcoming feel, real plants can elevate the space.

Extra Tips for Real and Fake Plants in Airbnbs:

• For real plants: Choose low-maintenance options, water regularly, and prune for freshness.
• For fake plants: Choose realistic ones, clean them occasionally, and place them where they’ll look natural. (And please remove the tag price.)

So, after all this back and forth, I’m still Team Real Plants. Is it worth the hassle? 

For me, absolutely. That feeling of stepping into a space filled with the vibrant energy of real plants is priceless. It's a little piece of nature that brings life, authenticity, and a unique touch to my Airbnb. And that's something fake plants just can't replicate.

Have any questions, or are you trying to pick between real and fake plants? If you’re team real plants and had success keeping them alive for years, I’d love to connect and ask for your top tips!