How Do You Store Artificial Plants?
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
Store artificial plants by removing dust, drying each piece fully, cushioning leaves and stems, and placing the plants upright in appropriately sized boxes or bins. Use tall containers for artificial trees and floor plants, and use circular containers for wreaths or garlands that need to hold their shape.
A storage unit can help when artificial greenery, seasonal décor, and household accents take up more room than you want to use at home. Store artificial plants only; live plants cannot go in a storage unit.
Artificial Plant Storage Essentials:
- Remove dust from leaves, stems, pots, and decorative fillers before storage.
- Let all cleaned components dry fully before packing.
- Disassemble stems, pots, or removable pieces when the manufacturer’s design allows it.
- Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or packing paper around delicate components.
- Store artificial trees and taller plants upright in tall boxes.
- Use circular containers for wreaths and garlands.
- Label containers by décor type, season, or room.
- Keep heavy boxes and furniture away from artificial plant containers.
Artificial Plant Storage at a Glance:
How Do You Clean Artificial Plants Before Storage?
Clean artificial plants by wiping leaves and stems with a microfiber cloth. Use a soft brush, handheld vacuum, or air duster to remove dust from fuller arrangements and areas between branches.
For plastic or silk plants, use a lightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap when appropriate. Follow manufacturer care instructions, and let every part dry fully before packing.
How Should You Pack Artificial Plants for Storage?
Pack artificial plants in containers that support their shape without compressing leaves, stems, or arrangements. Use tall boxes for artificial trees and floor plants, and use smaller bins for potted plants and floral arrangements.
Use this process:
- Clean and dry the artificial plant.
- Remove detachable stems, pots, or decorative pieces when appropriate.
- Wrap delicate pieces with tissue paper, packing paper, or bubble wrap.
- Add loose cushioning around fuller arrangements.
- Place the plant upright in an appropriately sized box or bin.
- Fill open areas with lightweight packing material.
- Label the container by plant type, room, or season.
Do not overwrap artificial plants. Leaves, flowers, and branches need enough space to maintain their shape.
How Should You Store Artificial Trees and Floor Plants?
Store artificial trees and floor plants upright in tall boxes or in a stable area along a wall. Keep them away from walkways, heavy furniture, and boxes that could press against the branches.
For plants that separate into sections, group the pieces together and label the container clearly.
Use labels such as:
- Artificial Tree — Living Room
- Artificial Floor Plant — Entryway
- Artificial Greenery — Home Décor
- Seasonal Artificial Plants
Keep taller plants toward the back or side of the unit, where they remain easy to retrieve without blocking the entrance.
How Should You Store Artificial Wreaths and Garlands?
Store artificial wreaths in circular containers that support their shape. Place garlands in a loose coil inside a labeled bin, using lightweight tissue paper between layers if needed.
Avoid folding wreaths or garlands into tight containers. Store them with other seasonal décor and label the bin by season or display area.
Should You Use Climate-Controlled Storage for Artificial Plants?
Climate-controlled storage can be useful for artificial plants made with silk, plastic, fabric, foam, adhesives, and decorative materials. High heat can contribute to fading, bending, or changes in plastic, fabric, and adhesive components. Changing humidity can affect glue, wire stems, and certain decorative fillers over time.
More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units. These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than non-climate-controlled storage.
Clean and dry artificial plants before storage, use containers that support their shape, and place boxes on shelving or another raised surface. Check your preferred Public Storage location for available climate-controlled unit sizes and features.
How Should You Organize Artificial Plants in a Storage Unit?
Organize artificial plants in a designated décor area. Keep upcoming seasonal greenery near the entrance and place taller plants along a side or back wall where they do not block access to other items.
Keep labels facing outward and group plants by season, room, or décor collection.
How Should You Refresh Artificial Plants After Storage?
Refresh artificial plants by removing them from their containers, reshaping branches and leaves by hand, and wiping away any dust. Check stems, pots, and decorative pieces before displaying the plant again.
Bring out one décor group at a time so you can decide what fits the room and season without filling every surface at once.
Store Artificial Plants With a Clear Plan.
Artificial plants are easier to store when they are clean, dry, cushioned, and packed in containers that support their shape. Keep tall plants upright, use circular containers for wreaths, and group seasonal greenery in labeled bins.
Find a Public Storage location near you to reserve climate-controlled space for artificial plants, seasonal décor, furniture, and household items that do not fit your current layout.
A thoughtful décor-storage system can make the next room refresh easier to begin.
Artificial Plant Storage FAQs
Can you store artificial plants in a storage unit?
Yes. Store artificial plants after cleaning and drying them fully, then pack them in containers that support their shape. Live plants cannot go in a storage unit.
How do you keep artificial plants from flattening in storage?
Use boxes or bins that fit the plant without compressing leaves or branches. Add lightweight cushioning around fuller arrangements and keep heavy items away from plant containers.
How do you store artificial wreaths and garlands?
Store wreaths in circular containers and place garlands in loose coils inside labeled bins. Avoid tight folds that can affect their shape.
Should you use climate-controlled storage for artificial plants?
Climate-controlled storage can be useful for artificial plants made with silk, plastic, fabric, foam, and adhesive materials affected by heat or changing humidity. More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units.
Where should you place artificial trees in a storage unit?
Place artificial trees upright along a side or back wall, away from the entrance and main walkway. Keep furniture and heavy boxes from pressing against the branches.
