LEGO vs Real Plants: Which Better?
A gardening writer compares LEGO's Botanical Collection to real houseplants in seven categories. The final verdict slightly favors real plants.
A writer for Gardening Know How has tested whether LEGO's plastic Botanical Collection houseplants are better than living ones. The comparison covered seven plant types, from golden pothos to bonsai trees, assessing care needs and overall appeal.
According to the source, LEGO launched its Botanical Collection in January 2021 with a bonsai tree, and the range now includes over 50 sets. The Danish company markets these brick-built plants as 'perfect for the not-so-green-thumbed'.
Golden Pothos and Peace Lily
The real golden pothos is described as one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive. It tolerates lower light and forgives occasional missed watering. Though its leaves are toxic to pets, the writer awarded this first round to the real plant.
The peace lily is more demanding, reportedly needing 2-3 cups of water weekly and wilting dramatically if dry. It requires consistent temperatures between 60 and 70°F and bright, indirect light to flower. For this 'drama-queen' plant, the writer voted for the 'no-nonsense' LEGO version.
Orchid and Poinsettia
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are called the most forgiving orchid type. They require a loose bark mix, moist air, and indirect sunlight. The writer concluded the LEGO orchid brings joy without the specialized care, giving bricks the win.
A real poinsettia can be a houseplant from fall to spring, dropping leaves in summer. To stimulate new growth in autumn, the plant needs 14-16 hours of darkness daily. The writer noted ornamental varieties come in white, pink, or speckled bracts, declaring the real deal the winner as LEGO cannot compete on color variety.
Mini Plants, Bonsai, and Chinese Money Plant
LEGO offers a set of nine mini plants, including pitcher plants, cacti, and anthurium. The writer noted some bricks are made of plant-based plastic from sugar cane. While real baby plants bring satisfaction, the inevitability of one failure led the writer to award this round to the bricks.
For the bonsai, the LEGO Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree has a sculptural trunk and fiery leaves. However, the writer stated the temptation of growing a real bonsai from seed is too strong for any gardener to resist, giving round six to the real tree.
The real Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is called low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Its habit of producing giftable baby plantlets earned it the nickname 'friendship plant'. The writer also mentioned the real dracaena is 'just as unkillable'. This final round was awarded to the actual houseplants.
The writer's final verdict stated real houseplants 'pipped the LEGO Botanicals to the post' in a close competition. They suggested mixing brick-built and real plants on shelves might serve as a reminder to water the living ones more regularly.
