By Lauren Goldsby
In recent months, I’ve noticed an increasing number of AI-generated plant photos being shared on social media. These posts feature plants that seem to have stepped out of a dream rather than a garden. Orchids shaped like cats, elephant ears as tall as your house, and neon-colored variegated plants.
What is an AI-generated photo? These photos are generated using artificial intelligence programs instead of being captured by a camera. These programs can produce images based on a user’s description or request, generating realistic or abstract photos. Scroll through the comments on these images and you’ll see a mix of reactions. Some love the photos, asking where they can find these plants. Others are quick to point out that they aren’t real. For the most part, these images are harmless and potentially inspire people to spend more time outdoors with their own plants.
However, these AI-generated photos are also being used to market the sale of seeds and cuttings for plants that do not actually exist. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of discovering a new plant you’ve never seen. To avoid being scammed online, look out for these signs of AI-generated photos.
Blurred backgrounds: Close-up shots with a blurry background are frequently used in these listings. This blurring is used to hide inconsistencies and reduce the visibility of errors in these photos.
Inconsistent photos: Check all photos in the listing for similarities and differences. Large inconsistencies between photos in the same listing could point to the use of AI. Plants may appear similar at first glance but have leaves with different shapes and color patterns. Leaf shapes and patterns are typically similar but not identical. AI-generated plant photos often have leaves and patterns that are either identical or differ more than a living plant would. To help differentiate between real and AI-generated images, watch for repetitive patterns that appear perfect, or identical on leaves. In nature, there are subtle differences within patterns and shapes that we expect to see.
Growing practices: Not all plants can be successfully grown from seeds. Some tropical houseplants, like the calatheas, typically produce sterile seeds and have specific production requirements. Orchids can be grown from seed but must be grown in a nutrient-rich gel and a sterile environment. This process takes years to produce full-sized plants. Don’t be fooled into purchasing seeds for plants that cannot be grown in a home environment!
Before purchasing, search for more information about the advertised plant.
- Check for reputable vendors: If no other trusted vendors are selling it, it’s likely not real. Search for additional listings and compare descriptions and photos. Don’t forget to read reviews!
- Look for botanical names: The botanical name can be used to find out more information about the advertised plant. You can use resources like Plants of the World Online (https://powo.science.kew.org/) to search for more images and information.
- Use trusted sources: Avoid using social media and other unreliable sources to get more information on these plants.
If you’re still unsure, reach out to us at the extension office for help determining if the plant is too good to be true.
Lauren Goldsby is Extension Agent I, Commercial and Environmental Horticulture for UF/IFAS Extension Bay County.
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