Spotting AI-Generated Plants Online

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? An AI, or artificial intelligence, generated photo is made using a computer program 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 fun, sparking creativity and potentially inspiring people to spend more time outdoors with their own plants.

However, these AI-generated photos are also being used to market seeds and cuttings 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.

AI-generated photos may look quite real at first glance, but a closer inspection often reveals common flaws.

• Unnatural details: Look for leaves growing into each other, flowers without stems, and other gravity defying traits. These are common errors made in computer generated images. Some images may show plants to be much larger than they appear in nature.

• Blurred backgrounds: Close up shots with blurry backgrounds 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 differences between photos in the same listing could point to the use of AI. Plants shown below appear to be similar at first glance but show leaves with different shapes and color patterns. These leaves would not be found on the same plant.

 

 

In real plants, 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.

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.
• Look for botanical names: The botanical name can be used to find out more information about the advertised plant.
• Use trusted sources: Avoid using social media and other unreliable sources to get more information on these plants. The Ask IFAS search engine can connect you with current Extension publications.

Still unsure?

If you’re uncertain, reach out to your local Extension office for guidance.