When you hear “fake houseplants,” your mind may immediately conjure up images of the faux flowers aisle at your local crafts store, or maybe the obviously fake plastic plant a relative had sitting in the corner when you were growing up.
Thankfully, the appearance of fake plants has improved considerably over the years, becoming as realistic looking and diverse in appearance as real plants. There’s a natural looking fake plant for everyone these days, whether you’re looking for a large leafy-green ornament to add to your interior decor or that perfect artificial flower to use as a centerpiece.
Caron Woolsey, the founder and principal designer for CW Interiors LLC, agrees that fake plants and flowers have achieved a much needed evolution over the years.
“Faux florals have come a long way since the days of dusty ivy that lived atop our mothers’ cabinetry,” Woolsey says. “Free yourself from the idea that there is any stigma attached to utilizing these pieces in sophisticated and innovative interior design.”
Our Top Picks
Whonline Artificial Hanging Plant
Nearly Natural String of Pearl Artificial Plant Hanging Basket
Cewor Three Pack Small Artificial Plants
Cewor Five-Piece Fake Succulents Mini Faux Succulents in Pots
Pottery Barn Boston Fern
Threshold Small Potted Orchid
Der Rose Taro and Monstera Leaf Plants Two Pack
Velener Artificial Agave Plant
Allen + Roth 19-inch Artificial Calathea Plant
Costway Artificial Snake Plant 35.5'-Inch Fake Sansevieria Indoor-Patio Decor Green
Best Hanging
Whonline Artificial Hanging Plant
AMAZON
This Whonline Artificial Hanging Plant will provide any room with a cascading wall of greenery that will make the room pop with color. The plant resembles a pothos plant, which is a common houseplant amongst plant lovers. The bright green leaves are made of plastic and topple gently over the base of the plant’s container in a natural-looking bundle of nature.
This plant would be perfect hanging in your kitchen, bedroom, or even in your bathroom. It would look stylish draped from a bookshelf, office desk, or even sitting on the counter of your kitchen. This is the best option for people wanting a lavish trailing plant without having to care for a real plant.
Product Details: Plant type: Not listed | Dimensions: Pot: 3.5 inches x 3.2 inches; Plant length: 25.6 inches | Material: Plastic
Nearly Natural String of Pearl Artificial Plant Hanging Basket
NEARLY NATURAL
All plant lovers can tell you that the string of pearls plant is one of the hardest to keep alive. This beautiful trailing plant is notorious for dying quickly and for being extremely temperamental in care. However, the Nearly Natural String of Pearl Artificial Plant Hanging Basket will provide you with the simple beauty of the real thing without the hassle of taking care of it.
The plant comes in a stone vase with a wire hanger for easy assembly. The simplicity of the stone vase is the ideal pairing against the luscious greenery of the faux plant’s silk leaves. This is the best fake hanging plant for you to show off in your kitchen, living room, or porch area. String of pearls are also very short-lived plants, so this artificial one will be able to stay with you for several years to come without the stress.
Product Details: Plant type: String of pearls | Dimensions: 6 x 21 x 6 inches | Material: Silk
Best Small
Cewor Three Pack Small Artificial Plants
AMAZON
Adding a splash of color to your indoor or outdoor spaces can make a huge difference in atmosphere. For those looking for variety, this Cewor Three Pack Small Artificial Plants contains three colorful options of artificial plants.
The pack contains artificial lavender, eucalyptus, and boxwood plants all potted in their own stylish pots that also come in different colors. These plants are so vibrant in color and pop against any backdrop.
They’re very small in size (ranging from 7 to 9 inches tall) and fit perfectly on a nightstand, a kitchen counter, or on a patio. We loved how this pack came with three different options of flowers so it allows versatility in decorating.
All three plants can endure high temperatures due to its durable plastic material.
Product Details: Plant type: Lavender, eucalyptus, boxwood | Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.3 x 9 inches | Material: Plastic
Cewor Five-Piece Fake Succulents Mini Faux Succulents in Pots
AMAZON
Even though real succulents don’t require a lot of attention, sometimes we don’t even have time for the basics, which is where artificial succulents come into play. The Cewor Five-Piece Fake Succulents Mini Faux Succulents in Pots provides you with five plants of various sizes so you can place them throughout your house at your pleasure.
Each plant comes in its own container with a rock foundation to give it a rustic outdoors-y style. The plants are vibrant enough to brighten up your desk, nightstand, or mantle, but the pots are subtle enough that they won’t take away from other decorative items, such as photographs and family knick-knacks.
It should be noted these succulents are not waterproof as their containers are made from paper pulp. To clean, wipe with a dry microfiber cloth or duster.
Product Details: Plant type: Succulents | Dimensions: Large: 3.15 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches; Small: 3.15 x 4.33 x 3.15 inches | Material: Plastic, paper pulp
Pottery Barn Boston Fern
POTTERY BARN
This Pottery Barn Boston Fern is a fantastic faux fern for plant lovers. Its elaborate foliage is 100% artificial but still provides that large and lush look that fern enthusiasts love.
Complete with its own ceramic pot, this fern has over 2,000 leaves and 50 stems. With its combination of iron wire, plastic, polyester, and glue, this fern was built to last and built to impress.
It’s approximately 14 inches tall and 14 inches wide, so it will be perfect on a patio, in a living room corner, or even on a large dining room table. This artificial plant provides the perfect balance of beauty and convenience.
Maintenance is easy—simply wipe clean with a cloth. Due to its size, this fern would be best in a larger space.
Product Details: Plant type: Fern | Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 14 inches | Material: Iron wire, plastic, and polyester
Best Medium
Threshold Small Potted Orchid
TARGET
Anyone with a green thumb will tell you that caring for an orchid can be a little challenging. The beautiful, delicate flowers are high-maintenance and need a bit of attention. The Threshold Small Potted Orchid is the option for those who admire the beauty of the orchid but don’t want to deal with the stress that comes with an authentic one.
The plant stands at 21 inches tall, making it ideal for tabletop spaces such as your desk, nightstand, or end table. Though it’s only available in white, the realistic polyester leaves will add a touch of elegance to whatever room they reside. The orchid even comes already planted in a white ceramic container, leaving you with the responsibility of finding a suitable spot in your house to show it off.
Product Details: Plant type: Orchid | Dimensions: 9 x 21 x 7 inches | Material: Polyester
Der Rose Taro and Monstera Leaf Plants Two Pack
AMAZON
Sometimes your dining room table needs a little something extra, and this combo pack of Der Rose Taro and Monstera Leaf Plants Two Pack is the perfect way to accomplish that task. This package includes two 16-inch tall plants with paper pulp containers. Each plant is made from a durable yet realistic plastic material that will trick your guests into thinking they’re the real deal.
The plastic leaves are easy to clean—simply wipe down with a damp cloth. The plants are not waterproof given their container is made from paper pulp, so it’s advised to keep them solely indoors. These are our top picks for sprucing up an office space, a coffee table, or even to have on a bathroom vanity counter.
Product Details: Plant type: Monstera and taro leaf plant | Dimensions: 16 x 3.9 inches | Material: Plants: plastic; Container: paper pulp
Velener Artificial Agave Plant
AMAZON
If you’re wanting to add a subtle exotic touch to your outdoor landscape, the Velener Artificial Agave Plant is the a great choice for you. Agave plants are a breed of succulent that traditionally thrive in very dry and hot climates such as Mexico.
They typically require full exposure to sunlight and love rocky, well-drained soil. With this artificial agave plant, you can bring a little of the Southwest to your own backyard without worrying about maintenance or sunlight levels.
This fake plant will be a much welcomed addition to your windowsill or garden, or even potted on your porch. The agave plant is made from a combination of silk and plastic, giving it a realistic and healthy appearance that will require no maintenance and will last you all year round. The plant is about 28 inches tall, but it does not come with a container.
Product Details: Plant type: Agave plant | Dimensions: 28 x 22 x 28 inches | Material: Silk, faux silk, and plastic
Allen + Roth 19-inch Artificial Calathea Plant
LOWE'S
The Allen + Roth 19-inch Artificial Calathea Plant is the best choice if you’re looking to brighten up a small space. Standing at 19 inches tall, this plant’s large, bright green leaves will add a subtle hint of color to any office, bathroom, or other smaller room in your home.
The plant is made of plastic, making it easy to keep clean and will always maintain that healthy plant aesthetic. Real calathea plants require lots of water and attention, making them very high-maintenance for indoor plants.
This fake calathea provides you the beauty and greenery of a real plant without any of the stress or hard work maintaining it. The faux plant even comes with its own white ceramic pot, leaving you with just the responsibility of finding the perfect spot to show it off.
It is recommended that the plant be solely used for indoor use, so it won’t work in your patio or yard.
Product Details: Plant type: Calathea | Dimensions: 19 x 15 inches | Material: Plant: plastic; Pot: ceramic
Best Tall
Costway Artificial Snake Plant 35.5-Inch Fake Sansevieria
TARGET
If you’re a cat lover in addition to being a plant lover, you have definitely encountered the toxic beauty of the snake plant. Although snake plants are easy to care for, they are poisonous to felines as they contain saponin, a toxin that can cause illness in cats.
This Costway Artificial Snake Plant is the best fake snake plant as it provides the encapsulating beauty of the snake plant without posing a threat to your pet. This natural-looking plant is made with PEVA materials, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Its vibrant green leaves will bring an exotic splash of color to any space, and the plant already comes in a stylish plastic container. The faux plant contains approximately 20 leaves, stands at 36 inches tall, and requires no water or sunlight to maintain its fresh appearance.
Product Details: Plant type: Snake plant | Dimensions: 6 x 36 x 6 inches | Material: Plastic
AntHousePlant 36-Inch Faux Cacti Plant
AMAZON
For those looking to add a little desert feel to their living room or outdoor space, the AntHousePlant 36-Inch Faux Cacti Plant provides all the desired looks of a cactus without the upkeep.
This 36-inch tall plant comes with its own black pot with a cobblestone base. This artificial cactus requires no water and no extra attention besides the occasional dusting. The cactus is durable enough to withstand indoor and outdoor settings due to its high quality plastic material.
Its spines are evenly distributed throughout the plant, and the designers even thought to include painted “bruises” to add to the realism. This is a great buy for someone who enjoys the look of a cactus without wanting to worry about it thriving in the right environment.
The only downside is this plant may require some careful dusting due to its spikes. The best dusting option would be a feather duster that won’t catch on the sharp needles.
Product Details: Plant Type: Cactus | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 36 inches | Material: Plastic
Dr. Planzen Faux Plastic Ficus Plant
WALMART
The Dr. Planzen Faux Plastic Ficus Plant is the top option for someone looking to add a high-quality fake tree to their decor without breaking the bank. Standing at 5 feet tall, this artificial ficus tree features a strong plastic trunk with realistic silk leaves at the top.
The durable plastic of the trunk makes the tree more sturdy, increasing its lifespan and decreasing the likelihood of accidentally being pushed over. The silk leaves are painted various shades of green to give it as realistic appearance as possible.
Since the leaves are silk as opposed to plastic, cleaning will require a little more attention. For regular maintenance, clean your leaves with a microfiber duster or a dry cloth. This tree will be the perfect addition to any room indoors or even in a shaded outdoors spot.
Product Details: Plant type: Ficus tree | Dimensions: 40 x 59 x 40 inches | Material: PVC and silk
Pottery Barn Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
POTTERY BARN
Taking care of real fiddle leaf figs is a balancing act as they need equal parts direct and indirect sunlight. They also love water but can be overwatered. Purchasing an artificial fiddle leaf fig saves you from the hassle while providing you with the beauty of a real one. The Pottery Barn Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is the ultimate splurge option for those looking to spend a little more.
This tree comes in three different sizes: 5, 7, and 8 feet tall. Due to its height and extending branches, this tree is ideal for indoor areas with lots of space, perhaps in the corner of your living room or bedroom.
The tree is made from upcycled materials, including polyester and plastic for the leaves and wire for the stems. With its container wrapped in a burlap material, this tree will be a perfect addition to your organic home decor. To clean, use a dry cloth and wipe the leaves and trunk down. Avoid abrasive cleaners as that can damage the integrity of the tree.
Product Details: Plant type: Fiddle leaf fig tree | Dimensions: For a 5 foot tree: 26 x 65 x 26 inches | Material: Plastic, polyester, and wire
Nearly Natural Mixed River Fern and Dogtail Artificial Plant
NEARLY NATURAL
If you’re looking for a plant that can draw the eye of everyone in the room even when seated on the floor, this Nearly Natural Mixed River Fern and Dogtail Artificial Plant is the choice for you. The plant combines the full, lush look of the river fern with the exotic yet classic look of the dogtail plant.
Standing at approximately 4 feet tall, the plant is placed in a large white ceramic pot that will match any decorating style. The lavish leaves of the plant will welcome your guests to your home and comfort them with the feeling of being in an indoor garden space.
This plant is ideal for those who wish to have a thriving interior oasis but either don’t have time or suffer from the dreaded black thumb. Its size is perfect since it’s large enough to make a statement but not so big that it overwhelms the space.
Product Details: Plant type: River fern and dogtail plant | Dimensions: 26 x 48 x 26 inches | Material: Plastic and polyester
Costway Two Pack Artificial Monstera Deliciosa Tree 4ft Faux Plant w/ Cement-Filled Pot
TARGET
Two is better than one, which is why this Costway Two Pack Artificial Monstera Deliciosa Tree is the best pick for those looking to get more bang for their buck. The pack includes two 4-foot faux monstera plants in cement-filled pots. The leaves are large and made of PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) materials and are easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Monstera plants are the perfect addition to your office or living room, though keep in mind these fake plants are designed for indoor use only and should not have direct contact with sunlight for an extended period of time.
Product Details: Plant type: Monstera | Dimensions: 20 x 48 x 38.5 inches | Material: PEVA, plastic, wire, and cement
Nearly Natural Real Touch Leaves Artificial Dracaena Plant
AMAZON
The Nearly Natural Real Touch Leaves Artificial Dracaena Plant will make a great addition to any space. Made from a combination of polyester, iron, and plastic, this plant gives off the look of a healthy and thriving houseplant.
It comes with its own pot that doesn’t require any watering or upkeep. The leaves are made from a durable real-touch fabric that requires little to no maintenance.
The branches are bendable so you can arrange how the plant looks and feels in whatever space it lives in. At 48 inches tall, it’s the ideal height for living rooms and bedrooms. We love how real this plant looks and how it doesn’t draw attention away from the rest of the room. It fits perfectly into almost all room aesthetics.
Maintenance is simple and requires just a monthly dusting with a cloth or a duster.
Product Details: Plant Type: Dracaena leaf plant | Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 48 inches | Material: Polyester, iron, and plastic
Fejka Artificial Potted Plant
IKEA
The Monstera is a species of flowering plant that is native to humid, warm climates like Mexico or Hawaii. For those looking for a realistic looking Monstera plant without all the hassle of maintaining a warm climate, the Fejka Artificial Potted Plant is the perfect plant for you.
Made from 100% PEVA material, this plant stands at a height of 35.5 inches and is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, though given its height you should place it in a spacious location. Its large leaves are easy to keep clean, only requiring it to be wiped with a dry cloth. This plant will bring the perfect splash of tropical aesthetic to your office, living room, or porch area.
Product Details: Plant type: Monstera | Dimensions: Plant height: 35.5 inches; Pot diameter: 7.5 inches | Material: PEVA, steel, and polyethylene
Homestock Coastal Cottage Spiral Topiary
AMAZON
Nothing says elaborate elegance like a finely designed topiary. The Homestock Coastal Cottage Spiral Topiary was designed with a stylish spiral design that will stand out in any space.
Roughly 4 feet tall, this artificial plant sits in a black plastic planter. This plant is ideal for outdoor and indoor areas since it’s made from a weather-resistant plastic. The spiral design of the leaves gives an almost whimsical yet elegant look to any living room or patio without having to worry about watering or leaf trimming.
There is no assembly required, though due to its design this topiary cannot be shaped any other way.
Product Details: Plant Type: Spiraled topiary | Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 48 inches | Material: Plastic
The Bottom Line
One of our favorite fake houseplants is the Nearly Natural Real Touch Leaves Artificial Dracaena Plant. This plant hit several marks for us as far as size, material, and its maintenance level. It’s a beautiful plant at a moderate price point and will make a lovely addition to your home.
Another standout was the Fejka Faux Monstera Plant. This beautiful plant looks similar to its real namesake and will bring a striking green lushness to wherever it’s placed.
What to Know About Fake Plants Before Shopping
Size and Placement
When shopping for fake plants, consider the space you’re wanting to fill before you buy a plant. If you want to fill an empty corner of your living room, make sure the plant is large enough to fill the space. Conversely, if you just want some greenery to decorate your desk, look for plants or flowers that are small enough for a tabletop surface and don’t weigh too much.
Plant Type
There is a fake plant available for many popular varieties of plants, so you’ll likely be able to find a substitute for the real deal. While you may have to consider your light and humidity levels for a real plant, you just have to consider what look you want and how much space you have with a fake plant.
If you have a black thumb, maybe consider getting a fake string of pearl or a fake orchid so you can enjoy the beauty without the stress of keeping the plant alive. If you’re wanting something more lavish, search for a fake tree or a fake brush such as the Mixed River Fern and Dogtail Artificial Plant.
Authenticity
When searching for a fake house plant, consider how authentic you want the plant to look. Ideally, you’ll want it to look as close to the real thing as possible, and there are some fake plants out there that will fool even your most knowledgeable plant-enthusiast friends.
However, Woolsey says some imperfections are beneficial. “It is worth noting that Mother Nature does not conform to rules of symmetry or perfection when she creates her masterpieces, so avoid the temptation to select something too perfectly sculpted,” she says.
When selecting a fake house plant, first examine its condition. “First and foremost, consider the craftsmanship of the item you select and avoid crude plastic options that have perforations where leaves were pulled apart during assembly, or have obvious strings of hot glue,” Woolsey advises.
Authenticity can also depend heavily on the material. Fake plants are made of so much more than silk and plastic these days. Now, there are polyester, PEVA, and even rubber materials to make your plant look as authentic as possible.
With flowers, silk is still the leader in authenticity, though polyester florals can provide another layer of realism. “Silk is still the gold standard for the composition of flowering blooms such as peonies or roses,” Woolsey says.
Don’t be afraid of fake plants made from materials that vary from the norm, such as rubber. “For greenery, orchids, and other plants that have a rubbery or waxy finish in their natural forms, source faux options made from latex-covered fabrics to convince even your most discerning green-thumbed friends,” Woolsey says.
Your Questions, Answered
Are there fake plants that look real?
Absolutely! One of the best features of modern fake plants is their ability to look similar to real plants. When it comes to florals, silk is the ideal material as it looks more delicate like real flower petals.
If you’re looking for a plant with more green foliage as opposed to petals, you should check out plastic, PEVA, or rubber materials. These are easy to clean, and they provide the somewhat waxy shine of real leaves and greenery.
How do I choose fake plants for a room?
When you’re choosing fake plants for a specific room, consider the overall feeling or theme you want the room to convey. If you’re wanting a more tropical vibe to your living room, then you should consider tropical-looking plants with large, lavish leaves, like the Fejka Artificial Potted Plant. For something simple yet classic, look into something like a faux flower arrangement or a tabletop plant.
Depending on the size of the room, hanging plants add a certain boho style to any kitchen or bathroom and can simultaneously add a splash of color and dimension. While ferns are a classic look for any room, many other plants will add a greenhouse look to your home decor, yard area, or porch.
Every plant has its own style, just like people. A cactus has a western chic aesthetic while succulents are understated but stylish. Some may prefer the straight forward greenery of a pothos plant while others want something that adds a technicolor vibrancy.
“For everything in-between, consider a simple orchid,” said Woolsey. “The simplicity of an orchid in combination with its leathery finish makes it a great choice as an economical option with great scale.”
How long do fake plants last?
One of the major perks about fake plants is that with proper care they will last for many years. While they don’t require as much attention as real plants, fake plants still need to be taken care of.
It’s important to regard the maintenance details of a faux plant, including if it’s indoor or outdoor suitable and how to keep it clean from dust. Some plants require to be wiped clean with a soft dry cloth, while others need a damp cloth.
If your plants are plastic or rubber, you can use either cloth method, but if your plant is made from silk, experts recommend using a cleaning solution of artificial plant cleaner using 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol and 2 ounces of water, spraying your silk leaves with the solution, then wiping with a microfiber cloth.
Who We Are
Michelle Love is a freelance commerce writer for Better Homes and Gardens who writes about various topics ranging from entertaining guests, dining experiences, and gardening needs. For this list, she looked at the popularity of various plants amongst plant lovers and what goes into purchasing the best fake plant for your home. She also spoke with Caron Woolsey, who is the founder and principal designer for CW Interiors, LLC.