Where to Find Fake Plants That Look Real?
If you have a busy schedule, deal with limited sunlight in your apartment, or have pets and kids who might mess with live plants, consider fake plants that look real.
Some real plants can be harmful to pets and little ones, and the temptation for paws and tiny hands to dig into or topple over potted plants is high.
The best part about fake plants is that they’re stress-free. Unlike real plants that require a green thumb and a strict watering routine, artificial ones last forever without any of maintenance.
Let’s see what artificial plants have to offer and where you can easily get them.
What are Fake Plants?
Fake plants, or artificial plants, are imitation plants made from man-made materials to look like real ones.
People use them as decorations in homes, offices, and other indoor places because they mimic the appearance of different types of leaves, flowers, and even trees.
Many people go for fake plants because they’re easy to take care of, don’t need sunlight, and are a good choice for those who have allergies or lack natural light in their space.
Guide to Buying Realistic Artificial Plants
When you’re looking to buy fake plants that look like the real deal, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you pick out the best ones:
1. Check for Natural Variation
Look for artificial plants that have slight differences in color and shape between the leaves and stems. Real plants aren’t perfect, so these imperfections make the fake ones look more authentic.
2. Flexible Stems
Go for plants with stems that you can easily bend and shape. This flexibility makes them look more natural as if they’re growing and bending just like real plants do.
3. Versatile Pot Options
Some fake plants come in pots, but you can always put them in a different container you already have. This way, you can match them to your existing decoration.
4. Feel the Texture
Touch the leaves and stems to make sure they feel realistic. High-quality fake plants use materials that mimic the texture of real plants, so it’s an important detail to consider.
5. Attention to Detail
Check out the small things, like the patterns on the leaves and the overall finish. A well-made fake plant will pay attention to these details, making it look more like the real thing.
6. Seasonal Changes
Some plants change color or appearance with the seasons. If you find fake plants that capture these seasonal variations, it adds an extra touch of realism to your home decoration.
How to Enhance Fake Plants for a Real Look
To make your fake plants look more real, try these:
- Placing your fake plant in a basket can make it look more natural.
- If you have a Birds of Paradise fake plant, put it in a nice ceramic pot to make it seem more authentic.
- Hang your fake bougainvillea in a planter for a realistic touch. This adds authenticity to the appearance of the plant.
- Lay your fake greenery on a stack of books on a table or shelf for a stylish look.
Remember to keep your fake plants out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
To add an extra touch of realism, consider placing them with natural elements like river rocks or mist them with water occasionally.
How Do I Clean Fake Plants?
Taking care of your artificial plants goes a long way to keep them looking vibrant.
Even though they demand less attention than live plants, they do accumulate dust over time. To maintain their lifelike appearance, follow these steps:
1. Regular Dusting
Using a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber duster, delicately wipe both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves on your faux houseplant.
This simple routine performed routinely, will help prevent the accumulation of dust and keep your artificial greenery looking fresh and appealing.
2. Deep Cleaning
To thoroughly clean your artificial plants, use a damp cloth for stubborn dust, a water and vinegar solution for overall cleaning, or give them a gentle shower rinse to remove accumulated dust.
These methods help maintain the appearance of your fake plants with minimal effort.
Where Can I Buy Fake Plants That Look Real?
You can buy fake plants that look real from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some popular options:
1. Faux Lemon Tree
Looking for realistic fake plants? Check out Wayfair for a fantastic Faux Lemon Tree.
It’s large and can thrive indoors. With its lifelike leaves and creative potting skills, guests will think it’s the real deal!
2. FEJKA Artificial Potted Plant
If you’re into plants but not great at keeping them alive, IKEA has some fake ones that look surprisingly real.
One person even ended up buying a fake plant from Ikea, thinking it was alive. This bamboo tree is lush enough to make it seem like you’re a skilled plant caretaker, but not so much that it’s fake.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Terrain is a brand that loves nature and cares about making a positive impact. They celebrate everything from live plants and flowers to fruit trees, seeds, soil, and planting kits for homes.
They also have artificial flowers and houseplants. Specifically designed for indoor spaces, their fake fiddle leaf fig tree is a manageable 2.5 feet tall, perfect for adding a touch of greenery to a dull corner of your home.
4. Snake Plant
The snake plant available on Amazon is quite dramatic, thanks to its dark, sword-shaped leaves.
Ideal for places with limited floor space, this six-inch-wide snake plant makes a bold statement despite its small size.
5. Potted Rubber Tree
If you’re a fan of rubber trees but worried about their color changing due to insufficient sunlight, West Elm has a solution for you.
Their artificial potted rubber tree mimics the dark, almost burgundy leaves without the risk of fading. You can choose between a 6-foot version or a set that includes an accompanying planter for either size.
6. Ficus Tree
Meet the ficus tree, the fancy term for a fig tree. This one from Joss & Main stands tall at over four feet, nestled in a sand-colored pot.
With its lush and full foliage, this ficus brings an exotic touch to your home, and the best part is, that there’s no need for the usual maintenance.
7. Tradescantia Houseplant
The Tradescantia houseplant is admired for its cascading, leafy tendrils, and Pottery Barn’s artificial version captures this lifelike beauty.
It does not matter whether you place it in a hanging basket or a planter by the window, you can enjoy its charming, dangling allure without the need for constant care.
8. Braided Money Tree
The Sill is all about the idea that plants bring joy to people’s lives. While The Sill offers a variety of live plants, including a monthly subscription box, they also have a substantial collection of artificial and preserved plants.
These alternatives don’t require sunlight or the same level of care as real plants. Consider their 4.75-foot-tall faux braided money tree, known for bringing good luck and abundance.
9. Agave Plant
Unlike the real Agave, which thrives in hot regions like Mexico and the Caribbean, West Elm’s faux version is versatile and can flourish in any room, regardless of temperature.
Standing at a modest 12 inches tall, this small yet robust plant is perfect for compact spaces like desks or shelves.
10. Peace Lily Plant
Imagine a peace lily plant that looks real but requires zero watering – sounds perfect, right? Well, it exists.
The best part is, that this faux lily plant from Perigold is UV-protected, so you can showcase it indoors or outdoors. And to make things even easier, it comes with a stylish Fiberstone planter, so you don’t have to go hunting for one.
11. Olive Tree
Williams-Sonoma offers a chic olive tree that brings a touch of nature to your space. The best part? It’s faux, so you can enjoy its aesthetic appeal without the stress of watering.
The delicate blend of brown and green-toned leaves, complemented by lifelike faux olives, creates a realistic appearance that might leave people questioning whether it’s a real or fake olive tree.
12. Croton Artificial Plant
The Croton Variegated Artificial Plant from Nearly Natural showcases numerous leaves in varying shades of orange, yellow, and green.
Its multi-colored hues evoke the captivating colors of a sunset in this 37-inch piece. Utilize it to infuse a feeling of tranquility and relaxation into your bedroom space.
13. Real Touch Hydrangea
If you want flowers that look real but don’t want the stress, check out Afloral’s Real Touch Hydrangea. This 18-inch flower has a big seven-inch bloom, and you can easily bend or cut its flexible wire stem.
These hydrangeas bring beauty without a lot of work whether you’re sprucing up your current flower arrangement or putting together a bunch for your dining table or bedroom.
14. Potted Faux Eucalyptus
An 8-inch potted faux eucalyptus is a versatile and stylish choice for various settings. The way it gracefully cascades over its ceramic pot makes it an ideal decorative piece.
You can find this charming addition in CB2’s collection, which features a range of live, faux, dried, and preserved plants, trees, and grassy stems for your decorating needs.
15. Rita Artificial Monstera Potted Plant
The 5.5-foot-tall artificial Monstera potted plant brings tropical vibes into your space, appearing so real you can almost feel the plant life.
What makes this even better is ArtiPlanto’s commitment with each purchase to One Tree Planted—a nonprofit focused on global reforestation.
The wide variety of realistic options available ensures that you can find the perfect artificial plants to suit your style and space.
Enhance the realism by creatively displaying them and adding natural elements, and maintain their lifelike appearance with regular cleaning.
So, go ahead and enjoy the everlasting greenery without the fuss, and let your space flourish with the timeless appeal of fake plants.
