Decorating with Faux Plants: Make Fake Look So Real, No One Will Know!

Decorating with faux plants has become a game-changer for home decor, offering all the beauty of greenery without the guilt of forgetting to water them (or worse, watching them wither under your not-so-green thumb). If you’ve ever called yourself a “plant killer” or just don’t have the time for real plants, this guide is for you!

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Decorating with Faux Plants: Fake Greenery, Real Style

If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully decorated room and thought, Wow, how does she keep all those plants alive?—the secret might just be faux greenery! 

Yep, that lush fiddle leaf fig in the corner? The birds of paradise plant that never droops? They just might be the real thing’s faux counterparts.

I get it—some people still think fake plants are a decorating faux pas. 

Maybe it’s because we’ve all seen those sad, plastic-looking, dust-covered plants that scream 1990s office decor. 

But good news! Faux plants have come a long way since then. The best artificial plants today are so realistic that even the biggest crazy plant lady would have to do a double take.

Real Plants vs. Faux Plants

Listen…I love my real plants!

I have a green thumb and adore my plant babies!

I’ve even shared my five favorite indoor plants…that are really hard to kill!

But I also love the ease of a well-placed faux palm tree or a few faux stems in a vintage glass bottle. 

It’s the perfect solution for adding a pop of color to those tricky spots that don’t get enough natural light.

So let’s talk about decorating with faux plants—how to pick them, how to style them, and most importantly, how to make them look so real that no one will know the difference!

Are Fake Plants Tacky? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Ah, the million-dollar question: Are fake plants tacky? 

The answer? Only if you let them be! 

Just like any other home decor choice, it’s all about the execution.

A dusty, faded plastic palm tree in a cheap plastic pot? Tacky.

A beautifully styled artificial potted plant in a gorgeous ceramic planter? Chic and effortless!

The key is choosing good fake plants that have realistic textures, vibrant colors, and a more realistic look. We’ll get into the details of what to look for and how to style them below.

What to Look for in a Fake Plant

Not all faux plants are created equal. Some look incredibly real, while others… well, let’s just say they belong in the back of a storage closet.

Here’s what to look for when choosing the best artificial plants:

• Texture matters – Avoid anything that’s too shiny or plasticky. Silk plants and faux foliage with natural veining or slight imperfections look more authentic.
• Color variation – Real green plants aren’t just one flat shade of green. Look for subtle differences in leaf color.
• Realistic stems – Thick, bendable stems that mimic real dirt-grown plants will always look better than stiff, straight, plastic stems.

How to Make a Faux Plant Look Real

Want to fool everyone into thinking your fake foliage is the real deal? It’s all in the details.

First, fluff and shape your plant after unboxing it. Most arrive a little squished, and nothing screams “artificial” like flat, lifeless leaves. Gently bend the branches to create a more natural shape.

Also, be mindful of dust—nothing ruins the illusion faster than a thick layer of grime on those leaves!

There are also lots of plant sprays that will make the dust evaporate. Gotta love that!

Placement matters when decorating with faux plants. Real plants need sunlight, so positioning your faux plants where real ones would naturally thrive helps keep up the illusion.

Another game-changer? The planter. If your faux plant comes in a generic plastic pot, swap it out for something more stylish.

A woven basket, ceramic pot, or vintage urn can instantly elevate the look. If you’re feeling fancy, add real soil, moss, or pebbles to the base for an extra convincing touch.

For a next-level trick, lightly mist your faux plant’s leaves with a bit of water before guests arrive. The tiny droplets mimic the fresh, dewy look of real greenery. Just be sure not to overdo it—dripping wet leaves are a dead giveaway!

Another sneaky hack? Tuck a few real clippings, like eucalyptus or fresh ivy, into an arrangement of faux stems. The fresh scent and organic touch will make the whole display feel more authentic.

Finally, don’t forget the power of movement. Real plants respond to airflow, so occasionally giving your faux plant a light nudge or positioning it near a fan can add a subtle touch of realism.

The Importance of the Planter You Choose

Think of the planter as the outfit for your faux indoor plants. You wouldn’t wear a ballgown with old sneakers, right? The same goes for your plants!

Here’s how to choose the right planter when decorating with faux plants:

• Size & Scale: A large faux tree needs a sturdy, substantial planter, while tiny succulents can shine in delicate, decorative pots.
• For large plants – Use a woven basket or decorative ceramic pot to ground the space.
• For small succulents or smaller pieces – Try vintage glass bottles, terracotta pots, or minimalist planters.

• Style: From sleek and modern to rustic and cozy, choose a planter that fits your decor vibe.
• Material: Woven baskets give a relaxed feel, ceramic pots add elegance, and metallic finishes bring a contemporary touch.
• For hanging plants – Macrame hangers or sleek metal wall mounts work beautifully.

To anchor your faux plant securely in its new pot, use crumpled paper or packing material at the base to keep it stable. Then, cover the top with green moss for a lush, organic appearance.

This not only keeps the plant from wobbling but also adds an extra layer of realism that makes it look like it’s actually growing in the pot.

Tips and Tricks for Styling Fake Plants

• Layer different types of plants – A mix of tall fake plants and small plants creates visual interest.
• Think beyond the floor – Add faux flowers to a dining table centerpiece or artificial hanging plants above a coffee table.
• Use a variety of planters – Mixing different textures and materials, like ceramic, wood, and woven baskets, adds depth.
• Group plants in odd numbers – Arrangements of three or five plants tend to look more natural than even-numbered groupings.
• Place faux plants where real ones would thrive – Near windows, on shelves, or in corners where they’d get natural light.
• Incorporate trailing vines – Faux ivy or pothos can add movement and a touch of whimsy when draped over bookshelves or mantels.
• Dust regularly – Keeping them clean ensures they look fresh and realistic.
• Blend real and faux plants – Adding real elements like fresh flowers or branches to an arrangement makes the entire display feel authentic.
• Vary heights and sizes – Staggering different plant heights creates a balanced and layered effect.
• Use decorative accents – Pair faux plants with books, candles, or sculptural elements for a curated look.

Combining Faux Plants with Real Plants

A great way to fool the eye? Mix real plants with faux counterparts!

• Place a real thing next to an artificial greenery piece for a blended look.
• Use faux stems in a vase with a couple of real flowers.
• Surround fake flowers with real dirt or moss to make them more believable.

Budget-Friendly Fake Plant Decor Ideas

Want the lush look of greenery without spending a fortune? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get good fake plants! Try these budget-friendly tricks:

• Use removable wall-mounted planters to create a vertical garden effect without the high cost of real plants.
• Shop at discount stores for small plants and faux stems and style them creatively.
• Use vintage glass bottles as unique planters.
• Try DIY projects for budget-friendly results! Repurpose planters you already own for a fresh look. How about a planter made from leftover wall tiles?
• Make your own DIY Olive Branch Topiary Tree by arranging artificial olive branches in a foam brick and attaching them to a self-created branch trunk.

• Create a DIY Orchid Planter from wood slices and place a faux orchid plant inside. Unique, natural, and inexpensive!
• Make a DIY Tabletop Greenhouse using inexpensive photo frames—glue them together to form a mini greenhouse structure and fill it with faux greenery.

Check thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for secondhand faux plants that can be cleaned up or repotted for a new look. They often have silk plants that just need a little love.

Unique Faux Greenery Ideas

Looking to go beyond traditional potted plants? Consider these creative options:

• Green moss balls: Perfect for bowls, trays, or glass cloches, these add texture and a natural feel.
• Boxwood wreaths: A timeless, elegant way to add greenery to doors, walls, or tabletops.
• Topiaries: Classic and structured, faux topiaries bring a refined touch to mantels, entryways, or even kitchen counters.
• Artificial grass arrangements: Great for modern decor, faux grass in a sleek pot can add a minimalist, fresh look.
• Hanging greenery hoops: Suspended greenery arrangements create an eye-catching, whimsical touch for any space.
• Set the table: Add small pots of faux plants to each table setting. Ground the entire table with a faux moss table runner…perfect for a focal point with a touch of nature!

My Favorite Faux Plants

Here are my favorite faux plants that always look amazing:

Fiddle Leaf Fig – The best choice for a bold statement. Fill a small empty corner or a grandiose entry with a tall ceiling. You can never fail with a fiddle leaf!

My favorites are these Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees from Pottery Barn. So realistic!

Olive Tree – A great place to add Mediterranean charm.

There are lots of beautiful olive trees on the market, most of them pretty tall. I was really drawn to this tabletop airy potted olive tree. Because who doesn’t love a tree on a table?

And I LOVE a giant faux olive tree just as well! Gorgeous with a capital “G”!

String of Hearts – Wandering String of Hearts house plants are ideal for bookshelves, fireplace mantels, and filling just the right small pot.

Potted faux herbs and ferns are a lovely addition to any room, especially a kitchen. Granted, you won’t be able to snip off an herb stem for dinner. But you can have the visual style and swag of a chef’s kitchen with either choice.

I love these adorable pots of faux rosemary…

…and these pots of lacey faux ferns!

Snake Plant – A simple greenery piece with “architecture” that works in any space.

Notice how the leaves on this faux snake plant have interesting variegation. So it looks very realistic. (And I love the pot that comes with it!)

A few more favorites of mine…

Dracaena Tree – this one comes with a woven basket.

Sword Fern – Such breezy foliage! Style on a porch, place on a kitchen table, and nestle among your other “conservatory” plants!

Bamboo Plant Tree– Having searched high and low, I have the discovered the most realistic bamboo tree plant at Ikea!

Home Staging Tip: Faux plants are the perfect solution when staging a home. They add warmth, color, and life without the hassle of maintenance—especially if you’re too busy moving to keep living plants thriving!

Yes to Decorating with Faux Plants!

So, are you team real plants, team fake plant decor ideas, or like me, a little bit of both?

Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you decorate with faux indoor plants! 

Cheers!

A Little About Me

Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!

“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”

I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.

I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!

– cheers –

Don’t Forget to Pin It

Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!

Discover Real Plants Too!

I can’t write a post about faux plants and not include some of my favorite posts about real plants! Remember, it is a great idea to mix faux and real plants together…especially with some of these fun projects!

My Favorite Indoor Plants That Are Hard to Kill

Indoor Plant Basket Arrangement

Mini DIY Tabletop Greenhouse

Let’s Go Shopping

Looking for ways to style your faux plants? Take a look at some these amazing style finds!