With bright colors, delicate leaves, and elegant planters, the best fake plants look real but don’t require any maintenance. To come up with this list, we researched various types of faux plants (including potted floor plants, hanging flowers, and small succulents) and considered factors like size, material, and planter type. We also spoke to Meg Callahan, brand manager at Afloral, for expert tips on how to choose the most realistic-looking fake plants. When shopping for artificial plants, Callahan suggests keeping your eyes peeled for ones that have “wired stems and leaves, and realistic-looking coloring (not too perfect, with variation in color and dimension).” That’s because “anything wired can be bent and manipulated, which allows you to create the look you want,” according to Callahan. Here are the best fake plants that you can buy online. Who it isn’t for: People who want pure greenery without flowers. Hanging plants can be hard to take care of, but a faux version doesn’t need to be watered from so high up. This hanging basket plant from Nearly Natural adds a colorful pop to your home without taking up any floor space. It’s adorned with bright pink flowers and cascading vines that hang around the wicker planter. Even though it’s fake, this plant looks and feels surprisingly real—and that’s probably because the brand’s products are designed by horticulturists. Product Details:
Plant Type: BougainvilleaHeight: 24 inchesPot Dimensions: 10 x 6 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer softer, quieter faux plants. This fake plant from Besamenature has plenty of pretty palm tree leaves that will make a fun addition to any room. It’s available in three different sizes ranging from 12 to 28 inches tall, and each one comes with a neutral-colored pot (either black or white, depending on the size) that’s versatile enough to match any decor style. The smallest version can add a decorative touch to a bookcase or entryway table, while the larger options will be more of a focal point that can go directly on the floor or a plant stand for added height. Product Details:
Plant Type: Palm treeHeight: 12–38 inchesPot Dimensions: From 13.27 x 4.33 x 4.25 inches to 40 x 5 x 5 inches
Who it isn’t for: People want a large fake plant that makes a statement. Not only does this adorable eucalyptus plant from Threshold have an attractive minimalist design, but it’s also affordable enough that you can buy multiple without breaking the bank. It features an assortment of medium and dark green leaves, and it comes in a small white planter that will look good in any room. If you aren’t into eucalyptus (or if you want an assortment of plant styles in your home), the brand also has artificial fiddle leaf and fern arrangements available at Target. Product Details:
Plant Type: EucalyptusHeight: 10 inchesPot Dimensions: 10 x 10 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer plants that come with decorative pots. Available in three different sizes, this faux monstera will instantly elevate any space in your home. It has the same style of split leaves that the tropical plant typically has, along with bark and stems that look super realistic. You can place the simple black pot into another planter or basket for a decorative touch. Product Details:
Plant Type: MonsteraHeight: 48–72 inchesPot Dimensions: 6 x 13 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a trailing plant. This beautiful faux pothos plant has bright green leaves that will stand out on any backdrop, and its lifelike shape will trick your guests into thinking it’s the real thing. The leaves don’t trail as much as they would on a traditional pothos plant that’s had plenty of time to grow, but it’s still a great way to add color to any bookcase or coffee table. Product Details:
Plant Type: PothosHeight: 13 inchesPot Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.7 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a large, tall plant. How pretty is the neutral-toned ceramic pot that holds this bright green hoya leaf? It’s the kind of stylish planter that’s sure to catch anyone’s attention, no matter where you choose to put it in your home. It’s available in two different sizes, as well as a two-piece set that comes with one of each. It’ll add the perfect amount of greenery to your home (even if you’re tight on space). Product Details:
Plant Type: Hoya leafHeight: 7–10 inchesPot Dimensions: From 3 x 2 inches to 4.25 x 2.25 inches
Who it isn’t for: People want a more subtle addition to their plant collection. If you want a fake plant that makes a major statement, check out this large palm tree with a sky-high collection of leaves. It’s the kind of fun, breezy plant that’s bound to make any space feel cozier. The faux palm tree looks very natural, but the leaves are still durable enough that you can adjust them without damage. Product Details:
Plant Type: PalmHeight: 60 inchesPot Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.5 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a large plant that can rest on the floor. This pretty concrete planter houses a gorgeous faux succulent that’s the perfect size to rest on a shelf, desk, or windowsill. We think its neutral color and design will go great with any rustic or contemporary home decor. The plant itself is very life-like, so other people won’t even be able to tell that it’s not a real succulent. Product Details:
Plant Type: GrassHeight: 8 inchesPot Dimensions: 4.5 inches wide
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer decorative or colorful pots. Thanks to its tall height and surplus of bright green leaves, this weeping fig from Ikea is bound to make a statement in your home. The faux tree can be placed indoors or outdoors, so it’ll add life to your office and front porch alike, especially on cloudy days when you need to boost your mood. It comes in a plain black pot, but you can always place it in another planter if you prefer something more colorful. Product Details:
Plant Type: Weeping figHeight: 67 inchesPot Dimensions: 8.25 inches (diameter)
Who it isn’t for: People who want a large plant with lots of greenery. This pint-sized succulent from Target would make an adorable addition to a desk or floating shelf. The geometric glass planter comes filled with multicolored pebbles, which makes it more appealing than a traditional opaque pot. The plant itself might not be the most realistic-looking option, but its modern style really makes it stand out. Product Details:
Plant Type: SucculentHeight: 5 inchesPot Dimensions: 5.25 x 4.25 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a simple modern planter. This striking plant features a full, tightly-packed array of bright leaves in several different shades of green. Golden dieffenbachia is a type of shrub known for its green leaves with yellow and white markings, so it’s a great choice for people who want multi-colored plants. Other fake plants might require you to spend time shaping the leaves, but this one is ready to put on display once you take it out of the box. (But the branches are still bendable in case you want to make adjustments.) The plant itself is gorgeous, but the wooden hexagonal planter might be the real star of the show. Product Details:
Plant Type: Golden dieffenbachiaHeight: 23 inchesPot Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who dislike flowers mixed in with the greenery. This unique artificial plant features tall pampas grass and three white reed flowers that have a feather-like appearance. This version of the plant comes in a simple black pot, but you can also find other plant colors and pot styles. No matter which color you choose, this faux plant will add tranquil, spa-like vibes to your bathroom, bedroom, or home office. Product Details:
Plant Type: Pampas grassHeight: 46 inchesPot Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want low-key decor and plants. Sansevieria plants (aka snake plants) are hard to kill, but a fake version requires barely any maintenance—just occasionally wipe it with a dry cloth if you notice any dust. This ultra-lush option has moss green leaves that point straight up and have a natural-looking pattern. It stands just about three feet high, so it will look just as good as a focal point in your living room as it would tucked away in a corner. Product Details:
Plant Type: SansevieriaHeight: 35 inchesPot Dimensions: 7 x 7 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer more traditional plants. Bonsai trees are thought to symbolize peace, harmony, and oneness with the natural world. Real bonsai trees can be hard to keep alive, but you can still snag this artificial version from Target to hopefully bring those good vibes into your life. Plus, this faux option is small enough to keep on your desktop or coffee table. Product Details:
Plant Type: Bonsai treeHeight: 10.3 inchesPot Dimensions: 6 x 8 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a real planter, not a basket. Sitting in a classic wicker basket base, this faux fiddle leaf fig is the ideal height for placement in a corner, entryway, or another tucked-away spot—not that you’ll ever want to hide it. It has an array of big, bold leaves that help make it look more realistic. And at 36 inches tall, the fake plant is compact enough to fit in small rooms without taking up too much space. Product Details:
Plant Type: Fiddle leaf figHeight: 36 inchesPot Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 10 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a standard planter without any words on it. Small yet eye-catching, this miniature French fern plant consists of tons of bright green leaves that stretch out in all directions. Keep in mind that it’s pretty small, so it’s better at supplementing other plants and decor rather than being the focal point of a room. But what sets this fake plant apart is its pot: a rustic glass base inscribed with French words. Product Details:
Plant Type: French fernHeight: 15 inchesPot Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want tiny plants that blend in with their decor. This dracaena plant from Nearly Natural is covered in lush dark green leaves that sprout from several dark brown stems. The faux plant comes with a sand-colored vase planter that’s filled with rocks, and it will easily blend in with your bedroom decor and living room furniture. It’s four feet tall, but the planter is still compact enough that it doesn’t take up much floor space. Product Details:
Plant Type: DracaenaHeight: 4 feetPot Dimensions: 12.5 x 10 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a more modern-looking pot. This tall ficus bush from Vickerman stands out for its plentiful leaves, which come in multiple shades of green and various sizes to make it look more lifelike. Although the bush is very full, it’s easy to move around each branch so you can shape it as needed. It even has a real wood trunk inside of the brown willow basket. Product Details:
Plant Type: FicusHeight: 48 inchesPot Dimensions: 30 inches (diameter)
Material
When choosing a fake plant, look for a description saying “Real Touch,” advises Callahan, who says that “typically means the plastic or fabric leaves are coated in either latex or a foam blend that makes them appear damp or soft to the touch.” But if you’re planning on placing your plants outdoors, go for plastic and UV-protected options, instead, as foam and latex don’t handle weather as well.
Planter Style
There are tons of different planter looks out there, from simple black pots to decorative planters. If you aren’t thrilled with the pot that comes with the plant you have your eyes on, remember that you can always repot the plant in a new planter of your choosing.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on fake plants to create this list, including speaking with Meg Callahan, brand manager at Afloralfor expert advice on how to choose the best faux plants for your needs.
