Lush indoor plants have been a staple styling choice for Aussie homes since…forever. And while some indoor plant varieties have received much more love than others over recent years (looking at you, monstera deliciosa), it’s evident that indoor plants will never go out of style.
So, if you’ve tried (your very best) at becoming the green thumb of the family, but you’re only left with root rot and brown leaves (have you over-watered or under-watered?!), maybe investing in some long-lasting faux plants is the solution.
Fake plants are a low-maintenance way to add a bit of greenery to your home. They’re also great for decorating spaces that aren’t suitable for indoor plants, such as rooms that get minimal non-direct sunlight. While the idea of artificial plants sounds great – you don’t need to water them (read: they’ll never die), and they look great all year round – choosing plants that are high quality and look like the real deal will make a world of difference. And take it from us, leave those plasticky, shiny, leaves at the shops unless tacky is the look you’re going for…
We tread a fine line when it comes to artificial plants. Ensuring you invest in high-quality picks is the only way (in our opinion). Either buy the real deal…or buy ones that actually look like the real deal. If not, you’re better off leaving plants out of the equation altogether.
“No matter how good they look when you buy them, one thing that makes faux plants look less genuine is a buildup of dust on the leaves and base of the plant. Our tip? Hit it with the hairdryer on a low, cool setting on the first day of every month. This avoids dust settling on the leaves and in the nooks and crannies of stalks and stems, so all you’ll need is a very occasional wipe over every few months to keep your plant looking fresh and life-like.” – Diana Moore, Digital Editor of Home Beautiful.
HB’s HOT TIP
Luckily, we’ve found the best fake plants that look like the real deal (yes, your guests will never know).
The best fake plants for your home 2024
Best artificial hanging plants
Artificial marble pothos
from $59, The Plants Project
These heart-shaped beauties are on every plant-obsessed wishlist. So, if you want to impress your plant-obsessed friend or family member, a hanging pothos is the way to go.
Sizes: 50cm, 80cm
Key features:
- Two-toned variegation detail
- No brown leaves (!)
- Designed for hanging pots
Artificial Baby Tears
from $39, The Plants Project
A delicate beauty no more. This artificial Baby Tears plant is the more durable and stronger version you’ve been looking for.
Sizes: 50cm
Key features:
- Realistic design
- Designed for hanging pots
Best artificial trees
Artificial fruitless olive tree
from $125, Pillow Talk
Perfect for laid-back, Mediterranean-styled homes, this artificial olive tree will brighten up any corner.
Sizes: 150cm (small), 190cm (large)
Key features:
- Durable
- Easy maintenance – just wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Available in two sizes
Magnolia tree garden pot
$64.50, Freedom
With a cement pot, this faux magnolia tree is the statement indoor plant that everyone will be asking about. High quality with unparalleled design, it is so realistic that your guests will never know…
Size: 43cm x 43cm x 122cm
Key features:
- Handmade
- Comes with a cement pot
- Oversized
Best small fake plants
Begonia spotted garden pot
$20 (usually $49.95), Freedom
This cute polka-dot number is the perfect bedside table plant—sans the maintenance. It comes in a simple black pot so that you can switch out your vase depending on your mood. This artificial plant is handmade to perfection.
Size: 35cm x 35cm x 51cm
Key features:
- Handmade
- Comes in a simple black pot
- Compact design
Artificial Syngonium plant
$49, The Plants Project
Small but mighty, this artificial Syngonium plant features large arrow-shaped leaves in a gorgeous velvety-green.
Size: 25cm
Key features:
- Comes in a simple black pot
- Compact design
- Dark green foliage with contrasted white veins
How do I choose fake plants for my living room?
When choosing faux plants for your living room, you should first assess the amount of space you’re working with. If you have tall ceilings, choosing a tall faux tree is a great way to draw the eyes upwards. But, if you have a smaller space (like an apartment), choosing tall or larger artificial plants makes your space look crowded and uninviting – which we never want.
So, once you’ve figured out your bearings, you can find fake plants that work with your space (rather than against it). And, of course, look for realistic faux plants for your living room, and try to keep them outside of direct light to ensure they don’t fade over time.
Are fake plants considered tacky?
If you find the right ones, no. But, if you don’t invest in quality and opt for ones made out of cheap materials, it will make your space look tacky. So, be careful when choosing your next fake plant, and consider shopping around and reading guides – like this one – to inform your purchase decision.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
