Home Gardening House Plants The 26 Best Fake Plants of 2023 That Actually Look Real Including tiny succulents and large monsteras that are impossible to kill. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Real Simple / Alli Waataja If you don’t want to dedicate time to watering and caring for your greenery, then you should decorate your home with fake plants instead. Studies show they can provide as much of a mental health boost as the real deal. 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,” she says. Our Top Picks Nearly Natural Bougainvillea Hanging Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Besamenature Artificial Palm Tree Plant at Amazon Jump to Review Afloral Artificial Potted Olive Tree Plant at Afloral.com Jump to Review Threshold 10" Artificial Eucalyptus Arrangement at Target Jump to Review Dovecove Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant at Walmart Jump to Review Terrain Faux Plume Plant at Anthropologie Jump to Review Nearly Natural Green 35" Sansevieria with Black Planter at Amazon Jump to Review Pottery Barn Faux Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Tree at Pottery Barn Jump to Review Forever Leaf Faux Pothos Plant at Amazon Jump to Review Luxsego Artificial Greenery Plant at Amazon Jump to Review Nearly Natural 24" Bougainvillea Hanging Basket Silk Plant Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Hsn.com 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. Price at time of publish: $71 Plant Type: Bougainvillea | Height: 24 inches | Pot Dimensions: 10 x 6 inches Besamenature Potted Artificial Palm Tree Plant Amazon View On Amazon 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. Price at time of publish: From $20 Plant Type: Palm tree | Height: 12–38 inches | Pot Dimensions: From 13.27 x 4.33 x 4.25 inches to 40 x 5 x 5 inches Afloral Artificial Potted Olive Tree Plant Afloral View On Afloral.com If you want to add some Mediterranean flair to your home decor, opt for this elegant artificial olive tree from Afloral. The muted tones, asymmetrical shape, and impressive height make it an attractive focal point in any room. While the included black plastic vessel might do it for minimalists, you can also purchase a stylish pot from the site. Price at time of publish: $140 Plant Type: Olive tree | Height: 47.25 inches | Pot Dimensions: 6 x 5.5 x 5 inches Threshold 10" Artificial Eucalyptus Arrangement Target View On Target 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. Price at time of publish: $5 Plant Type: Eucalyptus | Height: 10 inches | Pot Dimensions: 10 x 10 inches Dovecove 36" Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant in Basket Wayfair View On Walmart View On Wayfair View On Target 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. Price at time of publish: $95 Plant Type: Fiddle leaf fig | Height: 36 inches | Pot Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 10 inches Terrain Faux Plume Plant Anthropologie View On Anthropologie View On Shopterrain.com This gorgeous fake plant from Terrain has feather-like pink plumes that add a hint of color and texture to any room in your home. It comes in a plastic container that you can place directly in the decorative pot of your choosing. (For the best fit, use a pot with a 4-inch diameter.) Price at time of publish: $88 Plant Type: Plume | Height: 23.5 inches | Pot Dimensions: No pot included Nearly Natural Green 35" Sansevieria with Black Planter Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot 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. Price at time of publish: $125 Plant Type: Sansevieria | Height: 35 inches | Pot Dimensions: 7 x 7 inches Pottery Barn Faux Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Tree Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Bring the whimsy of the outdoors into your home with this faux eucalyptus tree from Pottery Barn. At 84 inches tall, this is the largest fake plant on our list, immediately making a statement in any space. The plant is made of recycled plastic and polyester, and it has a hefty sand and cement base for stability. Price at time of publish: $399 Plant Type: Eucalyptus tree | Height: 84 inches | Pot Dimensions: 7.5 inches (diameter) Forever Leaf Faux Pothos Plant Amazon View On Amazon 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. Price at time of publish: $31 Plant Type: Pothos | Height: 13 inches | Pot Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.7 inches Luxsego 46" Artificial Greenery Plant with Reed Flowers Amazon View On Amazon 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. Price at time of publish: $54 Plant Type: Pampas grass | Height: 46 inches | Pot Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 inches Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Faux Hoya Leaf Stem Potted Arrangement Target View On Target How pretty are these neutral-toned ceramic pots that hold these bright green hoya plants? These stylish planters will catch anyone’s attention, no matter where you choose to put them in your home. The two-piece set adds the perfect amount of greenery to your home (even if you’re tight on space). Price at time of publish: $16 Plant Type: Hoya leaf | Height: 7–10 inches | Pot Dimensions: From 3 x 2 inches to 4.25 x 2.25 inches Freeport Park Fleeman Faux Monstera Tree in Pot Wayfair View On Wayfair 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. Price at time of publish: $168 Plant Type: Monstera | Height: 48–72 inches | Pot Dimensions: 6 x 13 inches Kurrajong Farmhouse 8" Artificial Grass Succulent Plant Amazon View On Amazon 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. Price at time of publish: $30 Plant Type: Grass | Height: 8 inches | Pot Dimensions: 4.5 inches wide Pottery Barn Faux Planted Orchid Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Orchids are notoriously challenging to keep alive, but this faux option is certainly an exception. Rather than splurging on a flower that might die when you look at it the wrong way, you can invest in this realistic imitation with all the elegance and beauty of the real thing. It also comes in a red clay vessel that will look pretty on any desk, nightstand, or table. Price at time of publish: $59 Plant Type: Orchid | Height: 21 inches | Pot Dimensions: 6 inches (diameter) Highland Dunes Grover 60" Artificial Palm Plant Wayfair View On Wayfair 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 warm up any space. The faux palm tree looks very natural, but the leaves are still durable enough that you can adjust them without damage. Price at time of publish: $126 Plant Type: Palm | Height: 60 inches | Pot Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.5 inches Why You Should Use a Plant Trellis—Plus 6 to Buy Nearly Natural 24" Golden Dieffenbachia Silk Plant Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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. Price at time of publish: $93 Plant Type: Golden dieffenbachia | Height: 23 inches | Pot Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches Afloral UV Protected Outdoor Potted Grass Plant Afloral View On Afloral.com For those who want to decorate their patio, garden, or yard without the hassle of watering, an outdoor artificial plant can give you plenty of curb appeal without adding to your chore list. This faux grass plant is UV-treated to prevent any fading or wear over time, so it will look good as new for years to come. Though this pick would be great for outdoors, it can double as an indoor plant, too. Price at time of publish: $78 Plant Type: Grass | Height: 38 inches | Pot Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 inches Fejka 67" Artificial Weeping Fig Potted Plant IKEA View On Ikea 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. Price at time of publish: $70 Plant Type: Weeping fig | Height: 67 inches | Pot Dimensions: 8.25 inches (diameter) Opalhouse 5" Artificial Succulent Plant with Brass Terrarium Target View On Walmart View On Target This pint-sized succulent from Opalhouse 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. Price at time of publish: $20 Plant Type: Succulent | Height: 5 inches \ Pot Dimensions: 5.25 x 4.25 inches Afloral Plum Fake Cimicifuga Ramosa Leaves Afloral View On Afloral.com The rich plum color of these artificial leaves adds the essence of fall to your home, whether you choose to bring them out seasonally or keep them on display year-round. Though this pick isn’t ideal for those who want a faux plant that’s already potted, it gives you creative license over how you use these vibrant leaves—from a mantle wreath to a decorative table centerpiece. Price at time of publish: $30 Plant Type: Cimicifuga ramosa | Height: 31 inches | Pot Dimensions: No pot included Juvale Artificial Potted Bonsai Tree Target View On Amazon View On Target 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. Price at time of publish: $20 Plant Type: Bonsai tree | Height: 9.3 inches | Pot Dimensions: 5 x 9 inches Ikea Fejka 19” Artificial Hydrangea Potted Plant IKEA View On Ikea This affordable hydrangea plant from Ikea is a great option for people who want faux flowers that last way longer than a bouquet from the florist. The plant consists of three big white and pink flowers and several thick green leaves, all sitting in a simple black pot. If you’re aiming for a different look, just switch the pot out for one of a different color or pattern that better matches your style. Price at time of publish: $18 Plant Type: Hydrangea | Height: 19.75 inches | Pot Dimensions: 4.75 inches (diameter) Lark Manor 15'' Faux Fern Plant in Glass Pot Wayfair View On Wayfair 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. Price at time of publish: $79 Plant Type: French fern | Height: 15 inches | Pot Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches Nearly Natural 4' Artificial Dracaena Plant with Sand Colored Planter Nearly Natural View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Nearlynatural.com 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. Price at time of publish: $181 Plant Type: Dracaena | Height: 48 inches | Pot Dimensions: 12.5 x 10 inches Project 62 8” x 5” Artificial Snake Plant in Pot Target View On Target As cool as this faux snake plant is with its multicolored textured leaves, it’s the gray cement planter that caught our attention. The modern-looking pot is perfect for your desk, bedside table, or dresser because it doesn’t take up much space. Price at time of publish: $10 Plant Type: Snake plant | Height: 9.5 inches | Pot Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.8 inches Vickerman 4' Fabric Ficus Bush with Square Willow Basket Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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. Price at time of publish: $100 Plant Type: Ficus | Height: 48 inches | Pot Dimensions: 30 inches (diameter) How to Shop for Fake Plants Like a Pro Size If you go for a larger plant, that means you’ll likely see “the undersides of the leaves,” says Meg Callahan, brand manager at Afloral, so check detailed product pictures before placing your order to make sure you like the way it looks. If you prefer smaller plants, remember that you can always combine a few of them for a “fuller look,” she suggests, which adds “more depth and dimension to a planter.” 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. Questions You Might Ask Which fake plants look the most realistic? Look for fake plants that have various colors, leaf shapes, and quality materials. Faux plants that are perfectly symmetrical, have unnatural colors or are overall homogenous branch by branch, are more likely to appear fraudulent. If you want your fake plants to mimic real greenery, place them where they would get adequate sunlight—after all, actual plants wouldn’t grow in a dark corner or dimly lit room. We also recommend cleaning them regularly, as dusty leaves are one of the quickest ways to blow their cover. For fake plants with less-than-convincing soil, also add some of your own to the base. How long do fake plants last? Fake plants eliminate the stress of keeping your greenery alive, so you can have luscious plants that last year after year. Most faux plants can last years with a little maintenance and care, especially those that are UV-treated. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and The New York Times, and was updated by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple. We did significant research on fake plants to create this list, including speaking with Meg Callahan, brand manager at Afloral, for expert advice on how to choose the best faux plants for your needs. The 20 Best Places to Buy Plants Online in 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit