The Best Fake Plants
Not all of us are blessed with a green thumb, but that doesn't mean that we're doomed to a life without greenery. Fake plants have become so highly detailed that often it's hard to tell them apart from the real thing. If you're looking to give your home a burst of botanical color without having to worry about wilting leaves and messy soil, check out some of these wonderful artificial plants.
What to Look For
Fake plants aren’t easy to shop for, mostly because the difference between a well-made one and a cheapo isn’t always apparent at first glance. That’s why it can help to have the recommendations of someone you trust. We always look for three qualities in artificial plants: realism, attention to detail, and color vibrance. That’s why we stand so strongly behind the options we picked, which are all colorful, real-looking, and produced to exacting standards. For example, we highlighted two of Nearly Natural’s artificial plants: the dracaena and the olive tree. Both of these are phenomenal options that are among the best that the market has to offer. But they’re a little costly, so we also included the mighty affordable LED-illuminated ivy vines from Comtelek, as well as a value-packed set of four from Alagirls. Keep on reading to learn more about the rest of our favorites.
Nearly Natural Dracaena Silk (Real Touch) Artificial Plant
Large and in charge
Nearly Natural has made a name for itself in the artificial plant industry, and this dracaena plant proves why that is. Hyper-realistic compared to most options on the market, this plant doesn’t just look real — it also feels real to the touch. What we love about this particular plant’s potential as a decorative piece is its versatility. Unlike some plant species, dracaena jives well with all kinds of decor styles. That means this plant will work wherever you plan on putting it, whether that’s a bedroom, living room, or office.
Pros:
- High-quality construction means this should last for quite a long time
- Tall without being towering
- The leaves are a little flexible, so you can shape them to your liking
Cons:
- Some glue is visible, but only if you inspect the plant extremely closely
LuckyGreenery Artificial Scindapsus Aureus
Tangled up in green
Not all plants are easy to recreate artificially. But this one happens to be one of the easiest, and that’s lucky for all of us because it also happens to be one of the most beautiful houseplants. With its wavy vines and dense foliage, this artificial plant promises to offer a burst of green color and rich texture wherever you put it. And because the plastic pot comes included, you don’t have to do anything other than unbox it and decide where to place it once it arrives.
Pros:
- The leaves and vines can be bent a bit so that you can customize the way the plant looks
- Great for small spaces
- Adds visual interest without taking up lots of space
Cons:
- We wish the vines hung a little lower
Alagirls Small Fake Plants, Set of 4
Strength in numbers
Offered at an excellent price, this set of four fake plants from Alagirls wowed us with its realistic look and its cohesive details. The planters look classy, and because they all match, they make it easy to tie together a room. We also like the variation between plant species here. The two larger plants are rosemary and eucalyptus, while the two smaller plants are succulents. They’re all fairly small, so they won’t take up a ton of space, but they’ll add plenty of color and texture to whatever room they’re in.
Pros:
- They look much more expensive than they are
- The color of the planters complements the green of the leaves beautifully
- It’s easy to find a place for them thanks to their small size
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a large statement plant, you might want to look elsewhere
Comtelek Artificial Ivy Garlands with LED String Lights
All that glitters
Oftentimes there are two easy ways to transform a room quickly: improving the lighting and adding plants. This clever option from Comtelek can help you tick both those boxes at once. Designed to look like hanging vines of ivy, these beautiful ivy trails also come equipped with LED string lights. You can turn your bedroom into a glowing green oasis or add a bit of color to your yard or patio. However you choose to use them, you’ll be able to customize them to your liking by twisting the vines to shape.
Pros:
- Available in various sizes
- Excellent option for bedrooms of teens and young adults
- Vibrant colors
Cons:
- The lights don’t come attached to the vines, so you’ll have to do it yourself (zip ties are included to help do this)
- May have a mild odor out of the box, but this should dissipate quickly
Nearly Natural Artificial Olive Tree
Branch out
A mainstay in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean, the fabled olive tree is one of the most beloved trees out there. That’s not only because it produces the lovely little fruit that we eat and press into delicious oil — it’s also because the tree itself is beautiful. Slim, tall, and graceful, this artificial olive tree from Nearly Natural captures the olive tree’s beauty, all without requiring any care or maintenance.
Pros:
- Quite thin, so it doesn’t require much floor space
- Thanks to its height, this can add visual appeal to the vertical axis in whichever room you place it
- Fits into corners very easily
Cons:
- In terms of leaf density, we think it’s a little bit spare, but some may prefer this
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fake plants made of?
Typically, fake plants are made of a combination of materials. Some of the most common ones are polyester, polyethylene, and synthetic silk, which are typically used to mimic leaves. Other parts of the plant, such as the stalk, may be made of plastic, wood, or metal.
Is it easy to tell when artificial plants are fake?
Years ago, the answer to this would almost always be yes. But as technology progresses and manufacturing processes advance, it becomes easier to reproduce the look of real plants. With that being said, lots of artificial plants look quite fake, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality one to be sure it looks authentic.
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