Want an easy way to enliven a room without putting in an ounce of effort? Try a faux plant or tree. The best fake plants are designed to look almost as natural as real plants, the artificial versions of popular houseplants like fiddle leaf figs, Monsteras and snake plants infuse your decor with a burst of green and a sense of calm. Best of all, unlike real plants, they’re not fussy about sunlight, water, temperature or humidity.
Not everyone has a green thumb, so instead of worrying about watering your greenery sang a fake ... [+] plant. Large Faux Plant
As an added bonus, fake plants and trees are also safe for homes with pets and small children. After all, some live plants are toxic for cats, dogs and tiny humans—and there’s something about a potted plant that almost begs for paws and little hands to dig, tear and topple it over. And in some ways, the faux versions of the most popular houseplants and trees are superior, since they last forever without any of the fuss that the real deal requires. In other words, you don’t need a green thumb or stringent watering schedule to keep them alive.
For ideas on how incorporate artificial plants into your decor (and how to fool all your horticulturist friends), check out this very real list of fake plants and trees that don’t look fake at all. And if you change your mind and decide to put your growing skills to the test, our lists of indoor plants (for every skill level), low-light indoor plants and pet-safe plants will help you narrow it down.
Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 10 inches | Plant type: Faux banana leaf| Container: Ceramic planter
Banana leaf palms are reminiscent of lazy days spent at a beachside paradise. Target’s artificial version has realistic-looking fronds that yawn out from a white ceramic pot and is versatile enough to fit a number of decor styles.
Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 25| Plant type: Sansevieria plant | Container: Plastic planter
The snake plant is full of drama with its dark, sword-shaped leaves. Great for spaces with minimal floor space, this six-inch-wide snake plant delivers a bold statement even with its small footprint.
Dimensions: 24 x 60 inches| Plant type: Cordyline plant| Container: Plastic pot
Full branches with deep green, waxy leaves make the five-foot tall Faux Potted Cordyline Plant from Pottery Barn just the decor element needed to add a pop of green to an empty corner in your home.
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 52 inches| Plant type: Philodendron plant| Container: Plastic pot
The Philodendron is typically characterized by large, glossy leaves that burst from delicate stems, and this fake version from Nearly Natural looks no different. You get all of the tropical foliage with zero upkeep.
Dimensions: 24 x 39 inches| Plant type: Rubber tree| Container: Fluted floor planter
Rubber trees have a dark, almost burgundy leaf that can fade to a lighter green if not cared for with the appropriate levels of sunlight. Luckily, the faux version from West Elm won’t fade from lack of rays. This pick also comes in a 6-foot version and you can upgrade either size to a set with an accompanying planter.
Dimensions: 53 x 24 x 24 inches | Plant type: Ficus | Container: Earthenware planter
Ficus is the fancy name for a fig tree. Standing at over four feet tall from its sand-colored pot, this full and leafy ficus tree from Joss & Main brings a touch of the exotic to your home without any of the required upkeep.
Dimensions: 20 x 17 x 32 inches| Plant type: Areca palm| Container: Bamboo vase
This easy, breezy Green Areca Palm from Home Depot adds major vacation vibes to your home: All green, gorgeous palm fronds without any of the stressful planning or work required for an actual getaway.
Dimensions: 6.3 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches| Plant type: Donkey tail| Container: Plastic pot
Also known as string of pearls, this fake succulent is beloved for its cascading pearl-like beads that trail out of the ceramic pot. The added height at the base of the pot gives the love plant some additional height so it can better show off its beady baubles.
Dimensions: 26 x 25.5 x 11.25 inches | Plant type: Tradescantia plant | Container: Plastic pot
Tradescantias are known for their free flowing, leafy tendrils, and this faux version from Pottery Barn is incredibly lifelike. Style it in a hanging basket or planter in front of a window to enjoy all of its dangling charm.
Dimensions: 15 x 12 inches| Plant type: Agave plant| Container: Plastic pot
While real Agave is commonly found in hot areas like Mexico and the Caribbean, this faux version can live in any room, hot or cold. Standing 12 inches tall, this small but mighty plant is an excellent size for small spaces like desks or shelves.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 14 x 16 inches| Plant type: Maidenhair fern | Container: Plastic planter
Handcrafted and made with upcycled materials, this multi-stem maidenhair fern offers lush texture for display. It can be used indoors or outdoors in a protected area, but note that in either case, it should stay out of direct sunlight. This plant does not come in a planter—it arrives in a plastic vessel with styrofoam and sand—but that means you can pick your pot to blend with your personal style.
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 25 inches| Plant type: Peace lily plant | Container: Fiberstone planter
A faux lily plant that you don’t have to water? Yes, please. The best part, the plant is UV protected and can be styled inside or outdoors. Don’t forget the chic Fiberstone planter it comes with, so there is no need to search for one.
Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 42.2 inches | Plant type: Fiddle leaf plant | Container: Plastic pot
This faux fiddle leaf plant from Naturae Decor dawns thick leaves that are bright and vibrant to help add a pop of color to your living space. The leafy plant stands at about 3.5 feet tall and can be used indoors or outdoors. If you choose to keep it in a sunny area, the leaves are UV resistant, plus the plant has a 1-year warranty if used outdoors and a 2-year warranty if kept indoors.
Dimensions: 30 x 60 inches| Plant type: Olive tree | Container: Plastic pot
With today's decor trends, an olive tree is a chic plant that adds an earthy touch to your space. The best part about this one is you don't have to water it because it's fake. The soft and subtle mix of brown and green toned leaves, paired with the faux olives, will have people wondering if it’s real or fake.
Dimensions: 48 x 84 inches| Plant type: Robellini palm tree | Container: Plastic pot
If you want to take a trip to a tropical island, then this palm tree from Nearly Natural will make you feel like you're in paradise. The 7-foot tree (yes, it's that tall) has 35 large, full leaves that are UV-resistant, so no need to worry about fading. If this large tree is too cumbersome for your home, then the 5-foot version might suit you better.
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I write about the world’s richest people and their businesses. I am a CPA and former Big Four financial statement auditor. I graduated from Miami University (OH) with a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting. I recently completed an M.S. in Journalism at Columbia University with an investigative journalism focus. I am a Chicago native living in New York City. Follow me on Twitter @DurotMatthew or email me at mdurotATforbes.com.
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