The 15 Best Fake Plants of 2024 (2024)

• Our Picks

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

Fiddle leaf fig trees are among the most popular statement pieces you can have in a home. The drawback is that larger ones are some of the most expensive real houseplants you can buy, and the come with steep price tags, which can be tough to justify if your green thumb is seriously lacking. That’s why the Pure Garden Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is the ideal addition to your home’s decor. While a little pricey initially, this realistic-looking faux fig tree will more than pay for itself over time.

This tree boasts the hallmark narrow trunks and slender branches dotted with a plethora of lush, healthy-looking leaves. As an added bonus, these leaves are posable and fluffable, and the branches are adjustable so that you can customize your tree to your particular space.

This is a great stand-alone artificial plant, or you can have a pair to keep each other company. Its minimalistic care regimen requires occasional dusting and can stand up to the addition of a string of lights for added ambiance and a welcoming effect. The one drawback is that this tree doesn’t include a decorative pot in your purchase, so you’ll need to add that in to the already somewhat hefty price of the initial purchase.

_{Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 72 inches | Weight: 17.72 pounds | Plant Type: Fiddle leaf}

The West Elm Faux Potted Donkey Tail Plant is a fun and affordable addition to any home. Its compact size gives you plenty of options for placement, and its unique design adds a touch of whimsy to any room. This is a great choice if you want a budget-friendly faux plant that will last for years. At this price, you can get multiple plants to group together or put in different areas of your house. In fact, you can choose from different sizes to add even more variety.

The Donkey tail holds up well to most environments, including curious pets. It does tend to fade when placed in direct sunlight, though, but since this is an artificial plant, you can place it in even the shadiest part of your home without worry. The plant’s leaves offer much in the way of visual appeal, but their tight configuration and plentiful number make them more difficult to dust than some other plants with larger and fewer leaves. Another thing to love about this choice is not only that it comes with a pot included, but you can actually choose from two different colors.

_{Dimensions: Small: 6.3 in. w x 12.6 in. d x 12.6 in h; Medium: 6 in. w x 7.5 in. d x 18.5 in. h | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Donkey Tail}

The Pagoda Ming Aralia Silk Tree is a popular ornamental plant that's native to Asia. It's often used in interior decoration because of its lush green foliage and unique pagoda-like branching structure. When fully grown, it can reach a height of 6 feet, making it an excellent choice for adding visual interest to any room. The Petals 6' Pagoda Ming Aralia Silk Tree is an extremely realistic-looking faux version that will fool almost any visitor to your home.

This low-maintenance and long-lasting alternative to is available in either a 6- or 7-foot version. It features hand-crafted natural wood trunks and arrives fully shaped and readied to display. It’s a great choice for decorating with a string of lights to add ambiance and a romantic or welcoming feel to your home. One drawback, however, is that this tree comes with a very hefty price tag. It also doesn’t come with a decorative pot, adding even more initial expense. However, it you’re looking for a long-lasting statement piece that will complement any room, this tree is tough to beat.

_{Dimensions: Small: 6 feet x 38 inches; Large: 7 feet x 40 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Pagoda Ming Aralia}

If you’re looking to add appeal to your living space, but want to purchase only one artificial plant, consider the Nearly Natural 6.5-ft. Golden Cane Palm Silk Tree. This high-quality silk palm stands at a stately 6.5 feet tall but weighs a mere 11 pounds, making it a practical and easy-to-transport option. This incredibly real-looking tree is an eye-catching addition to any room. The three narrow trunks add variety and fullness to the piece.

With a series of 333 palm leaves, there’s also a significant amount of greenery, which looks incredibly healthy and vibrant but can be a pain to dust and clean. During testing, this tree was one of the most realistic faux plants we've seen, with easily malleable (albeit slightly scratchy) leaves and thoughtfully added intentional imperfections for added realism. Thanks to intentional imperfections, it also maintained a life-like feel that made it look like a normal, healthy plant. One drawback is that it comes with a plain black, cheaply made pot, so you may want to swap it for something more attractive.

_{Dimensions: 45 x 40 x 78 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Plant Type: Palms}

Finding a fake cactus can actually be more challenging than you might think. Fortunately, the Nearly Natural Colorful Cactus Gardens are just imperfect enough to pass for the real deal. This set of two cactus arrangements features decorative and delightful blooms that add a fun pop of color to any room. Group them together or separate, high or low to create whatever visual effect suits you best. Nestled inside rustic pots, these cactus plants look like they came straight out of the desert.

While the physical measurements of these plants make them a great option for smaller spaces and tinier homes, their price tag is somewhat steep. Considering that you’ll never have watched them fail to thrive, however, the investment is well worth it. It would also be nice if there were one or two more cactus types to choose from for added variety. And, while they come with rustic-looking pots, if you want something a little more lively and vibrant, you’ll have to buy those separately. Cleaning these little cactus plants is also super-easy, but be sure to watch out for their surprisingly realistic (and sharp) spines.

Dimensions: 9.5-10 x 5.5 x 6 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Cactus

Succulents are usually prized, because they’re so easy to take care of, but if you still can’t quite manage it, the Augshy 16-Pack Artificial Unpotted Succulents are a super-budget-friendly, quaint option. This affordable variety pack offers 16 different succulent types that mimic favorites like hawthoria and echeveria plants. Unlike most other succulents, however, these come completely unpotted, which adds to their price tag somewhat. However, with so many little plants to choose from, the options for mixing and matching them are almost endless, and you can let your creativity flow.

Whether you choose to pot your succulents individually or grouped in a cute, low-profile garden arrangement, these little plants will look great in any room, small or large. They’re a perfect option for folks with limited space, though. Each artificial succulent features a sleek, built-in stem that’s strong and can handle multiple rearrangements. These little plants can also make great gifts or housewarming presents for the foliage-challenged individuals in your life.

_{Dimensions: Varies per succulent, 1.5-3.5 inches x 1.6-3.5 inches | Weight: 0.725 pounds | Plant Type: Succulent}

The clean lines and minimalistic look of the IKEA Fejka Artificial Potted Plant add a subtle and tasteful touch to your home without the hefty expense and upkeep of a real, high-maintenance Monstera. This faux plant is carefully crafted from a blend of PEVA and polyethylene, both plastic polymers that are durable and super-easy to clean. The materials work together to form thin, sturdy, slightly shiny leaves that almost flawlessly mimic the look of a live monstera. However, since this is a faux plant, you don’t have to wait impatiently to see the hallmark “splits” in the leaves that this plant is known for—they’re there from the very beginning.

For added versatility, this plant is available in two different sizes and budgetary options. One is a cute 4 3/4 inches that’s perfect for a desktop or bookshelf, and the other is a larger 7 1/2 inches that works great as a floor plant. Choose your favorite, and grab a decorative pot to spruce up your living space without spending a ton of extra cash. While the clean, minimalist look of this plant is ideal for many, it may not be lush or large enough for some.

_{Dimensions: Small: 4.75 X 12.5 inches; Large: 7.5 x 35.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Monstera}

One of the best things about flowering plants is their vibrancy and festive color. One of the worst things is their high maintenance and often short lifespan, but not so with the Nearly Natural Bougainvillea Basket. This is a carefully crafted basket of sturdy polyester cream-colored tiny flowers surrounded by a mix of delicate pastel petals. It also features plenty of lush, healthy-looking leaves that add a great level of contrast and life to this arrangement.

This basket is an excellent choice if you are short on counter or shelf space but, you want to liven up a boring corner of your home. Indoors or outdoors, this fake flower is built to last. It comes nestled in a traditional wicker planter that never goes out of style. While this hanging planter is a great space-saving option for many homes, it takes up quite a bit more area than some other options on the list. And, with all the leaves and flowers, it can be quite a pain to keep clean and dust-free.

_{Dimensions: 32 In. W x 32 In. D x 24 In. H | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Plant Type: Bouganvillea flowers}

One of the more frustrating things about real aloe plants can be how sparsely populated and irregular they are in appearance. The World Market Faux Aloe in Terracotta Pot solves both of those dilemmas with a medium-profile, variegated, and majestic design. At 18 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, this plant isn’t particularly massive, but it will definitely get noticed. The dense arrangement of leaves immediately draws the eye, although it is noticeably overpopulated, compared to most real-life aloe plants.

To add authenticity, the aloe leaves vary in size, shape, and height, and they boast the tell-tale tooth-like thorns that aloe is known for. This artificial aloe is a well-priced option on its own, but the fact that it includes an earthy and rustic terracotta pot really sweetens the deal. In fact, the planter is just as much of a statement piece as the plant itself. One thing to note is that many folks find this aloe plant somewhat darker in real life than in the online photos.

_{Dimensions: 4.5 In. W x 5.5 In. D x 18 In. H | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Aloe}

The West Elm Faux Potted Rubber Tree is one of the more authentic-looking fake rubber trees on the market. Rubber trees have a distinctive shape and a dark, burgundy hue that can fade to a stale yellowish green if not properly cared for. Since they’re also one of the more finicky real-life plants, it will save you added stress and effort to purchase this exceptionally real-life imitation that will look healthy and lush for years.

This plant is available in multiple sizes. Choose from a more subtle 3-foot plant, or go big with the 6-foot statement piece. You also have the option of purchasing both sizes with or without a white planter. While the white pot is a classic and understated design, it would be nice if there were a couple of more choices in terms of color, but since it’s available for purchase without the pot, you have endless customization options. These plants are a little on the pricey side and should be considered more of a decor investment than some other choices on the market. However, their ease of care and simple cleaning make them a worthwhile choice.

_{Dimensions: Small: 24 X 39 inches; Large: 24 x 68.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: Rubber Tree}

Few things compare to the indoor foliage statement piece of a ficus. This fancy faux fig tree adds a classic yet exotic touch to your home without being too overbearing and constantly dropping its leaves. A favorite for adding delicate, twinkling lights, the ficus tree never goes out of style. This one comes fully prepared with a classic and neutral-colored earthenware pot filled with decorative rocks.

Some reshaping and positioning are all that’s required to make this fake ficus ready to go, straight out of the box. Since it requires zero sunlight, this tree can be artfully placed anywhere you want it, even in the darkest corner of the room. While it is on the smaller side, it may still be too large for some smaller spaces. Be sure to use caution during unboxing and “fluffing” of the leaves, as they may not be as sturdy as some less-realistic-looking ficus trees and may fall off if treated too aggressively.

_{Dimensions: 53'' H X 24'' W X 24'' D | Weight: 19.61 pounds | Plant Type: Ficus}

The Afloral Natural Touch Pothos is an ethically designed and well-sized climbing vine replica. It can be thoughtfully positioned on a counter, cabinet, or shelf, or you can hang it for a visual appeal that adds depth and interest to those otherwise-empty corners of your room. The plastic and wire design allows you to mold the vines into virtually any position or configuration you can imagine, so consider checking out some plant-styling tips to get some fresh ideas for this classic plant. Some users complain that it is difficult to pose the vines into a realistic-looking, effortlessly cascading appearance, however.

This plant adds an ideal pop of green and is excellent tucked up on a high shelf where your pets can’t destroy it. At 48 inches, it’s actually quite sizable and is a good value. The ends of each vine tend to look a little sparse, however, but that seems only to add to the authenticity of the plant itself. Pair it with the planter of your choice to match any decor.

_{Dimensions: 48 inches | Weight: not specified | Plant Type: Pothos vine}

Sometimes you want a realistic-looking bush that can do double duty, either indoors or out. Definitely consider the full and bright Afloral UV Protected Indoor/Outdoor Geranium Bush. While it won’t deter pests as well as the real thing, it comes with the ease of ultra-low maintenance, making it a welcome addition to your sunroom, dining table, porch, or patio. This bush is ideal for those who just can’t seem to keep a real flowerbed functioning for the long term.

The fluffy faux blooms feature eight lush clusters per stem. Group several together in a window box or large patio planter, or keep individual stems in a vase to add a fresh, romantic feel to your kitchen or dining room. These blooms come UV-protected for outdoor use, but you may want to regularly retreat them to keep them in tip-top shape. It would also be nice if they came in color options other than white.

_{Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 3 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: White Geranium}

The Afloral Faux Cherry Blossom gets a ton of love for being one of the most realistic and beautiful fake cherry blossoms available. Since real cherry blossoms are so short-lived, and their blooming season is so quick, the amount of time you don’t get to spend enjoying them in your home can be disappointing. This faux alternative is one of the best ways to decorate with plants and allows you the luxury of enjoying these springtime favorites all year long. This particular sprig of flowers features a 44-inch tall stem that can be trimmed to fit in any vase or planter you can imagine.

This choice adds a high-end, graceful feel to any room when placed in a tall, slender vase, or you can trim multiple clusters to make a larger, more dramatic bouquet that welcomes folks into a beautiful entryway, living room, dining room, or sun porch. Unlike real cherry blossoms, these won’t require frequent pruning and water changing in order to eke out every inch of life from them. Keep in mind, however, that the more clusters you purchase, the more quickly you'll eat through your budget; these aren’t the cheapest bang for your buck, but you definitely get what you pay for, and these flowers are worth the investment.

_{Dimensions: 44 x 12-19 inches | Weight: Not listed | Plant Type: White Cherry Blossom}

If you want a sizable, traditional hanging plant, the Nearly Natural Boston Fern Hanging Basket is an ideal option. The classically timeless fern is notoriously tough to maintain and requires frequent love. Not so with this well-crafted faux fern, though. While it’s not quite as authentic-looking as some other choices on the list, when viewed from the hanging position, it will be tough to tell the difference between this and its true-life counterpart. In a live fern, the leaves tend to be thin, papery, and annoyingly delicate, but this option pulls off thin and delicate-looking leaves without constantly dropping a bunch on the floor.

For added value, the Nearly Natural fern comes in a tastefully crafted woven basket and is supported by a surprisingly strong and thick hanging rope that is easily anchored to your ceiling without having to worry about overwatering and dripping onto your floor or carpet. While this plant is outfitted with unwieldy and varied stems that stick out here and there, it can come annoyingly crimped from the package, which takes a while to work out. You should be careful not to place this choice in direct sunlight, as the leaves tend to fade over time.

_{Dimensions: 21 x 48 inches | Weight: 3.4 lbs | Plant Type: Fern}

Final Verdict

When it comes to the best overall choice in terms of faux plants for your home, the Pure Garden Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is a large, classy statement piece with full, authentic-looking branches that can be posed into almost any position you could want. It is a little on the pricey side, though. For a more budget-friendly, albeit slightly less dramatic option, check out the West Elm Faux Potted Donkey Tail Plant. You’ll love the whimsical uniqueness of this sturdy, well-made fake plant.

FAQ

• Why should I buy fake plants?

  One of the main advantages of fake plants is that they require very little maintenance. Unlike real plants, they don't need to be watered, fertilized, or pruned, which makes them an ideal choice for people who don't have the time or inclination to care for living plants.

  For people with allergies, fake plants can be a good alternative to real, pollen-producing plants. They also always look the same, which can be an advantage if you're trying to achieve a particular aesthetic or design theme in your home or office.

  Some types of plants may be difficult to find or grow in certain climates or environments. With fake plants, you can choose from a wide variety of plants and styles, regardless of where you live or work, not to mention the fact that they are far more durable than real plants. If that’s not enough reason, while faux plants may be a little pricier at the outset, they can be a far more cost-effective choice in the long run.

• How do I clean fake plants?

  Overall, the method you choose for cleaning your plants will depend on the type of fake plant you have and the extent of the cleaning needed. Regular dusting or using compressed air can often keep your fake plants looking fresh and clean, while more thorough cleaning methods may be necessary on occasion.

  Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some fake plants can be rinsed or washed with water. Be sure to use lukewarm water and a mild soap, and be gentle when handling the leaves and stems. Rinse the plant thoroughly, and let it dry completely before returning it to its display.

  Another option is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and mist the plant with the solution. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe away any dirt or dust, and then rinse the plant with water and let it dry.

  For more delicate or complex fake plants, or for those that require deep cleaning, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service. They can use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to thoroughly clean your fake plants without damaging them.

• How long do artificial plants last?

  The lifespan of artificial plants depends on several factors, including the quality of the materials used to make them, the conditions in which they are displayed or stored, and how often they are cleaned or maintained.

  With proper care and maintenance, high-quality artificial plants can last for many years, even decades. However, lower-quality plants may start to show signs of wear and tear after just a few months or years.

• How can I make a fake plant look more realistic?

  When considering your options, be sure to check for small imperfections in the plants, like leaves of varying sizes and colors. You can also make the plant look more realistic with certain styling choices. “Skip the look that the plant came with, and nestle that faux plant right into a special pot with special consideration for the scale of the plant," recommends Moyer. "Use some Spanish moss to fill the planter, and consider placing it on a riser inside a large planter or basket to give your plant more presence.”

28 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home