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If you’re a fan of greenery within the home but are yet to succeed at plant parenthood, you’re not alone. Sometimes just remembering to feed and water ourselves is enough, let alone thinking about the foliage.
But, they do offer a great way to inject some personality into your humble abode. So if you are looking for an easy solution, we’ve got just the answer: artificial plants.
Cast away those aspersions of plastic-looking trunks and shiny leaves, because there are some very convincing lookalikes out there that offer a great way to bring the outdoors inside, sans the hassle.
Better still, there are a sheer number of faux species available, including monsteras, eucalyptus, and string-of-pearls, so if you’re looking for a particular plant to spruce up your home, you’re in luck.
If you’re struggling to see the wood for the trees, we’re here to help you on your quest for finding the perfect artificial plants for your home.
Read more:
- 10 best house plant pots for showing off your greenery
- 7 best indoor house plants to spruce up your living space
- 11 best art prints under £100 to liven up your living space
How we tested
The main priority is how the plants looked – we didn’t want a shiny, plastic look to our foliage. Similarly, we wanted to offer a broad range of different species (albeit faux) and sizes to help you decide which hassle-free plants to bring into your home.
Whether you’re after a large and statement swiss cheese or a hanging plant to make a statement, we’ve found the lot.
The best artificial plants in 2022 are:
- Best eucalyptus – George artificial eucalyptus plant: £35, Asda.com
- Best tall artificial plant –Blooming Artificial artificial strelitzia: £115, Bloomingartificial.co.uk
- Best show piece – Habitat faux floral in face shaped pot: £12, Habitat.co.uk
- Best swiss cheese plant – Dunelm artificial monstera: £45, Dunelm.com
- Best fiddle fig leaf tree – Matalan fiddle fig leaf tree: £35, Matalan.co.uk
- Best hanging plant – George artificial trailing eucalyptus: £9, Asda.com
- Best trailing plant – Next artificial trailing plant in pink pot: £15, Next.co.uk
- Best for added colour – Brazen Botany coral princess plant: £150, Brazenbotany.co.uk
- Best dracaena-style plant –The Range artificial dracaena plant: £56.99, Therange.co.uk
- Best bonsai tree –M&S artificial bonsai tree in concrete pot: £15, Marksandspencer.com
George artificial eucalyptus plant
Best: Eucalyptus tree
Rating: 10/10
Although it seems far-fetched to say plants are “in”, we’re here to tell you that eucalyptus trees are seemingly everywhere. But if you’re concerned about whether you’ll be able to keep one alive (don’t worry, us too), Asda has come to the rescue. Not only does this have a great height (120cm), which means it works well next to a sofa or in an entrance hall, but it looks particularly convincing – no plastic-looking leaves here. The added bonus is that it arrives in a black pot with faux soil.
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Blooming Artificial artificial strelitzia
Best: Tall artificial plant
Rating: 9/10
When it comes to doing realistic-looking faux plants, there are few brands that do it as well as Blooming Artificial. If you’re looking for a real statement in your home, this artificial strelitzia is the answer you were looking for.
It’s the most convincing artificial plant in this round-up largely owing to the different tones of green and textures within the leaves. It arrives with all the leaves facing upwards, allowing you to rearrange the stems to your desired design. The height lends itself well to taking up an empty space, and you can choose between 175cm and 200cm depending on your preference. It isn’t the most affordable option, but owing to its fuss-free and real-looking design, it’s certainly worth investing in if you can.
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Habitat faux floral in face-shaped pot
Best: Show piece
Rating: 8/10
With body-form vases all the rage (we’re looking at you, Anissa Kermiche), this is a nice take on the trend. The high quality of this faux plant seriously impressed us. Much to our surprise, the leaves don’t look synthetic, in fact, quite the opposite. The contrast between the terracotta pot and green leaves makes it a bit more of a statement piece that’s ideal for putting on show – be that on a TV stand or coffee table. It’s fair to say, we’re obsessed.
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Dunelm artificial monstera
Best: Swiss cheese plant
Rating: 8/10
Measuring 120cm high, this monstera is a fantastic alternative if you’re yet to succeed at owning a cheese plant. The faux bark on the plant makes it that bit more convincing. As for the leaves, luckily the monsteras do tend to look quite shiny, lending them well to being artificial. It does come in a black plant pot, but to make it look a little more genuine, you could invest in a large one that will certainly show it off.
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Matalan fiddle leaf fig tree
Best: Fiddle leaf leaf tree
Rating: 8/10
Fiddle leaf fig trees are a popular choice and this one provides a great focal point in a room – it stands tall (120cm) and looks particularly persuasive. While it does come in a black pot, if you’re looking to create a little bit of a statement, we’d recommend opting for a larger, colourful one to contrast the green leaves.
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George artificial trailing eucalyptus
Best: Hanging plant
Rating: 9/10
If you’re looking for an indoor hanging plant, we’d recommend opting for a faux design, mainly because it won’t require watering and cause any damage to your walls. Thankfully, this particular one is very light, so hangs easily. If you’re in a rented property and concerned about putting holes in the wall, we’d recommend trying self-adhesive hooks. As for the design, similar to the others here, it looks very much like the real deal.
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Next artificial trailing plant in pink pot
Best: Trailing plant
Rating: 8/10
If the above hanging plant doesn’t quite work within your home, but you’re looking for the same effect, this Next trailing plant was made for you. It comes in a pink pot and looks particularly nice when placed on a shelf. Owing to the fact that string-of-pearls are quite plastic-looking in their natural form, this artificial alternative could easily pass as the real thing.
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Brazen Botany coral princess plant
Best: Added colour
Rating: 9/10
Brazen Botany was founded in lockdown by Caroline Byrne who herself had tried (and failed) at being a plant parent, so thought of quite possibly the best alternative ever: handmade foliage-inspired art.
This design draws on the pink princess philodendron plant but is a whole lot more vibrant and colourful, with coral, pink and blue, it stands out in any room. It arrives neatly packaged ready for assembly and is available in three sizes: small (£65, Brazenbotany.co.uk), medium (£110, Brazenbotany.co.uk), and a large (£150, Brazenbotany.co.uk).
While it is a little more expensive than other artificial plants, this one is a great centrepiece. An investment piece you’ll treasure forever.
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Outsunny artificial dracaena plant
Best: Dracaena-style plant
Rating: 7.5/10
We’d heard quite a lot about the artificial plants at The Range, so we had to see one of them for ourselves. And this one offers a great alternative to a dracaena. Similarly to others in this round-up, the leaves are bendable to help achieve the ideal shape. The leaves themselves have different colours and textures, which make them look as real as possible and the pot is filled with dried moss. It’s certainly a great statement in a room.
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M&S artificial bonsai tree in concrete pot
Best: Bonsai tree
Rating: 7.5/10
Bonsai trees are notoriously difficult to look after – they require the perfect light, temperature and humidity. So whether you’ve struggled to keep one thriving or not yet attempted, an artificial design is the ideal alternative. The root does look slightly fake, but it’s not too noticeable, and as for the leaves, these aren’t too shiny. The fact that it arrives in a concrete pot is an added bonus.
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The verdict: Artificial plants
When it comes to artificial plants, there’s a range of options. The Blooming Artificial artificial strelitzia is a fantastic option that really does look like the real deal, and if it’s a statement you’re after, it’s a great (albeit expensive) choice. For something a little more pocket-friendly, turn to George’s artificial eucalyptus plant, which looks very convincing yet takes the pain out of being a plant parent.
Voucher codes
For the latest discount on artificial plants and other homeware offers, try the links below:
- Made discount codes
- Very discount codes
Ready for the real deal instead? Read our guide to the best house plants
FAQs
Where is the best place to buy fake plants online? ›
- Lowe's.
- Urban Outfitters.
- Walmart.
- IKEA.
- West Elm.
- The Sill.
- Pottery Barn.
- CB2.
Faux plants are low maintenance
Real plants are needy. You need to fertilize them, give them sunlight, a trim and water them. Fake plants do not really need your attention. They require no maintenance and always look amazing.
Imperfection. Very few people buy fake plants wanting something that looks fake. More often than not, they want something realistic—and this means finding a faux plant that doesn't look unreasonably perfect. So look for fake plants with brown spots, imperfectly shaped leaves, or scraggly branches.
Are Ikea fake plants good? ›they look and feel real. Ikea is my favourite source for all things, and especially for their artificial plants! The prices can't be beat and honestly they look better then many expensive plants I have bought from other places. The one exception to this would be my faux plants I have picked up at CB2 back in the day.
How tall should my faux plant be? ›Purchasing Tips for Artificial Plants and Trees
As a rule, plants look their best when they are about 2 feet from the ceiling. If you have the standard 8 foot ceilings, a 6 foot plant will look great.
This is because the producers of such realistic artificial flowers didn't just only use high-quality materials; they also invested more skill and talents in designing these plants. Another factor that makes fake flowers very expensive is their life span.
How do you clean artificial plants? ›Create a half-vinegar, half-water solution and mix it in a spray bottle. Spray down your artificial plant with the solution. For really tough build-up, let the vinegar solution sit for around five minutes. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away as much of the vinegar and dust as you can.
Are fake plants good for mental health? ›Did you know that artificial plants help mental health? Studies show that they can. Patients who could see them during their time in recovery had lower levels of anxiety and pain. More medical offices and hospitals have begun to use them to help patients feel more relaxed.
Why people use fake plants? ›For years, fake plants and flowers have been considered the horticultural equivalent of a plastic-wrapped couch: They're a practical way to preserve the look and feel of a room—especially for those who inadvertently kill their live, leafy greenery—but they're not exactly known for their style.
Why you should buy artificial plants? ›Great for darker rooms – no worry that the sun won't reach them to grow! Great for if you don't have green fingers – it's hard to kill a fake! Great for your pocket – yes they may cost more at the start that a real plant, but they will last a lifetime!
Why real plants are better? ›
Artificial Can Plants Pollute; Live Plants Purify the Air
Scientists have shown plants remove pollutants—called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. Many of these compounds are commonly found in our homes and offices and can impact our health.
Artificial plants have become a staple in any home, fake plants for home décor have a way to connect us with the outdoors in ways not possible with other home décor accents. By adding faux plants to your space, you're inviting the outdoors in and bringing the calming benefits of nature into your home.
How do you plant artificial plants in pots? ›- Take your faux plant and leave it in the starter pot. Its starter pot will serve as a base.
- Clear the foliage. Prefill the pot if it's deep. ...
- Put the faux plant in the middle of the pot. ...
- Lastly, choose a decorative topping like artificial moss or bark.
The easiest way to keep your old faux plants and flowers out of the landfill is to give them to someone else to use. Ask your friends if they can use your unwanted arrangements or donate them to a local thrift store.
Can I return fake plants to IKEA? ›Although IKEA has a relatively flexible return policy (you can return unused items within 30 days of purchase), it's no Home Depot, which allows you to return plants a year after purchase. IKEA, on the other hand, doesn't accept returns or exchanges on plants, even if it died shortly after you bought it.
Does fake eucalyptus look real? ›This gorgeous green artificial eucalyptus leaf spray is real touch and absolutely beautiful greenery for your silk floral arrangements or wedding flower bouquets! Its fake leaves feel and look so real, making this faux foliage just right for a nature-inspired design.
What type of plant is IKEA Fejka? ›Well IKEA to the rescue! FEJKA plastice Succulents are just the cure for someone who leads a busy life and can't keep on top of watering your plants at home. They never die and all they need is a light dusting. They will always look great and enhance your home decor or an office space.
How do you arrange artificial plants in a living room? ›Fake Plants Decor: Top Home Decor Tips for Artificial Plants - YouTube
What size faux tree do I need? ›In the sake of an indoor tree, bigger is usually better.
Don't skimp on size when choosing a tree. If you have standard 8′ ceilings like I do, consider choosing a tree at least 5′-6′ in height. Nearly Natural is a go-to for natural looking faux plant lovers.
Because faux plants make any space feel like an extension of the outdoor world, they bring a sense of peace indoors. Place your faux plants wherever you want them, even in windowless, sunless rooms, and enjoy the soothing harmony of leaves and flowers.
How do you make fake plants less shiny? ›
If the item is too shiny — spray a matte sealer on the leaves to tone down the sheen; if you don't get every single nook and cranny, that's ok! The lack of consistency in the leaves will actually help to make it look more real.
How do you keep artificial plants dust free? ›All you have to do is place the flowers in a bag large enough to cover them (and the stems) completely. Once your flowers are in the bag, pour in a cup of salt (or cornmeal). Grab the bag over the stems and shake up a storm – the grains will loosen up any dirt or dust attached to silk petals.
How do you refresh artificial flowers? ›How To Fix Crushed Artificial Flowers - YouTube
How do you make fake plants smell better? ›Using vinegar and water
Mix one cup of white vinegar into 3.8 litres of warm water. Place the silk flower into the mixture and soak thoroughly. Rinse and allow to dry. Repeat the process if the smell persists.
Adding artificial plants to your home and workplace can help reduce the stress and anxiety of those who use those spaces.
Do fake plants help with depression? ›But do fake plants improve mental health? Well, studies show that they do! Since seeing anything related to nature and greenery helps us feel more relaxed and calm, using faux indoor plants has the same impact.
Do plants reduce depression? ›Plants can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
A 2007 study found a bacterium in plant soil called Mycobacterium vaccae that triggers the release of serotonin, which lifts mood and reduces anxiety. Therefore, interaction with indoor or outdoor plants can alleviate symptoms of depression.
They aren't eco-friendly.
Many fake plants are created in factories using harmful dyes and synthetic materials that aren't easily recycled. And once a fake plant is faded or damaged, it gets thrown in a trash dump where it will probably take many years to deteriorate.
While each material has its advantages, polyester achieves the most realistic look. It's versatile in its ability to accept different colorings. Yet, it's also delicate enough to capture the essence of real petals.
Are fake plants cheaper than real plants? ›Here's something you should know: Although fake plants can be more affordable than their real life counterparts, you also often get what you pay for when purchasing the faux varieties.
How many plants should you have in your house? ›
So the quick answer is, according to NASA, that you need 1 plant per 100 square foot of floor space.
Do fake plants attract bugs? ›Do artificial plants attract insects? The short answer is that they do not. Rubber and plastic plants do not actively attract bugs or arachnids of any kind.
Can fake plants make you happy? ›However, research has found that in terms of wellbeing benefits such as improving mood and morale, as well as productivity and focus, artificial plants really work.
Do designers use fake plants? ›But recently, faux plants have begun to shed their tacky reputation and are adopting a new one: for being an easy, low-maintenance way to breathe life into an interior. Many top decorators—continuing the tradition of Mario Buatta, who had nothing against using artificial varieties—have put them in their projects.
Why are fake plants so expensive? ›This is because the producers of such realistic artificial flowers didn't just only use high-quality materials; they also invested more skill and talents in designing these plants. Another factor that makes fake flowers very expensive is their life span.
Do snake plants need light? ›Snake Plant Light Requirements
These tough plants thrive in any light level, from low to high. Typically they grow more quickly in brighter light, but strong direct sunlight burns leaves, especially when plants are outdoors. An ideal spot indoors is about 10 feet away from a west or south window.
Do artificial plants attract insects? The short answer is that they do not. Rubber and plastic plants do not actively attract bugs or arachnids of any kind.
Is it tacky to have fake plants in your house? ›Yes. Cheap fake plants can definitely look tacky. However, artificial floor plants and flowers that are carefully crafted with high-quality materials by a company that cares about their craftsmanship can fool even the keenest eye.
How do you clean artificial plants? ›Create a half-vinegar, half-water solution and mix it in a spray bottle. Spray down your artificial plant with the solution. For really tough build-up, let the vinegar solution sit for around five minutes. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away as much of the vinegar and dust as you can.
Do fake plants have any benefits? ›Real plants do often provide filtration when it comes to the air that we breathe and artificial plants won't do that. However, research has found that in terms of wellbeing benefits such as improving mood and morale, as well as productivity and focus, artificial plants really work.
Are fake plants good for mental health? ›
Did you know that artificial plants help mental health? Studies show that they can. Patients who could see them during their time in recovery had lower levels of anxiety and pain. More medical offices and hospitals have begun to use them to help patients feel more relaxed.
What is money plant? ›Pachira aquatica – a tropical wetland tree of the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America, known by a variety of common names including Malabar chestnut, French Peanut and provision tree, and is commercially sold under the names money tree and money plant.
Can a snake plant live in a room with no windows? ›Snake Plant Dracaena trifasciata
These plants thrive in low light areas and require very little care and attention — a great choice for busy households.