Want an easy way to brighten a room without putting in any effort? Try a faux plant or tree. The best fake plants are designed to look almost as natural as real plants, but without the need for sunlight, water, temperature or humidity. Our top picks include the West Elm Faux Potted Rubber Tree, a lifelike plant that blends with nearly any decor, and the statement-making Williams-Sonoma Faux Indoor Silk Olive Tree, which can live outdoors. But there’s an arsenal of fake plants on our list to suit nearly every taste and style.
Not everyone has a green thumb, so instead of worrying about watering your greenery, try a fake … [+] plant.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS
“Fake plants are a great fit for someone who travels often or isn’t ready for the responsibility of caring for a live plant,” says plant stylist Hilton Carter. “There is no shame in it.” As an added bonus, fake plants and trees are also safe for homes with pets and small children. 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 the best fake plants that don’t look fake at all.
Project 62 Artificial Travelers Banana Leaf in Pot
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.
A Bold Statement With A Small Footprint
Amazon
QL Design Store Artificial Fake Sansevieria Plant
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 6-inch-wide snake plant delivers a bold statement even with its small footprint.
A Pretty Pop Of Green
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Faux Potted Cordyline Plant
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.
The Perfect Tropical Foliage With Zero Upkeep
Amazon
Nearly Natural 6583 Philodendron Silk Plant
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 32 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.
Enjoy Eucalyptus Without The Strong Smell
Terrain
Terrain Paper Eucalyptus Stem
Dimensions: 1.8 x 12.5 inches| Plant type: Eucalyptus | Container: NA
Eucalyptus is a decorative plant that goes with just about anything, but the intense scent can be overbearing to some. This hand-painted paper version from Terrain has a bendable metal stem, so you can twist and adjust it however you like. Place it in a pot as-is or pick up several to create a collection.
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.
A Statement Ficus That’ll Never Die On You
Joss & Main
Joss & Main Artificial Ficus Tree In 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.
A No-Fuss Tree With 24/7 Vacation Vibes
The Home Depot
Nearly Natural H Green Areca Palm
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.
An Artificial Version Of A Notoriously Fussy Plant
Terrain
Terrain Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Dimensions: 18 x 19.5 inches| Plant type: Fiddle leaf fig | Container: Cement pot
Fiddle leaf fig trees are notoriously hard to keep alive due to their fussiness with sunlight, temperature changes and wind. This artificial option from Terrain skirts all those issues, but still looks realistic. Designed for indoor use, it can be perched on a table or the floor.
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