Hot Take: Are Fake Plants Actually Really Cool?
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A collection of indoor plants can immediately elevate an interior, bringing in much-needed color, life, and natural texture. Having houseplants around can even help to purify the air and improve your mental health. However, not every room is suited to live plants. Most houseplants are tropical in origin and need ample sunlight, high humidity, and a strict watering routine in order to thrive. While you can search for a low-maintenance houseplant that suits your needs, you can always opt for the alternative: an artificial plant.
Fake plants are a little taboo in the interior design realm, we’ll admit. The plastic-looking succulents conjure up images of doctors’ offices and bank counters. However, if you choose the right type and a high-quality variety, no one may ever know the difference.
“Faux plants can be a great alternative in the right situations, especially for clients who want the greenery without the maintenance,“ says interior designer Laetitia Laurent. We asked a handful of interior designers their thoughts on this controversial topic, and what they said might surprise you. Read on to learn how not to commit a faux pas with faux greenery.
Are Fake Plants Ever Okay to Use?
The short answer is yes! The longer answer is that it really depends on the type of space you're working with and the size of the fake plant. According to Laurent, “Fake plants make sense in spaces where sunlight is limited or maintenance is tricky. They’re also ideal in resort-style outdoor areas where you want that lush, tropical feel without worrying about constant upkeep.” Plus, if you have allergies or travel often, fake plants are a low-stress option that you’re guaranteed not to kill.
As an alternative to plastic, interior designer Erica McLain favors using preserved or dried botanicals instead. “These arrangements bridge the gap between nature’s authenticity and convenience,” McLain says. “Some favorites include weeping willow eucalyptus, amaranth, and Echinops globe thistles. They retain the organic, textural quality of living plants but don’t require watering or sunlight.”
How to Use Fake Plants Well
Before you start shopping for fake plants to put all around your space, here are the expert-approved pointers to keep in mind.
Focus on Imperfect Forms
Any faux plant that is too glossy or too symmetrical will immediately read as fake according to McLain. “Look for realism in texture, variation in color, and an organic flow in the shape,” she recommends. “High-quality faux plants mimic the natural irregularities of live greenery. Avoid anything overly glossy or unnaturally symmetrical—nature is wonderfully imperfect, and the best faux pieces honor that.”
Laurent adds that the way to convincingly display a faux plant is all in the styling. Focus on your planters—the right vessel can elevate any variety of faux plants.
The Bigger, the Better
“Larger faux plants, like trees, tend to look more convincing because they create that natural, sculptural effect,” says Laurent. Fake trees or larger ferns tend to be further from our direct eye line, causing us to scrutinize or notice them less than, say, a fake bouquet or a row of succulents.
McLain agrees, saying, “A faux tree, when scaled and styled appropriately, can soften a stark corner or add height and dimension to a room. The key is in their placement and quality—use them sparingly and intentionally.”
Pair With Natural Textures
To offset the artificial look, McLain recommends ensuring there are colors and materials that can actually be found in the great outdoors nearby. “If you’re incorporating faux plants, balance them with natural elements—think raw woods, natural stones, or preserved botanicals—to ground the space in authenticity. And don’t overuse them; a single statement piece will elevate a room, while too many can feel cluttered or contrived,” she says.
Try New Materials
For an artistic statement, look past realistic-looking fake plants and instead opt for a sculptural approach. McLain turns to handcrafted pieces like Tommy Mitchell's metal florals or Roberta Schilling's suede houseplant collection. “They offer a whimsical and sculptural nod to greenery without pretending to be something they’re not,” she says.
Other options to consider are the silk plants by Afloral. According to Stephanie Brown, an interior designer and former floral designer, “They make great plant ‘dupes,’” she says. “These can look good, but they need to be included in your dusting routine or else they will reveal themselves as faux very quickly!”
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