What to Look for in an Fake Plant

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What to Look for in an Fake Plant

What to Look for in an Fake Plant-Type

If your top priority is scoring a realistic-looking fake plant, favor ferns, succulents, and other plants that look a little fake—even when they’re not. Be sure to consider plant placement, too. Some fake plants are designed to be hung, and others are designed to sprawl in a corner. Consider what kind of accent you’re looking for, and narrow your selection from there.

What to Look for in an Fake Plant-Size

Just like live plants, fake plants come in a range of different sizes. So consider how much space you have to dedicate to your faux finds. If you want an accent piece that can dominate a corner, consider a fake tree—like a faux palm or faux fiddle leaf fig. If you’re looking for something a little smaller, you may be better suited by a small faux cactus—or even a collection of teeny-tiny faux succulents.

What to Look for in an Fake Plant-Pot

Many fake plants come in pots, but some do not. So if you’re expecting a planter, double-check that the plant you’re eyeing comes in one. And if it does come in a planter, pay attention to what material that planter is made out of. (A classic terracotta planter is a stellar find. But a flimsy plastic one? Not so much.)

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. And if you can find an option with adjustable leaves and branches—which you can mold into any shape you want—even better. “[Be sure to] take some time to prune and bend the leaves into a more natural presentation after unpackaging,” says Betsy Moyer, co-founder of the experiential design firm Retreat.

FAQ

How do you clean fake plants?

Good news: Fake plants are incredibly easy to clean. All you really need to do is dust them. And if your duster doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you can wipe down your fake plant’s leaves using a slightly damp cloth.

How do you decorate with fake plants?

Not sure how to decorate with fake plants? Moyer recommends investing in a few high-quality, realistic-looking options—rather than stocking up on every fake plant you can find. “As one of my design clients said (so sweetly and with good reason), ‘My Granny says never put more than one fake plant per room,’” the designers say. “I can abide by granny’s words—or I can push it just a little—but I do think she’s right about selecting your opportunities for faux with care and an eye for quality.”

 

To recap, you don’t have to stick to the one fake plant per room rule. But it probably is a good idea to keep your faux plant selection pared-down and focused on quality. And remember, you can always fill your home with a combination of fake plants and live ones.

Can you put fake plants outside?

Some fake plants are suitable for outdoor use, while others are not. (Some artificial plants may fade when put outdoors, which is why they’re marked indoor-only.) Be sure to double-check the care instructions for your favorite faux find—they should tell you whether or not you can put the plant outdoors.

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