Best artificial plant

Artificial plants bring the beauty and decorative benefits of plant life without watering, repotting, and fertilizing.

Best artificial plant
(Image credit: @Samantha Gades on Unsplash)

Parenting plants is hard. Keeping them alive requires lots of care, from watering to repotting. Then you have to ask a neighbor or friend to care for the plants when you go out of town. It's no wonder that artificial plants are such a popular alternative. You can also enjoy all the decorative benefits of potted plants with one of the best artificial plants on this list. 

Old reliable

Vickerman Everyday 4-foot artificial ficus bush

(Image credit: Amazon)

Vickerman Everyday 4-foot artificial ficus bush

The traditional pick

The ficus has become a standard for potted trees. Get the traditional look in this artificial version from Vickerman. 

Pros:

  • Traditional look
  • Convenient 4-foot size
  • Real wood trunk

Cons:

  • Leaves don't look super realistic

While a real ficus tree will eventually outgrow its pot, this one will remain a convenient 4-feet tall. The full foliage is attractive, as is the realistic real wood trunk. Choose between several sizes and container options. This is the perfect way to add green beauty to any empty corner. 

Itty bitty

MyGift Mini Artificial Succulent Plants

(Image credit: MyGift)

MyGift mini artificial succulent plants

Best faux miniatures

One succulent just won't do. This four-succulent set from MyGift will make a lovely decorative element or an excellent gift. 

Pros:

  • Four-pack
  • Realistic look
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • Super tiny

These mini succulent planters will add instant charm to any space. They are exceptionally small, like less than 3-by-3 inches, but this only adds to their cuteness. There are four different succulents included for one low price. 

Fab fern

Nearly Natural Boston Fern (Set of 2)

(Image credit: Nearly Natural)

Nearly Natural Boston ferns

Large and luxurious

There's nothing like a GIANT fern to fill up a boring empty space in your home. These ferns from Nearly Natural are a full 48-inches across. 

Pros:

  • Two-pack
  • Large, full ferns
  • Easy to hang

Cons:

  • Not intended for cramped spaces

Before you buy these lovely full ferns, make sure you have a nice big spot to place them. Each one is 48 inches (4 feet!) across, so they will fill up space quite nicely. The arching fronds are malleable, so you can rearrange them into a more pleasing shape. This set includes two separate ferns without pots.  

Tiny trees

T-Trove Artificial Japanese Cedar Bonsai Tree

(Image credit: T-Trove Asian Decor)

T-Trove artificial Japanese cedar bonsai tree

Best faux bonsai

Since a true bonsai tree can take over five years to get started, this artificial option is a much, much easier alternative. 

Pros:

  • Realistic look
  • Unique style
  • Cute pot included

Cons:

  • Pot is plastic

I have tried to grow a bonsai tree more times than I'd like to admit. I do not own a bonsai tree now, so, suffice to say, an artificial one is the way to go. This faux Japanese cedar looks like the real thing and does not require years of careful tending. It is 9-inches tall and includes a cute pot. 

Tropical vibes

Nearly Natural Phalaenopsis Silk Orchid Flower

(Image credit: Nearly Natural)

Nearly Natural Phalaenopsis silk orchid flower

Best flowering plant

Orchids are near impossible to grow and maintain in non-tropical climates, so this is the ideal orchid plant for most homes. 

Pros:

  • Beautiful silk construction
  • Over 22-inches tall
  • Six color options

Cons:

  • Brighter colors don't look as realistic

Add an instant pop of color to any space with a beautiful silk orchid. This artificial plant comes with a pot and a full orchid plant, including leaves, blooms, and buds. It is almost 2-feet high which is big enough to attract the attention it deserves. Choose from six different colors; the white blooms are the most realistic. You can also find a smaller size if 22 inches sounds too tall. 

Flower power

Luluye Artificial Peonies Flowers Arrangements

(Image credit: Amazon)

Luyue artificial peony flower arrangement

Best faux bouquets

If you're arranging artificial bouquets, you'll need some silk flowers. These silk peonies and lilies come in several color combos for different décor themes. 

Pros:

  • Pretty silk blooms
  • Several colorways available
  • Great low price

Cons:

  • Not as realistic

These peonies and lilies will make beautiful additions to an artificial bouquet. The silk blooms are made with malleable stems and leaves so you can pose them to your liking. Choose from several shades like white, pink, and yellow to match your décor. These flowers can be crushed easily, however, so handle with care. 

Long and luxurious

IKEA Fejka artificial potted plant

(Image credit: IKEA)

IKEA Fejka artificial potted plant

Best hanging vine

Long flowing vines like these from Ikea are a great way to add a boho look to your space. 

Pros:

  • Long flowing vines
  • Organic, boho look
  • Over 2 feet in length

Cons:

  • Pot is very small

The long flowing vines on the Ikea Fejka add an organic, interesting shape to your space. The leaves are small and realistic, although the small pot may be a challenge to hang due to its size. The vines are over 2 feet in length, however, so they are plenty long enough to make a statement. 

Tall and fruit-filled

Bluecho 6FT Faux Olive Tree

(Image credit: Amazon)

VIAGDO 6-foot faux olive tree

Most realistic

VIAGDO makes a high-quality olive tree that really looks like the real thing. 

Pros:

  • Highly realistic look
  • Thin branches with lots of foliage
  • Full 6 feet in height

Cons:

  • It's expensive

This 6-foot tree is so tall and realistic everyone will be sure it's authentic. The fine leaves and delicate olives add a sophisticated touch to any décor. It comes with a simple black pot that can easily be placed into a larger, more elegant pot of your choice. Since the tree has a UV-resistant coating, you can display it indoors or out. 

All the green with none of the work

Incorporating the best artificial plants into your décor is a simple way to add beauty and character to any space. We like the Vickerman everyday 4-foot artificial ficus bush because its classic design fits into any décor style. This one also offers several pot styles and sizes. 

If it's flowers you're looking for, my own favorite is the orchid plant from Nearly Natural. This tall artificial plant includes leaves, blooms, and buds, just like the real thing. The best part is, no matter which artificial plant you choose, you'll never have to water it! 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Jaclyn is a content writer at Future. She has a flair for creating (written works, design, photos; you name it!) on her devices. When she’s not churning out new things, Jaclyn loves exploring the world, playing with her kids, and good old-fashioned baking.