How to Make Faux Plants Look Real
Simple Styling Tips for Natural, Beautiful Artificial Greenery
Faux plants are one of the easiest ways to bring greenery into your home without the upkeep of real plants. But the difference between artificial plants looking realistic or obviously fake often comes down to how they’re styled.
With a few simple adjustments, faux plants can blend seamlessly into your interior and feel just as natural as the real thing. This guide shows you how to make faux plants look realistic using placement, containers and styling techniques that work in any room.
Read our Faux Plants Guide
Choose High-Quality Faux Plants First
The most important step is starting with a realistic plant.
Look for:
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natural variations in leaf colour
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matte rather than shiny finishes
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flexible stems or branches
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detailed textures
Well-made faux plants require far less effort to style convincingly.
Browse Faux Flowers or Faux Plants collections
Shape the Leaves and Stems Naturally
Many faux plants come packaged tightly, which can make them look stiff or artificial straight out of the box.
Take a few minutes to:
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gently bend stems outward
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separate leaves so they aren’t flat
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create slight irregularity in the shape
Real plants aren’t perfectly symmetrical, so this step instantly improves realism.
Use the Right Pot or Container
The container has a huge impact on how authentic a faux plant looks.
Instead of leaving plants in basic plastic pots, place them in:
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ceramic or textured planters
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decorative vases
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woven storage baskets for larger plants
Natural materials help the plant feel integrated into the room.
Shop vases and jugs
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Add Realistic Fillers or Soil
If the base of the plant looks artificial, cover it with:
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real soil
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decorative stones
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moss or bark - we love using our white real moss for something a little different
This small detail makes the plant appear far more convincing.
Place Faux Plants Where Real Plants Would Grow
Positioning makes a big difference.
Place faux plants:
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near windows or natural light
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beside furniture where real plants would normally sit
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on shelves or consoles with other decor
Avoid placing greenery in unrealistic locations, such as very dark corners where real plants would never thrive.
Need styling ideas?
Read our Coffee Table Styling Guide
Read our Console Table Styling Guide
Style Plants with Other Decor
Plants look most natural when they’re part of a styled display rather than sitting alone.
Try combining:
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a plant + candle holder
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a plant + stacked books
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a plant + decorative tray
Grouping decor together helps the plant feel intentional.
Browse trays, decorative storage books and candle holders
Mix Faux Plants with Faux Flowers
Combining greenery with seasonal faux flowers adds depth and variety.
For example:
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greenery for everyday structure
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flowers for colour or seasonal updates
This layered approach mirrors how real homes naturally evolve.
Read our Ultimate Faux Flower Guide
Keep Faux Plants Clean
Dust can quickly make artificial plants look dull or fake.
To keep them looking realistic:
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wipe leaves gently with a soft cloth
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occasionally rinse lightly if suitable
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adjust stems after cleaning
Clean plants reflect light naturally and feel fresher.
Don’t Overcrowd with Too Many Plants
Using too many artificial plants can make a room feel staged.
Instead:
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choose a few well-placed plants
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vary sizes and heights
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leave some empty space
A restrained approach usually looks more authentic.
Final Thoughts
Making faux plants look real is mostly about thoughtful styling rather than buying lots of decor. By shaping leaves, choosing natural containers, placing plants realistically and combining them with everyday items, you can create greenery that feels completely at home in your space.
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FAQs: Making Faux Plants Look Real
How do you make artificial plants look realistic?
Shape the leaves naturally, use a decorative container, cover the base with soil or stones, and place the plant where a real one would normally grow.
Should faux plants be placed near windows?
Yes — placing them near natural light helps them look more believable because that’s where real plants are usually positioned.
What type of pot makes faux plants look best?
Ceramic pots, textured planters or woven baskets often look more realistic than plastic containers.
Can faux plants be mixed with real plants?
Yes — mixing faux and real plants together can make artificial greenery look even more convincing.
How often should faux plants be cleaned?
Dust them regularly so the leaves keep their natural colour and texture.
