How Many Faux Stems Do I Need for a Vase?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is “how many faux stems do I actually need for my vase?”
The short answer is: it depends on the size of your vase, the style of arrangement, and the mix of foliage, filler and focal flowers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how many faux stems you need to create a classic, full-looking arrangement, using stems from our Flower Shop. We’ll also recommend vases that work beautifully with each look, so you can recreate it at home with confidence.
The Golden Rule: Foliage, Filler & Focal Flowers
A well-balanced faux arrangement usually follows this simple formula:
-
Foliage – creates structure, height and movement
-
Filler flowers – soften the arrangement and fill gaps
-
Focal flowers – the main feature that draws the eye
For a timeless, neutral arrangement, we recommend:
-
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus – foliage
-
White Wax Flower – filler
-
Real Touch White Hydrangea – focal flower
This combination works beautifully in both rustic and classic interiors and suits year-round styling.
How Many Faux Stems for a Small Vase (20–25cm tall)
Best for: side tables, shelves, bedside tables, coffee tables
For smaller vases, you want the arrangement to feel light and relaxed rather than overcrowded.
Recommended stem count: 5–7 stems
-
1 × Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
-
2–3 × White Wax Flower
-
1–2 × Real Touch White Hydrangea
Vase style to choose:
A narrow or softly rounded vase helps keep the arrangement neat while still looking natural. For a smaller vase we're recommend trimming your stems
How Many Faux Stems for a Medium Vase (25–35cm tall)
Best for: console tables, kitchen islands, dining tables
This is the most popular vase size and ideal for a classic, fuller arrangement.
Recommended stem count: 7–10 stems
-
3 × Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
-
2–3 × White Wax Flower
-
2–3 × Real Touch White Hydrangea
Vase style to choose:
-
Gently curved or slightly taller vase with weight
This size allows the eucalyptus to create height, while the hydrangeas sit lower and fuller through the centre.
How Many Faux Stems for a Large or Tall Vase (35cm+)
Best for: floor-standing vases, large sideboards, open-plan spaces
Larger vases need more stems to avoid looking sparse.
Recommended stem count: 10–14 stems
-
4–5 × Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
-
3–4 × White Wax Flower
-
3–5 × Real Touch White Hydrangea
Vase style to choose:
-
Wide-neck vase for a looser, more organic shape
Top tip: always build height with foliage first, then add filler, and finish with your focal flowers.
One-Sided vs All-Round Arrangements
-
All-round arrangement: Add 1–2 extra foliage stems so it looks full from every angle (perfect for dining tables).
-
One-sided arrangement: Reduce stem count slightly and focus height and fullness at the front (ideal for console tables and sideboards).
How to Make Your Faux Arrangement Look Natural
-
Bend and shape stems gently – avoid leaving them straight. If your vase is clear make sure you trim your stems.
-
Vary heights so everything doesn’t sit at the same level and make your arrangement look more real
-
Let eucalyptus trail slightly over the edge of the vase
-
Group hydrangeas in odd numbers for a softer look
Final Thoughts
When it comes to faux flowers, it’s always better to have one or two extra stems than not enough. You can adjust the arrangement as you go, and fuller displays tend to look more natural and considered.
By using a balanced mix of Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, White Wax Flower, and Real Touch White Hydrangeas from The Flower Shop, you’ll create a classic faux arrangement that works beautifully in any room, all year round.
