One of the most common concerns people have about artificial plants and fake plants is that they'll look, well, fake. And while a cheap, poorly made faux plant certainly can look unconvincing, a high-quality artificial plant styled with intention is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Interior designers have been using artificial and fake plants in their projects for years - and they have a few tricks up their sleeves. Here's how to style your artificial plants like a pro.
1. Invest in Quality
The single biggest factor in whether an artificial plant looks realistic is quality. Premium fake plants feature:
- Varied colour gradients (light and dark tones within the same leaf)
- Realistic veining and surface texture
- Natural-looking imperfections - slight asymmetry, varied leaf sizes
- Weighted, stable bases that sit naturally on the floor
At Faux Flora, every artificial plant in our range is selected for its realism. If it doesn't pass the "double-take" test, it doesn't make the cut.
2. Upgrade the Pot
The pot or planter you choose can make or break the look of an artificial plant. A beautiful fake plant in a cheap plastic pot will always look unconvincing. Here's what designers recommend:
- Ceramic pots - Clean, weighty, and timeless. White or terracotta ceramics suit almost any interior style.
- Woven baskets - A natural rattan or seagrass basket adds warmth and texture, and is particularly popular in coastal and Scandi-inspired interiors.
- Timber stands - Elevating a potted artificial plant on a timber plant stand adds height and visual interest, and makes the plant feel more intentional.
Browse our range of plant stands, pots, and accessories to find the perfect complement for your artificial plants.
3. Get the Scale Right
One of the most common styling mistakes is choosing a fake plant that's too small for the space. Interior designers almost always err on the side of going bigger:
- In a living room with high ceilings, a 150–180cm artificial palm or ficus tree will look proportionate and intentional. A 90cm plant in the same space will look lost.
- On a dining table or kitchen bench, a single large potted artificial plant makes more impact than several small ones scattered around.
- In a compact apartment, a tall, slender artificial plant (like a bamboo or olive tree) adds height without overwhelming the floor plan.
4. Use the Rule of Three
When grouping artificial plants together, designers often use the "rule of three" - odd numbers of objects tend to look more natural and visually balanced than even numbers. Try grouping:
- Three artificial potted succulents of varying heights on a shelf
- A tall artificial tree flanked by two smaller potted plants
- Three hanging plants at different heights from a ceiling hook or curtain rod
5. Mix Textures and Leaf Shapes
Real gardens and indoor plant collections are never uniform - they feature a mix of leaf shapes, sizes, and textures. Apply the same principle to your artificial plants:
- Pair a broad-leafed artificial monstera with a fine-leafed artificial fern for contrast
- Combine a tall, architectural artificial bamboo with a low, trailing artificial vine
- Mix a lush, dense artificial hedge with a delicate artificial flower arrangement
6. Place Plants Where Real Ones Would Struggle
This is where artificial and fake plants have a genuine advantage over real ones. Use them confidently in spots where real plants would never survive:
- Dark corners - No natural light? No problem. An artificial plant thrives anywhere.
- Bathrooms without windows - A faux fern or trailing vine adds spa-like greenery to even the darkest bathroom.
- High shelves - Artificial hanging plants on high shelves look lush and intentional without the watering ladder required for real plants.
- Outdoor areas in full sun - Our UV-resistant artificial outdoor plants are engineered for the Australian climate and won't fade or wilt in harsh sun.
7. Don't Forget Dust
The one maintenance task that artificial plants do require is occasional dusting. A light wipe with a damp cloth every few weeks keeps foliage looking fresh and vibrant. For larger artificial trees, a gentle blast with a hairdryer on a cool setting works a treat.
Shop Artificial Plants with Free Shipping Across Australia
Ready to start styling? Browse our full range of premium artificial plants, artificial trees, hanging plants, and outdoor plants at Faux Flora. Free shipping available on all orders across Australia.
0 comments