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Lush fiddle-leaf figs. Beachy palms. In the forest of faux, all is possible, or so it seems. As it turns out, even the prettiest options online tended to be underwhelming in real life.
Still, if you’re willing to manage expectations, we found a few good options for a faux money tree, fiddle-leaf fig, bird of paradise, palm, and monstera.
I scoured retail sites and scrutinized reviews. I ordered promising samples from Amazon and popular faux-plant sites. And I window-shopped at home-goods stores, including IKEA, CB2, Pottery Barn, Target, and West Elm.
I came into this project with high hopes—experts I interviewed and all the blogs I read convinced me that fake plants had come a long way in recent years. And yet so far I haven’t been blown away by my options.
Prices vary widely for both real trees and artificial trees (depending on the type and size of a tree, the quality, and where you shop), so it’s hard to make direct comparisons. A live 3-gallon Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (between 2 and 3 feet tall) at Home Depot sells for about $90, and it has the potential to grow to around 7 feet. At Bloomscape, a live 3- to 4-foot Fiddle Leaf Fig is $250 (including a $45 pot). Home Depot’s 2¼-foot Real Touch Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (which we didn’t test) costs about $55. At West Elm, a similarly sized fake variety normally costs around $80.
Generally speaking, pricier artificial trees look more authentic than cheaper trees. But even though a $200 fake tree might look slightly more convincing than a $100 fake tree, I wouldn’t say the higher-priced one was twice as nice. Being preternaturally frugal, I set out to find a few reasonably priced artificial trees (under $200 or, if possible, under $100) that I’d proudly display in my home. Anything more than that seemed too steep, especially for something that’s a pain to return. This list is by no means comprehensive, but I’ll add to it as I continue shopping.
Because large plants, both real and fake, can be pricey, it’s especially important to be honest with yourself. Are you a serial plant killer? Is your heart set on a particular Instagram darling with needs you and your home climate can’t provide? Can you make peace with the inconvenient truth that only real things can look and feel absolutely real? If you answered yes to one or more of these, then you might consider getting a faux plant. Also, if you are allergic or have a child or pet who might endanger a real plant (or vice versa), then an inorganic nature-surrogate may be worth considering.
But maybe you get enjoyment and satisfaction out of nurturing greenery—watering a plant just so, persevering through the wilty-leafed rough patches, placing it wherever the light is right (even if that’s not some corner dead space or on a bookshelf you’re trying to fill), and letting your home environment (as opposed to shelter blogs) dictate the type of plant you buy. If that’s you, then by all means get a real plant.
CB2 Faux Potted Money Plant ($200 for a 5-foot tree at the time of publication)
What we like: Fake trees with smaller leaves have an easier time passing as real. “The larger the leaf, the more visible the errors. Also, our eyes are trained to recognize the difference between fibrous materials and plastics,” Marc Hachadourian, director of glasshouse horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, told me. The plentiful leaves on CB2’s 5-foot Faux Potted Money Plant (Pachira aquatica) had some nice detailing and a slight sheen, similar to what you’d find in a live version. Although it’s not 100% lifelike, this tree did bring an otherwise sterile-looking showroom to life.
What we don’t like: The feel of the leaves reminded me of the texture of those tear-resistant packing envelopes. And, as with those of most fake plants, the leaves don’t bend as fluidly as the real thing. Upon closer examination, the trunk looked plasticky too. The price of this plant is also at the very edge of the highest I’d pay for an artificial tree. (A beautiful smaller, live version cost about $170 at Bloomscape.) As you would with other full, small-leafed trees, expect to spend some time dusting this tree. Legend has it that planting a money tree in your home will bring you good luck—but no word on the effects of the faux variety. We also don’t love that shipping is a hefty $90, but CB2 does offer the option of free pickup from one of its stores.
Bottom line: If you have the budget, we think this money tree’s looks outweigh its plasticky texture. Fortunately, if you have a CB2 nearby, you can check out the tree in a store before you plunk down all that cash. This tree does come in a cheap plastic pot, though—a dead giveaway that it’s not alive. So it would be a good idea to place it in a woven basket or ceramic pot.
Materials: plastic and iron Dimensions: 60 by 26 by 26 inches Return policy: within 90 days of customer receipt Shipping: $89 for basic freight, free pickup in stores
Nearly Natural 54" Artificial Silk Fiddle Leaf (about $85 for a 54-inch tree at the time of publication)
What we like: The popularity of this Instagram-favorite variety may have peaked, but I’m still fond of the finicky fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), which hails from the tropical rain forests of West Africa. To my eye, this particular fake option is just full enough, and endearingly it looks straight out of The Lorax. From as little as a foot away, the tops of the leaves look quite alive—especially with light streaming through them. When I showed the “tree” over Zoom to Plantshed’s senior design manager Ralph Portillano and project manager Rebekah Gross, they noted the adequate detailing and the shiny finish, which resemble the waxy look of a real fiddle-leaf fig.
What we don’t like: As we found with most big-leafed plants we inspected (including the $200 5-foot Faux Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig from West Elm and the $50 just-under-5-foot IKEA version), the underside of the Nearly Natural leaves look completely flat and artificial when there’s no sunshine streaming through them.
The Nearly Natural tree’s “real touch” claim seems to refer to the “real” feel of a child’s inflatable raft, rather than that of a tropical leaf. Annoyingly, the manufacturer’s site calls its plants “silk.” Yet its FAQs admit—rather vaguely—that even though artificial plants today evolved from actual silk plants, most are composed of “high-quality plastics and other man-made materials.”
A couple of leaves on the one we received directly from Nearly Natural had tiny holes in them. Unsure whether those holes were meant to resemble foliage getting eaten by bugs, we reached out to Nearly Natural; two months later, we still haven’t received an explanation. We also wanted to ask why the veins on a couple of the leaves peeled off so easily at the tips—did we get a dud specimen? There’s not a seamless visual transition between the leaves and the branches. The tiny plastic pot is also a sure sign of a fake, so you may want to find a nicer one to place your tree in. Because of our lackluster experience with Nearly Natural’s site, we’d recommend ordering offerings from this company on Amazon so that you have better customer service and replacement options.
Bottom line: If you’re spending lots of up-close time with this plant, it may bum you out as much as browning leaves on a real plant might. But we have yet to find a large-size fiddle-leaf that truly looks and feels real to us. At least the cost of the Nearly Natural version is less than half the price of a 5-footer at West Elm or Artiplanto (the latter of which kept toppling over and had a strong chemical smell out of the box).
Materials: probably plastic and polyester (the site lacked an exact description, and calls and emails to Nearly Natural were not returned) Dimensions: 54 by 19 by 19 inches Return policy: full refund within 30 days of receipt (from Amazon) Shipping: free with Prime membership; about $25 without membership
Threshold Large Fiddle Leaf Potted Plant ($40 for a 32-inch plant at the time of publication)
What we like: If you don’t mind a smaller fiddle-leaf fig, you might consider the 2-foot-8-inch Threshold Large Fiddle Leaf Potted Plant. It has similar detailing to the Nearly Natural plant and, at just $40, a surprisingly sturdier construction (plus a tasteful ceramic pot to boot). I prefer its stiffer feel over the Nearly Natural’s blow-up-toy–like texture. And Target’s return policy (you have a year to get a refund) is way more customer-friendly. Of all the trees I’ve tested and ordered, this is the one I’d actually buy for myself.
What we don’t like: This plant is arguably more plasticky-looking. Some might say Target’s plant teeters on kitsch. But I found it adorable, particularly when it sat behind me on Zoom calls.
Materials: polyester Dimensions: 32 by 17 by 20 inches Return policy: full refund within 365 days of purchase Shipping: free
Artiplanto Zapo Artificial Bird of Paradise Potted Plant ($170 for a 3-foot plant at the time of publication)
What we like: The leaf detailing on this version of the sun-loving Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) we ordered looks almost painted, even at the underside of the leaf—so you might consider it a work of art. Also, “the splits in the leaves, an evolutionary trait that lets wind pass through, make the plant look more like the real thing,” Vickie Christensen, master gardener at Léon & George, told me. Real bark is incorporated at the stem, for an authentic look. The texture, which kind of feels like corn husks, is less off-putting than most.
What we don’t like: As with many trees we examined, the mid-rib (the vein that runs prominently in the center of the leaf) looks plasticky. Though the leaves’ texture feels at least somewhat organic, they lack a sheen, and they are almost too stiff to arch gracefully. (I wedged a football between the stems overnight to coax them apart.) “The leaves on this plant are large and quite heavy, and keeping them that erect is pretty unrealistic once it gets to this size,” Christensen said. Sale items and (thanks to pandemic-related restrictions at the Canadian border) purchases from the US are eligible for exchanges only at this time. But even in normal times, the return policy is not great (you must do so within 14 days to get a full refund).
Bottom line: There’s nothing terrible about this plant, especially if you like the look. But if you prefer stems and leaves that arch gracefully, you might be disappointed.
Materials: plastic, polyester, real bark Dimensions: 38.4 by 24.4 inches (pot height: 5.9 inches) Return policy: Sale items and (until pandemic-related border restrictions change) orders to the US are eligible for exchanges only. Shipping: free
West Elm Faux Potted Bird of Paradise Tree ($130 at the time of publication)
What we like: I personally was drawn to the West Elm Bird of Paradise Tree’s elegant lines and graceful arches. To my eye, it looked lush and organic from a distance.
What we don’t like: The experts we consulted found it less authentic-looking than the Artiplanto (above). It lacked an actual trunk, and up close the leaves have undersides that look more fake than Artiplanto’s, with a texture that reminds me of vinyl stickers.
Bottom line: Don’t even consider it if you prefer a clone of the real deal. Try to check it out in person: if you like the look and feel, it might be worth it.
Materials: polyester Dimensions: 42 by 23 inches (pot height: 7 inches) Return Policy: full refund within 30 days of purchase Shipping: free
Nearly Natural Golden Cane Palm Tree ($75 for a 4-foot tree at the time of publication)
What we like: With the generous burst of fronds up top, this take on a golden palm tree (Dypsis lutescens) transported me to a bohemian tropical hideaway more so than its sparser, primmer competitors did. The twin trunks also look less plasticky than most.
What we don’t like: Some of the leaf tips got creased in the box, and it took some gentle stretching to straighten them out. The leaves’ texture reminds me of a fabric ribbon, and (depending on the light) they can look like one, too. “They’re crinkly, while real leaves are smooth,” said Christensen, inspecting photographs I sent via email. I also wish the veins were more delicate-looking. The hollow opening, which you can see from the top, makes it clear that the plant is fake—and if you didn’t catch that, the tiny plastic pot would clue you in. Full-fronded palms are also a pain to dust. “The more surface area, the more places the dust can settle,” said Miriam Diamond, a University of Toronto professor of earth sciences who has published numerous papers on dust. Like the fiddle-leaf fig from Nearly Natural, we recommend ordering this one from Amazon to avoid Nearly Natural’s lackluster customer service. At least with Amazon you’re better covered if you need to deal with exchanges or returns.
Bottom line: If you like the wild and unruly look from afar, this tree is “pretty realistic,” Léon & George’s Christensen said. But if you’re spending time up close with it, the crinkly leaves may get on your nerves, especially on cleaning day. West Elm offers a tidier, tamer palm, but it was more than twice the price ($150), and its leaf texture reminded me of grosgrain ribbon. To be fair, that is still less expensive than Pottery Barn’s wispy Faux Potted Palm Tree (we didn’t order or view the latter in person because availability was scarce at the time of writing).
Materials: probably plastic and polyester (A customer query regarding this on Amazon did not yield a response from Amazon or Nearly Natural; our multiple requests to Nearly Natural were not answered.) Dimensions: 48 by 40 by 40 inches Return policy: full refund within 30 days of receipt (from Amazon) Shipping: free with Prime membership; about $25 without membership
IKEA Fejka Artificial Potted Monstera ($70 at the time of publication)
What we like: Monsteras that look and feel real are hard to come by. At least IKEA’s 35½-inch “Swiss cheese plant” (Monstera deliciosa), which I spotted at the Red Hook, Brooklyn, location, was a relatively affordable $70. The tops of the leaves had some nice detailing, and, as a whole, it felt sturdy. By comparison, the 45-inch West Elm version—which has an admittedly nicer shape and more leaves but a similar plastic-toy feel—cost $250. The petite Pottery Barn Monstera, at 26 inches, also had a fake feel and is $90.
What we don’t like: As with almost all of the larger-leaf plants we saw while window-shopping, this one had a texture that reminded me of a rubber ducky. With poor lighting, it could look plasticky, too. When we ran the picture by our panel of experts, they weren’t impressed. And, admittedly, the leaves do look somewhat cookie-cutter, compared with the leaves on a real plant, which have quite a bit of variation.
Bottom line: We have yet to find a monstera (or any large-leafed plant, for that matter) whose leaves have the delicate look, feel, and detailing of real ones. If you don’t mind thinking of this purchase as a cute decorative item (just look at those holes!), as opposed to something you seriously want to pass as real, then you might be happy with it.
Materials: polyethylene, 100% PEVA, steel, paint Dimensions: 35½ inches (pot diameter: 7½ inches) Return policy: full refund within 180 days Shipping: varies depending on location
Scientific research is scarce on how buying a fake tree versus a live one might affect the environment. As we briefly discuss in our guide to artificial Christmas trees, one report we found leans toward live Christmas trees being greener in the short run, with fake ones being less environmentally harmful the longer you use them. There may be a break-even point at which the purchase of an artificial tree is the equivalent of a certain number of natural trees. But it’s unclear where that point might be for the Christmas sort or otherwise, said Travis Wagner, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Southern Maine. He points out it’s likely substantial, though, given that many artificial trees end up in the landfill, whereas natural trees can be composted.
It’s reasonable to think that when it comes to non-Christmas trees, purchasing a live plant as opposed to a fake one makes even more eco-sense. A real fiddle-leaf fig, for instance, is displayed year-round indefinitely, instead of being tossed after a month, and it can also be replanted or composted. Because it doesn’t spend most of the year in a box, a fake fiddle-leaf fig is exposed to daily wear and tear and therefore may not last as long as a fake Christmas tree. But this all assumes that the real tree stays healthy and thrives—and we know that’s not always guaranteed.
A fake plant’s true eco-quotient may, in fact, depend on the characteristics of its real-life counterpart. Many popular species, such as the fiddle-leaf figs, can be “finicky,” New York Botanical Garden’s Hachadourian said. “They might need more light and humidity than can be provided in a typical apartment. And when they’re not happy, they make a dramatic exit. Their leaves drop quickly.” If you’re continually killing and replacing them, it may be more sustainable, not to mention more economical, to buy a single good-quality artificial one.
As a recent Vox article points out, the live-plant industry isn’t entirely carbon-neutral either, given the massive amounts of energy required to run a facility and the disruption of the land’s original diverse habitat. Perhaps a more-earth-friendly way to bring green into your home is to take a cue from the University of Toronto’s Diamond, whose collection started out, in part, as mere clippings from friends’ plants. Granted, this is easier to do with small plants, as opposed to large trees.
As with most things in life, the notion of everything in moderation may work best here. Get the “right [real] plant for the right place” whenever possible, Hachadourian said. When it comes to live plants, consider hardy varieties that are likelier to forgive you if you leave them in a dark corner or forget to water them, such as a snake plant, a cast-iron plant, or a peace lily.
For a space where a plant probably won’t thrive but you’d like to have one there anyway, find an artificial version that you think is equally adorable, despite its flaws. Take good care of it by handling it gently and dusting frequently. Don’t leave it in your yard or on a porch if it’s not meant for outdoor use. “Mix and match,” said Plantshed designer Portillano, who is also a horticulturist. “Don’t try to fight evolution.”
Unfortunately, fake plants made from plastics mixed with other materials can’t be recycled unless you manage to take the whole thing apart. And even then, depending on the quality of the materials, they may not always be recyclable. So in a decade, if you’re ready to move on, you could simply donate your fake tree and let it bring joy to someone else.
With soft lighting and the perfect angle, retailers can make any sad artificial tree look like a beauty. But fake plants require a hard reality check. Whether you’re buying in-store or shopping online, keep the following things in mind.
To assess our favorites, we took our own photographs of the plants we collected and asked Léon & George master gardener Vickie Christensen to review them. We also asked Plantshed horticulturist Ralph Portillano and designer Rebekah Gross to assess the plants’ appearances via Zoom. You can also get a good idea of a plant’s credibility by Googling images of the real thing and comparing them to what you’re considering buying. Pay especially close attention to:
The underside of the leaves: Make sure it’s the right color and that the manufacturer hasn’t skimped on the detailing. “This is an area that can be very telling,” Callahan said. (Her company, Afloral, sells small artificial plants but not trees.)
The trunk: Is it notched and textured, or smooth, like the real thing? Make sure, too, that the color more or less matches. “Higher-end options often have real bark at the base to make it look realistic,” Portillano said.
Twigs and stems: Note how the color of a real plant transitions from twig to stem. On some very-fake-looking plants, instead of a gradual shift from brown to green between twig and stem, a leaf is simply stuck onto the twig, like a pen cap.
It’s easy to assess texture in-store. For online purchases, read the reviews to learn about any recurring issues, and choose only those plants that come with a generous return policy.
Funny textures: Don’t be fooled by plants described as “silk.” The term has, confusingly, been used by the industry to refer to any artificial plant, and most are made with polyester or plastic (or some combination of the two). We’ve come across textures that reminded us of a hard-plastic toy and rubber rafts, despite their realistic looks. Sadly, your only choice (at least in the $50–$200 range) is between “not great but I can deal” and “I just can’t.” Granted, we don’t expect artificial plant textures to be like the real thing. But if they’re especially terrible, it’s really hard to dismiss, even if you’re not planning on touching them often.
Reading reviews and checking for a helpful return policy are, again, key. Here are a few common issues we’ve noticed as we combed reviews online or gave leaves a gentle tug in person:
Falling leaves: Leaves coming apart from the stems is a common complaints on retailers’ websites. This is especially problematic if you have young children or pets, but it’s also just annoying when you’re dusting.
Detachable veins: We’ve encountered poorly embedded veins that can be pulled from the leaves as easily as a peel-off sticker.
Fading colors: This is more of an issue if you plan to put your plant outside or in direct sunlight. Plants designed for the outdoors will say so and are often treated with a special coating. We will keep an eye on the trees we bought and report back on whether they maintain their vibrancy over time.
Fake plants have come a long way in the past few years, but even the best of them could benefit from some improvements out of the box.
Pay attention to scale: Whether it’s fake or real, a plant will look more appealing if it’s in proportion to the room. For instance, a 7-footer might look too tall in a room with low ceilings. “You don’t want the plant to eat the space,” Portillano said.
Complement the look: Melissa Welsh, an interior designer in the San Francisco Bay area, said when she’s working on a home, she first considers the style of a room. “If it’s bohemian and laid-back, then a palm or fiddle-leaf fig might work, but if it’s a more traditional look, I might go for a more classic ficus or fern,” she explained.
Place the plant near natural light: Not only do streams of light give fake plants a pretty glow, but the placement suggests that your specimen is real, requiring sunshine to look as great as it does. “The light lets you see the details in the leaves,” Gross said.
Fluff it like you mean it: Many of the plants get woefully flat during shipping, and I’ve found that they require some almost aggressive twisting and turning to look full. I’ve even placed a football between branches overnight to open them up. “Bend and let it breathe,” Callahan told me.
“Plant” into a new pot: Unless you’re paying for a nice container that comes with the plant, you’re typically stuck with hard fake soil in a flimsy container. “That little plastic pot is a tell-tale sign that the plant is fake,” said Gross. So upgrade the planter, use real soil, and you’ll likely see a big difference. Place the cheap container in a more-substantial one, stuffing the sides with old newspapers. Create a cardboard, doughnut-shaped platform (as this blog post instructs), place it around the tree, and then add a neat pile of potting soil.
Dust diligently: This is the one job required of you when you have an artificial plant. Dusting regularly—start at the top and work your way down—will help the leaves gleam and look that much more real.
These plants looked great online, but when I saw them in person, I just couldn’t imagine a future with them.
Artiplanto’s FAFA Artificial Fiddle Leaf Potted Plant (5 feet) kept toppling over, and it had a strong chemical scent out of the box.
Artiplanto’s Oli Artificial Olive Tree Potted Plant (2.6 feet) was lovely from afar, but the underside of the leaves lacked color. The leaves also kept falling off.
Artiplanto’s Philo Artificial Philodendron Potted Plant (39 inches) had almost too much leaf detail and felt stiff, and the stems were hard to pull apart. It made me think this is what Flat Stanley would look like if he were a plant.
Pottery Barn Faux Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (5.4 feet) lacked fullness, and the leaves reminded me of rip-stop nylon. The trunk looked plasticky, too. For the price, I expected more.
Target’s Artificial Rubber Plant in Ceramic Pot—Project 62 (32 inches) arrived all dark-leafed and handsome in a white ceramic pot, but its constantly falling leaves drove me nuts.
West Elm’s Faux Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant (5 feet) looked attractive from afar, but the leaves felt rough, like the fiddle-leaf fig tree at Pottery Barn. Again, I expected more for the price.
West Elm’s Faux Potted Monstera (41 inches), which I looked at in-store, had leaves that seemed maybe slightly more refined and varied than those on the IKEA Fejka, but they still felt like plastic sheets. Even for its sale price ($100 at the time writing, down from the usual $200), I’m almost sure I’d be struck with buyer’s remorse.
West Elm’s Faux Potted Palm Tree (4 feet) that I saw in-store was appealing, but it seemed too sparse, and the leaves’ texture was too ribbon-like given the higher price tag. But some may like this one for the same reason I liked West Elm’s Bird of Paradise plant.
Meg Callahan, brand manager, Afloral, phone interview, March 9, 2021
Vickie Christensen, certified master gardener, Léon & George, email interview, July 20, 2021
Miriam Diamond, professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto’s School of the Environment, phone interview, September 1, 2021
Rebekah Gross, senior account and project manager, Plantshed, Zoom interview, July 21, 2021
Marc Hachadourian, director of glasshouse horticulture and senior curator of orchids, New York Botanical Garden, phone interview, July 24, 2021
Ralph Portillano, senior design manager, Plantshed, Zoom interview, July 21, 2021
Travis Wagner, professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Southern Maine, phone interview, August 27, 2021
Melissa Welsh, owner, Welsh Design Studio, phone interview, March 31, 2021
Joanne Chen is a former senior staff writer reporting on sleep and other lifestyle topics. Previously, she covered health and wellness as a magazine editor. After an assignment forced her to sleep eight hours a day for a month, she realized that she is, in fact, a smarter, nicer person when she isn’t sleep-deprived.
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