Best Fake Plants That Don’t Look Fake (I’ve Tried 20, Here Are the 5 Worth Buying)

My living room had that “rental beige” look no matter what I tried. I painted, I bought new pillows, I even tried a peel-and-stick accent wall. But it still felt…flat. Lifeless. I realized it was missing the organic touch that real plants bring, but let’s be honest, I have a black thumb. Every houseplant I’ve ever brought home has withered into a sad, brown shell within weeks. So, I embarked on a quest: finding fake plants that don’t scream “plastic.” I’ve spent way too much money and time on this, trying at least twenty different options, from cheap dollar store finds to surprisingly expensive “premium” fakes. Most were a colossal waste of money. But after years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to five plants that actually fool people, even up close. Save yourself the trouble (and the landfill space) and skip all the duds I bought. (We love: decorative throw pillows.)

The Best Overall: IKEA FEJKA Monstera (Small Size)

Let’s start with my absolute favorite, the IKEA FEJKA Monstera. Specifically, the smaller size (about 20 inches tall). This one consistently gets compliments, and people genuinely believe it’s real until they touch it. What makes it so good? The leaves have a natural sheen, not that super shiny plastic look. The variegation (the lighter green areas) is subtle and varied, not just a uniform pattern stamped on. Plus, the stems are bendable, so you can arrange the leaves to look more natural and less stiff. It comes in a basic black plastic pot, which is fine, but I immediately put mine into a textured ceramic pot I found at HomeGoods for $15. That simple swap makes a huge difference. I paid $14.99 for mine at IKEA. I tried their larger Monstera, which is over 3 feet tall, and while it’s okay, the bigger leaves tend to look a little too uniform. For a truly convincing look, stick with the smaller one. I put one on my entryway console and another on a bookshelf in the living room. It’s fantastic for filling awkward corners or adding a pop of green without taking up too much space. (We love: floating shelves.)

Best for a Bright Spot: Target Threshold Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig (24-inch)

Ah, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. The plant that launched a thousand Instagram photos. Real ones are notoriously finicky, so a good fake is a must. I tried several, including a very expensive 5-foot version from a specialty store that looked awful – too shiny, too sparse. The best I’ve found, surprisingly, is the 24-inch Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig from Target’s Threshold line. It’s usually around $30-$35. The key here is the scale of the leaves. They’re not ridiculously oversized, and they have a slightly matte finish, which is crucial. The trunk also has some subtle texture, rather than being smooth plastic. I like to put this one in a spot where it gets some natural light, which further helps trick the eye. The light catches the leaves in a way that makes them appear more alive. It comes in a small, weighted pot that you’ll definitely want to drop into a larger planter. I used a woven basket from TJ Maxx for $20, which adds to the natural feel. Don’t go for the larger 4-foot version from Target; the leaves start to look too uniform and plastic-y at that size. Stick to the medium height for realism.

Best Trailing Plant: Hobby Lobby Faux Pothos Plant (Hanging)

Trailing plants are a great way to add softness and dimension to shelves or the top of cabinets. Real pothos are easy to care for, but sometimes you just need something that requires zero effort. I’ve bought countless cheap trailing plants that look like shiny green plastic noodles. The Hobby Lobby Faux Pothos Plant (often found in the hanging plant section) is the exception. It’s usually priced around $19.99, but with their frequent 40% or 50% off coupons, you can snag it for under $10. Look for the one with slightly variegated leaves and a good mix of leaf sizes. The stems are flexible, so you can drape them naturally. I’ve bought two of these. One is cascading from a high shelf in my kitchen, and the other is spilling out of a decorative bowl on my coffee table. The key to making these look real is to not let them hang too perfectly. Bend some of the stems and tuck others back into the pot to create an organic, slightly messy look. The plastic pot it comes in is small, so I usually just drop it into a ceramic pot or basket that hides the base. Just make sure to get it on sale – Hobby Lobby prices are inflated to account for the coupons.

Best for a Pop of Color: A Faux Succulent from Michaels (Individual Small Ones)

While most of my fake plant collection is green, sometimes you want a touch of something different. Faux succulents are tricky because the smaller and more intricate the plant, the harder it is to fake convincingly. I’ve found that individual, smaller faux succulents from Michaels are surprisingly good. They often have sales where they’re 40-50% off, so you can pick up a few for $3-$5 each. The key is to look for ones with a slightly dusty or matte finish, not glossy. Also, check the base where the leaves meet – if it’s a solid chunk of visible plastic, skip it. I prefer the ones that have a subtle red or purple tint on the edges, as this adds to the realism. I buy a few different types and arrange them in a shallow concrete bowl (found at TJ Maxx for $10) with some real gravel or decorative sand. This creates a little mini succulent garden that fools everyone. Don’t buy the pre-arranged succulent trays; they almost always look fake and too symmetrical. Buying individual ones gives you control over the arrangement and makes them look more natural.

Best Small Filler Plant: JOANN Faux Eucalyptus Stem

Sometimes you just need a bit of greenery to fill a vase or a small gap. Real eucalyptus is pricey and dries out. I’ve tried countless fake eucalyptus stems, and most are too shiny or too uniform. The best I’ve found is from JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores. Look for the Faux Eucalyptus Stem that has a slightly muted, dusty green color, not a bright, almost neon green. They’re usually around $7-$10 each, but JOANN always has 30-50% off coupons, so wait for a sale. I buy 3-5 stems and put them in a simple white ceramic pitcher or a clear glass vase. The key here is to bend the wire stems slightly to give them a more natural, sprawling look. Don’t just stick them straight up. The leaves have a good texture, and the color is spot-on. They’re perfect for adding a touch of softness to a bathroom counter, a bedside table, or as a filler in a larger arrangement. I tried some similar ones from Amazon, but they were either too stiff or had an unpleasant plastic smell that never went away.

My advice for this weekend: Go to IKEA and pick up the smaller FEJKA Monstera. You won’t regret it. While you’re there, grab one of their basic terra cotta pots for $3-5 to put it in. It’s the easiest way to add life to your space without any of the commitment.

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