Most Realistic Artificial Outdoor Plants | 15 Best Artificial Plants With Buying Guide

Need the most realistic artificial outdoor plants for home decor? It’s actually fake or faux, the best fake plants for the living room. So, if you would like to know all about the best artificial plants, you’re on the right track to learning everything. 

I clearly remember how the other day, my best friend and I judged a colleague of ours for being a little too fake, which, if I am not wrong, is sinful. But consider plants. No one ever judges them for being fake, do they? So one might as well become a plant if they’re faking it. Why? Because that’s the only fake, I can accept. And you will too.

If you are an ardent lover of nature, especially this universally accepted epitome of selfless giving that we call plants, but have caused the death of unknown few (or many, Lord bless you). Because you forgot to water the succulents on time; or have forgotten the last time you had trimmed your favorite Ponytail Palm, or have been throwing used tissue paper, foil wrappers and pigeon litter in the plant pot right next to your overflowing dustbin only to realize it later (sorry, mum), artificial plants are what you need. Fancy trees but not sure how to take care of them?

Yep, pretty sure it’s artificial plants you need. And we have got just the best artificial trees for you.

Best fake Plants for Outdoors (Recommended)

Top 15 Most Realistic Artificial Outdoor Plants

Now, you’re going to know all about the top 15 best artificial trees to make your home green.

Nearly Natural Artificial Trees, 96in (Best Artificial Trees)

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This is available in 5 different options, but if you want to try one for the corners or in the junction of the stairs, we suggest this tall and beautiful artificial tree.

This is the measurement taken right from the pot that comes with the plant and is as much as the further leaf to the tip of the plant. It has thousands of leaves on it, and the bamboo trunks add to the natural feel that was tried on the plant.

The lush foliage is better suited indoors, so try it as one of the best fake plants for home.

Nearly Natural 82 inches (Best Artificial Olive Silk Tree)

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Do you want to create an atmosphere of tropical heaven at your home?

Here is one plant to let you do so! It has perfectly trimmed foliage stacked on the several stems coming out of the single trunk. It is prettier in person than in viewing pictures, so don’t worry about anyone getting cross!

It is as realistic as you can expect a faux plant to look. The branches have fake olives besides having the lush leaves. To make it better, fluff it out and bend a little.

Nearly Natural Golden Cane Palm Silk Tree (Best Fake Plants for Home)

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For a tropical beach at your poolside, this is the best gift you can give yourself or, more specifically, to your home. It has long and bushy emerald leaves.

And don’t you worry about the sun troubling the plant because it will save you from the sun when you sit under it!

The 6.5 version is more beautiful than the 8 foot one, being more compact. All you need to do with it is add a decorative new planter to make things better.

Deluxe 6 feet Artificial Ficus Tree with Plant Pot

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If pot bases worry you in terms of stability and getting a new one isn’t something you want to opt for, then get this plant. It has a beautiful decorative pot with a stable base for the immensely tall tree.

It has over one thousand leaves and three full trunks circled with wooden vines setting the base. They are so realistic that you will confuse them with real Fiscus. You can bend out the branches to give a more natural look to it.

Artificial Areca Palm Plant 5 Feet ( Best Fake Plants for Office)

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This Areca palm has been made replicating the real one and is good enough for both the office and your home. Stays green all season long and hard to kill!

The leaves and stems have sturdy metal wire inside them so you can shape the trunk without breaking them, unlike plastic made ones. The height, color, and shape remain for years for you to enjoy its beauty.

Luxury Japanese Fruticosa Tree (best artificial plants)

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This handmade artificial plant replica of a twisting Japanese tree made with real bark and synthetic leaves is 160-165 CM tall and is planted in a non-decorative 7-inch brown plastic pot.

The attention to detail is striking, the use of real bark, also the fact that it is handmade gives it its uniqueness. It comes in half and has to be clipped together to form the whole.

Wherever placed, it adds an instant sophisticated “zing” to your house or workplace. However, the purchase of a larger pot is necessary for convenient holding and extra decor.

Best Fake Plants for Living Room (Recommended)

Nearly Natural 5043 Sago Silk Palm Tree

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Nearly Natural claims that they’re plants are really lifelike and detailed, so it is actually pretty hard to distinguish them with the real ones and less they are touched.

This particular Sago Silk Palm Tree is a fabulous tropical accent for your living room or for an office cabin. This is supposed not to have any problem with rain or the sun. As for wind, it can be saved from tripling over by anchoring down with small and large, heavy decorative stones as the plants are seemingly lightweight.

Ideally, they could have been a little less green or come with some variations in the green color. It has also been sometimes seen to lose it’s green coloring when kept under direct sunlight for really long.

Nearly Natural 5259 Paradise Artificial Palm Trees

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Nearly Natural claims to be the first artificial floral company to hire head designers with experience and are always on the search for the best products available on the market.

This Palm Tree mentioned here is a 5-foot tall one and comes in two other variations of dimensions. Now, this vibrant green Paradise Palm Tree is tall enough to be bold yet compact enough to fit in small spaces or cozy apartments.

A dozen sprawling fronds extend outward in every direction, each covered with a mix of lush feathery pinnate styled leaves is its unique feature. It jumps to life even when it is hit with a gentle breeze, and keeping it under artificial yellow light makes it look even better.

However, this doesn’t do so well under direct sunlight and is seen to turn blue.

Garden Couture Premium Fiddle Tree

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This Fiddle Leaf Fig tree has over 45 leaves and a much massive base to carry all that weight of being beautiful. The branches and trunk are carved with as much detail as the leaves. Even the pot is origami themed and needs no replacement.

It has a lovely silky look to it with an attractive skirt, and the finishing touches will only make you say wow.

Nearly Natural 5209 Ficus Silk Tree

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Unlike the real Ficus tree, which is leafless in almost any home light conditions, this Ficus tree is eternally verdant and deep green with 1008 individual leaves on several sturdy branches.

It measures six feet in height and would look lovely in a picture window, home entranceway, or even the office.

The only bad thing about it is the flimsy pot that comes with it.

This can be easily changed, so no worries here. Also, given the looks, it is a good one for the price you’ll pay.

Nearly Natural 6584 Corn Stalk Dracaena Decorative Artificial Silk Plant

The simple elegance of our Corn Stalk Dracaena silk plant comes with tall, thick, long stalks that overlap each other to create multiple levels of beauty.

This sub-Saharan plant can spice up anywhere it’s put without needing to worry about the upkeep.

The setting of leaves is actually a bit of hard work while assembling, but it is safe to say it is worth the work. Because the end results are stunning.

Nearly Natural 6584 Corn Stalk Dracaena Decorative Artificial Silk Plant

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The simple elegance of our Corn Stalk Dracaena silk plant comes with tall, thick, long stalks that overlap each other to create multiple levels of beauty.

This sub-Saharan plant can spice up anywhere it’s put without needing to worry about the upkeep.

The setting of leaves is actually a bit of hard work while assembling, but it is safe to say it is worth the work. Because the end results are stunning.

Nearly Natural 5346 Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

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Rising a good six feet’ height and finishing in an explosion of leaves, this fiddle leaf fig tree can bring the forest indoors, without worrying about the insects.

It’s ideal for the library or near the study table, or in the office. It has a total of 70 leaves, several trunks and comes with a planter pot.

My advice would be to prune out the leaves, which would give it a more realistic look.

Vickerman Artificial Ficus Bush set in Black Pot

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This plant is available in two other styles as well, but this appeals to me more.

And this four feet artificial Ficus bush comes fixed in a 6-inch black plastic pot and is perfect for placing in the decorative container of your choice.

Actually, this is considered one of the most realistic artificial outdoor plants since it is free from the often seen fake plastic sheen on artificial plants. Adding a fairy light to it can make it more visually appealing.

However, one bad thing is that the plant is glued to the pot, so there’s no removing it. The plant has to be planted with its small pot stuck to it.

Costa Farms Majesty Palm Tree

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This Ravenea rivularis has a classic, elegant look. Its sturdy trunk and spray of leaves add tropical flair into any room it is kept in.

The lush, dark green foliage adds a green architectural element to any room.

It measures 3-4 feet tall, and the best thing about it is that you can choose your type of pot from them.

So happy shopping!

Related: The Best Silk Plants You Need to Consider for Home Decor

Related: The Best Silk Plants You Need to Consider for Home Decor

A Guide To The Best Artificial Plants

Artificial plants are the imitations of naturally growing plants used for either commercial purposes or for the necessity of residential decoration. However, they are also made for scientific study and research. For example, the museums use glass flowers or preserve plants made with similar or different materials to give students and general people an idea of the flora of a particular geographical region, the characteristics of those plants, etc.

A variety of materials are used in the manufacturing process of artificial plants. Previously the Egyptians used painted linen, the Romans preferred gold and silver,  the Chinese chose rice-paper, the Italians worked with silkworm cocoons, South Americans used colored feathers, etc. Modern techniques involve carvings made on the soap, ground clay, and readily available plastic molding. Glass is also used to make these artificial beauties, but working with glass at high temperatures is pretty difficult, which makes them more expensive than the go-to artificial plants. The flowers of these plants have been particularly made using Polyester since the 1970s.

Now whatever the raw material, this industry has been a flourishing one. Because it requires specialized skill to make them look as realistic as possible, being artistic here is the real catch. This is because not every company has the knack of making artificial plants that can fool. But due to the support of millions of homes and commercial buildings in the U.S. around the world, this industry has now become a multi-million dollar industry. To mention, Permasilk and Permastem technologies continue to contribute to the advancement of the type of artificial plants. Among the wide variety, houseplants, namely, Boxwood, Cedar, Cypress, English Ivy, Floor Juniper, Floor Moss, Cypress, Eyre, are the most common artificial plants that are used.

Besides this, the realism of these artificial plants hits so hard that it has fueled the trend of using artificial flowers and leaves in bouquets, as embroidery in dresses and veils, and even in wedding cakes!

But here we will be focusing only on the best fake plants for outdoors.

Why You Need  The Best Artificial Outdoor Plants

Even months before, I couldn’t be convinced to buy artificial outdoor plants. I have always been buying plants and saplings for ages. Mainly because they’re a new source of oxygen, or because they bear a lovely flower or a primary yet delectable fruit. But then after having visited a friend’s house, my views changed.

Susan has a cat that would savagely eat and destroy the plants that she keeps on the floor. Miss Ginger, the cat, frequently breaks the urns in the living room, trying to reach for the Devil’s Ivy, or snatch the Tillandsia sitting on the center table. Susan couldn’t keep them alive, so replaced the old ones with new fake ones. The fake ones look so real and hassle-free, I was convinced I needed those artificial beauties for my top shelves. The places I couldn’t reach for watering, but still wanted to adorn. That way, I wouldn’t even have to clean them very often. There’s one more thing I realized; I’m moving out this December, so it will be very much safe to say, they’ll come with me, alive. I mean, fake.

And just so you know, I still own real plants and fake ones too. And the difference sent quite visible unless you try to touch, or like my cousins do, squish them.

Still not sure if you should be spending on realistic fake outdoor plants just like I did?

Here are some (more) practical reasons for you to buy them:

Variety of Options

Having a lot of options is always a good thing. Not only is there just the regular Boxwood, English Ivy or Cypress, but also artificial flowering plants like  Baby’s Breath, Lavender, Oleander, Gypsophila that can be customized to different size, shape, but can be planted in different base materials. One type doesn’t suit your taste, fine. There’s always a chance there’s another charmer right next to it, waiting for you to discover!

Upgrade the Blank-space

Empty places outdoors or indoors, pool area, porch, balcony, staring blankly at you can be accentuated with the vibrant colors of different hanging plants, floor plants, or desktop plants ( hello, study table! ). For that matter, the corner of your room, which, due to lack of proper ventilation, has turned into the corner of death and misery for innocent plants, can happily be revitalized with quality artificial plants. Wait, did we mention the office, the place that is so desolate you are no longer motivated? 

Get yourself some of the best fake plants for office, and watch things brighten.

No Cleaning Hassle

The ancestors of the artificial outdoor trees weren’t much of a survivor when it came to bad weather. They collected dust much more comfortably and would soon lose their color as they fade due to washing or continual use. The modern artificial outdoor plants and trees are UV-protected.

This means that however bad the weather or climate that you are living in, these are more durable when it comes to color and texture. About the dust, luckily the protective sheen that some of them have let’s a little less dirt sit on the leaves, but either way, you will have to clean or wipe it with a linen or flannel cloth just enough that suits you, which means less often than the real ones.

Get the Upgrades

Plastic plants are better than the silk plants which were at grandma’s and are less subject to wear and tear.

One Time Investment

Another undeniable advantage of picking up fake plants is that they can virtually last forever if they are taken good care of. What’s more, you will probably never have to worry about it overgrowing the space it was bought in for. However, if you want to avoid the suspicious eyes of friends, family, or neighbors catching onto the fact you’ve had the exact same floral arrangement sitting on your desk for five years, you can always change the container or move it to a new spot.

Make Your Bathroom Green

Great if you want plants inside your bathroom where there is no natural light. But get one of these artificial bad boys in, and forget to water them. Even if you check months later, they would be in the right color and sit exactly as you brought them, given that you buy quality ones.

How to Buy The Best Fake Plants for Home

So how to buy the best realistic fake outdoor plants you ask? Here’s how:

Determine the Area

Start off by planning the landscape of your living room/room corner/porch/ yard. Now draw an aerial map with the dimensions and features of what height and size you would prefer for yourself. Even if you have a small space, this helps in the placement of your artificial plants. After you’re done with everything, treat yourself with any of the best fake plants for the living room!

Consider the Height of the Plants

The heights of artificial plants usually range from 10- 61 inches or so. Choose the height according to the place you’re planning to put the plant on. If it’s the corners, prefer taller, tapered ones. Remember to mark areas that would be perfect for placing large fake plants to serve as focal points to outline the different areas of your space. Examples of artificial plants that will work here include Yucca, Palms, Weeping Fig, Dracaena, etc. in a heavy pot.

If it’s for your staircase or right outside your door, short ones would be better. Decorate the entrance of your home with fake topiaries. Symmetrically place a plant on either side of the doorway or steps down the stairs. Artificial topiaries are available in a myriad of shapes and spirals. They do not look out of place, credits to most of them being evergreen plants.

Best Fake Plants for Your Window

If you are planning to purchase for places around or on windows, you can use window boxes of fake vines.  You can try and place a trellis underneath the window box to give the illusion of a climbing vine. You can also fill the boxes with artificial flowers that you prefer. Windows boxes with colorful flowers can heavily complement the exterior design of your house.

Realistic Fake Outdoor Plants for Your Walkway

Place artificial bougainvillea, rhododendrons, or other shrub species along walkways. Surrounding them with mulch will keep them neat and shaped and give a natural look.

Best Artificial Plants for the Pool Area

For the pool area, select artificial banana plants, yucca, palms, and bamboo to provide the striking with a soothing aura of a tropical paradise. Fake plants for poolside locations are pretty decent because of not being susceptible to the chemicals in the water of the pool areas.

What to Look For in The Plant

Now that you know which type goes where do remember that you shouldn’t opt for plants that look too made up. For example, plants that have dew drops on them, or a glossy finish. They’ll always make you look tackier and less savvy.

Compare to a Real Plant

Bring a real image of the plant along, so you’re sure what you’re buying is actually what you had expected. Focus on the thoughtful details that give an organic feel, like delicate or real root sheaths at the bottom of the plant and “dirt” around its base. This will provide you with a proper understanding if this plant is a good, fake one.

Choose the Base

Choose the base type of your plant according to your taste. You can choose from planters, pots, urns, and vases. Right outside your door, urns would give an ethnic feel; a vase for your living room and planters for your kitchen would be more aesthetically pleasing.

Cleaning and Maintaining

Even the best artificial trees need maintenance. After getting them home and after a few weeks, remember to spray your artificial plants with water to clean the dust. It will take pretty long, sometimes as long as a decade or such, before artificial plants begin to get damaged, faded, or lose their aesthetic appeal.

Love it: The 10 Best Artificial Topiary Trees For Decoration With Buying Guide

FAQ

What can be the best artificial plants?

Definitively no tree can be termed as the most realistic artificial outdoor plants. However, there are many that are as good as the real ones, and so we call them the best. When you look at such ones, you can tell that they are right, especially if they lack the wax sheen on top, have no dewdrops, and extra additions that make them look so fake. So when you purchase, make sure you adhere to the details besides looking at the big picture.

Are fake plants tacky to look at?

No! Well, some artificial plants are, but not most of them. Like we mentioned before, you have to be careful in selection. If you can be, you can spare yourself the trouble of buying yourself something tacky and tasteless.

Can fake plants look good enough for my room?

Of course, they can. You have to take extraordinary measures for that: for the room. You have to take into consideration the spacing of the room, the color of the walls, the furniture, and the total internal decor to understand whether the fake plant looks good in your room or not. They will look good, but will your room?

How do I protect my artificial plants that have been placed outside?

To protect them, you can keep them under the shed and make sure that they do not get direct sunlight. Another thing that you could do is buy yourself UV-resistant plants then you won’t have to worry about keeping them protected, they’ll save themselves.

Is it alright to decorate my surroundings with fake plants?

It is perfectly okay.

How long do these artificial plants last outdoors?

It depends on the plant you are buying. If you are buying weather-proof, UV-resistant ones, then they will last you many years. But if you aren’t buying such, you will have them last for a lesser time.

How do you keep your artificial plants’ dust-free?

You can try wiping them with cleaners once a week, or once every three days; you will be able to keep them dust-free. Or you could take the ones lightly covered in wax to keep off dust.

Can I happen to plant fake flowers outside my house?

Definitely. You can plant them both indoors and outdoors. 

How do you fill those fake plant pots?

You can fill it in with sand, rock, and pebbles or use styrofoam if you can’t manage anything else.

Final Words

So to sum up, you should be buying the artificial fake plants as a one-time investment and to rule out your grief of the black thumb and you could choose from the best options according to your choice.

For places to look to buy artificial plants, you can reach out to Amazon or local artificial plant stores.

What’s next?

Need artificial topiary trees instead of fake plants? Here it is.