When it comes to plants, keeping them alive can be quite a bit of a hassle. Despite our best efforts, sometimes we just don't have the time or the proper tools to take care of them and they can often end up, well, not alive.
This is where artificial plants can be quite handy, they can serve as beautiful decor, whilst also brightening up your place and giving it a homely and relaxing feel. You'd be getting all of this without the added inconvenience of having to constantly monitor your plants, and ensure that they're getting sufficient light and water.
Related: The best plants for your bedroom
If it's so much easier to have artificial plants, why do so many people opt for live ones? This is largely due to them having a bad reputation; many people think that they look quite fake, yet this negative narrative is completely false - if you know where to find the best ones. Despite their bad reputation, artificial plants can look and feel extremely similar to live plants, with many people not being able to tell the difference between them.
Rest assured, all of the plants that we have selected in our best artificial plants guide are as realistic as it gets, and could definitely pass for the real thing. We've included a wide range of different plants to cater to everyone's tastes, all with varying prices too.
Ready to start decorating? Keep reading to find your ideal artificial plant.
Related: The best artificial grass
Best artificial palm
AmazonThis artificial plant is definitely set to brighten up and give your home a more tropical feel. It's also pretty large, standing at 3ft 6. It's an excellent piece if you don't want to purchase several different plants, and it's available in quite a few different sizes, so you'll have plenty of options!
Best artificial succulents
AmazonThese little faux succulents are a great way to quickly and simply add a beautiful and sleek touch to your home. They also come in a pack of five, so you're getting quite a bit for your money.
Editor's pick
www.bloomandwild.com
Dried flowers have been making the rounds, and it's pretty easy to see why it's such a popular trend. Apart from bringing a beautiful aesthetic to your kitchen or living room, they're also incredibly low maintenance. They're not artificial plants per se, but there's very little you need to do to take care of them, simply don't water them, keep them away from sunlight and be gentle with them.
Sainsburyswww.sainsburys.co.uk
Love the idea of a trailing house plant? This faux one from Habitat will look brilliant in any room - be it bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or conservatory. Simply dust off its leaves to keep it looking fresh.
Best artificial orchid
AmazonIf you're looking for something more delicate, then this gorgeous artificial orchid could be the one for you. With plenty of glowing reviews, customers have stated that it looks extremely real, and almost feels life-like too.
AmazonThis hanging plant is super versatile, you can hang it in your shower for ambience, on a bookshelf, or even on your balcony. Tried and Tested by Commercial Content Writer, Isabel Martins: "I couldn't recommend this product enough. The colours aren't too bright, so they don't have that fake 'bright green' look and they add a natural, beautiful touch to the house. However, it does feel quite artificial, but you wouldn't be able to tell unless you touched it."
Best artificial cacti
AmazonIf you love the aesthetic of a cactus and wish to own cacti, but are sick of getting your fingers pricked, artificial cacti are a great alternative! This set of six potted cactuses are pretty small, so feel free to dot them around your home as you please.
Best artificial bonsai tree
AmazonIf you love the way bonsai trees look (who doesn't?) but you don't want all the added trouble of having to prune it constantly, consider purchasing this artificial bonsai tree.
Recommended
AmazonThis would make an excellent addition to your home or a great present. Similar to a ZZ plant, the ceramic white pot is very sleek and would be an excellent decor piece.
FAQs:
Can you put fake plants outside?
Most of the time, yes, just ensure that the plant is UV-resistant or protected. If not, the colours on the plant may start to fade over time, and the materials may crack.
If the plant is not UV resistant, you can also buy a UV spray for the plant, but if you don't want the extra cost, we recommend the Huaesin fake hanging plants, as it is already UV protected.
What are the benefits of having an artificial plant?
There are several benefits that come with having an artificial plant. For starters, they are a lot more cost-effective than live plants, as you won't have to buy tools to prune them, as well as larger pots (as they don't grow).
As previously mentioned, they are extremely low maintenance, so there's no need to ask a friend to come and water them if you take an extended holiday, or worry that they're wilting.
Furthermore, with artificial plants, you'll be able to select the exact plant and aesthetic that you want, without limitations.
Another thing to consider, although this is more of a niche perk, is that many of us suffer from allergies, which can be triggered by live plants. They're also pet-safe.
What to read next:
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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