Not everyone is gifted with the green thumb. Most of us love the idea of accenting our homes with natural beauty, but caring for indoor plants, even with our best efforts, often leads to disappointment. I fall into this category, which is why I shopped for the next best thing, realistic faux plants.

When styling your faux plants two things to consider for your planters, quality and inspiration. Give your faux plants a more realistic and elevated appearance with planters in rich textures and higher quality materials. For inspiration think of places you’ve been where you felt most alive. What things did you see and touch that inspired you (mountains, artisanal tiles, fashion)? When styling my faux plants I wanted to go for a chic, sophisticated look.

FAUX OLIVE TREE

Olive trees are elegant and create a sense of calm in your home. But buying quality faux olive trees can be expensive, so it may take some window shopping to find the one you’re happy with and that fits your budget. Depending on the height of your ceiling, typically 6ft olive trees are best to shop for. I bought this faux olive tree for its simple shape and realistic branches (another popular option).

We have high ceilings so I needed a planter that would add height to our olive tree. The texture and ivory color of this large planter reminds me of the stone facades of the architecture we saw during our trip to Europe. It’s simple yet elegant.

What to Look For

When shopping look for natural textures and colors. Is the tree bark textured? Do the branches have natural looking knots and bends in them? Are the olives and leaves natural in color?

How To Style It

It’s all about proportion. Don’t go too small on the planter. Larger is better. Typically, Spanish moss looks best as a pot filler. If you want to invest a little more for the look, placing white rock as your filler gives your faux olive tree an elevated and realistic appearance. I used this inexpensive preserved Spanish moss from Walmart. Olive trees are showcased best in dining rooms and living rooms, where they can be seen and appreciated throughout the day.

FAUX POTHOS PLANT

Pothos plants add natural drama to your indoors and instantly dress up a space. I really like the fullness of this faux pothos plant. I switched out the white pot it came with and added my own touch of style with this stunning brass sea urchin planter. It elevates this neutral seating area with a touch of glamour and sophistication.

What to Look For

When shopping look for full foliage and not too sparse. Higher quality silk leaves that are not too thin or frayed at the ends. Look for leaves and stems in a slightly darker green color. Also look for leaves with patterns that vary, like in nature.

How To Style It

Pothos plants look beautiful draped along side-tables and shelves in your home. Because of its draping foliage pots in round shapes compliment the pothos plant best. Displaying a faux pothos plant on a stool or small table in a bathroom can create a spa like feel.

FAUX ZEBRA PLANT

I wanted to make a small statement in my entryway with a plant arrangement. I love my faux zebra plant. I purchased two bushels from my local Michael’s store. The deep green and striking white stripes are exotic. It adds a real liveliness to my entry hall. I wouldn’t consider myself a beach girl, but I’m always drawn to the organic shapes and beautiful textures of coral and shells. This faux coral pot I bought from Home Goods both compliments and highlights the green leaves of the zebra plant. It’s an unexpected pairing. I like to add an element of surprise to my decor. It’s one of the keys to good home styling.

What to Look For

When shopping be aware, faux tropical plants can especially come off looking fake. Shop with a discerning eye. Look for thicker and hearty foliage in a natural glossy finish. Steer away from silk plants. Michael’s has a few great selections of realistic faux tropical plants.

How To Style It

Placing a faux zebra plant on a side table is a simple way to add modern style to a more classic, traditional room. Keep your planter simple and let the vibrant color and pattern of the plant’s leaves shine!

BONUS: If you prefer real plants to faux plants see my instagram post “4 Striking Indoor Plants that Help Purify the Air (and they’re child and pet friendly!)”