The mid-2010s saw an epic return of the houseplant, and it appears this trend is here to stay. From the tropical Monstera and Bird of Paradise to desert-dwellers like the Snake Plant, these Insta-famous botanicals quickly became synonymous with design styles like mid-century modern and Scandinavian minimalist.

But let’s face it: not all of us have a green thumb, let alone the time to put into caring for a house full of live plants. These botanicals are not just decoration — they are living, breathing beings that require time and attention.

If you work long hours, travel constantly, or have pets and children (you’d be surprised how many popular houseplants are actually mildly toxic), consider the best faux plants instead. Hand-selected by our designers, these gems are incredibly life-like, affordable, and beautiful. Ahead, shop the best faux plants and flowers, dried branches and stems, and artificial trees our designers have used in countless projects. And yes, we promise they look that good IRL:

1. CB2 Faux Pampas Grass Taupe Stem

Pampas grass that won’t shed around your entire house? Sign us up. This faux bunch from CB2 offers all the aesthetics without the mess.

2. Nomad Home Faux Eucalyptus Branch

We love the smell of fresh Eucalyptus, but a bunch from the farmer’s market will only last about a week and they’re actually highly toxic to pets. This faux branch is cute, life-like, and pet-friendly!

3. Pottery Barn Faux Olive Branch

We’re obsessed with the New Mediterranean olive tree trend, but these temperamental plants thrive in Mediterranean-like climates. These faux branches offer the same look at a fraction of the price, no green thumb required.

4. CB2 Faux Phoenix Palm Leaf

Skip the bodega palm leaves that turn brown in a matter of days with this realistic faux version. It will lend a tropical, breezy feel to your space year-round, zero effort required.

5. Pottery Barn Faux Potted Orchid

Notoriously temperamental orchids are just far too much work for us. We prefer this lovely faux version from Pottery Barn — it’s incredibly life-like and won’t die after a touch too much water.

6. West Elm Faux Potted Trailing Leaf Plant

This faux trailing plant from West Elm is perfect for hanging baskets or an upper cabinetry flourish a la 1995. It looks incredibly realistic and you never have to worry about pruning branches or watering.

7. Haldin Faux Potted Sansevieria

Found: the perfect faux version of the ever-trendy snake plant. This small plant is the perfect topper for side tables, WFH desks, or entryway consoles.

8. West Elm Faux Potted Calathea

Add a subtle splash of purple and green to your space with this beautiful faux calathea. Yes, it will look this perfect year-round regardless of season or a few missed waterings.

9. Crate & Barrel Faux Potted Monstera

Leave it to Crate and Barrel to create a spot-on faux version of the trendy Monstera plant. It comes with the white ceramic pot filled with life-like soil and a full, lush spread blooming with the plants’ signature Swiss cheese-like leaves.

10. Pottery Barn Faux Potted Lavender

The perfect accompaniment to any kitchen windowsill, porch, or back patio, this pretty faux lavender bunch offers a touch of eye-catching purple to any nook. We especially love the terracotta pot!

11. CB2 Faux Potted Cardon Cactus

Let’s face it: desert-dwelling cacti may survive in your temperature-controlled home or apartment, but they will not necessarily thrive. Go the faux route with this life-like mini faux saguaro from CB2 — it’s especially perfect if you have southwest-inspired decor. We promise, you’ll never know it’s not real.

12. Haldin Potted Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig

The notorious fiddle leaf fig tops every list of hard-to-care-for indoor plants. Leave this temperamental beauty in the greenhouse and go for a realistic, affordable faux version — you can thank us later.

13. Haldin Faux Banana Tree

If you’re searching for a full, life-like statement plant for an empty corner, you’ve come to the right place. This four-foot faux banana tree looks incredibly realistic, down to the imperfect stems and striped leaves.

14. West Elm Faux Potted Bird of Paradise

When it comes to trendy houseplants, the tropical Bird of Paradise tops every list. This faux beauty comes with a fluted white pot and mess-free dirt for an incredibly realistic arrangement, down to the staggered, curved leaves.

15. Crate & Barrel Faux Olive Tree

Skip the branches and go all-in on the olive tree trend with this faux beauty from Crate and Barrel. This incredibly life-like buy boasts the signature shiny, sage green leaves that make this Mediterranean gem a must-have.

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