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Best artificial plants for the home

 (HOAX)
(HOAX)

Artificial plants have had a bad rap over the years.

The ones you’d find nestled in the aisles at homeware stores or garden centres were cheap - and they looked it. But luckily for us foliage fans, new brands are here to switch up the faux flower market and we think they’ll fool even the most discerning horticulturist.

Houseplants are considered an essential part of the interiors process. Whether it’s the Instagram effect for aesthetically-pleasing interiors, or the fact that many of us live in compact urban apartments without gardens, there has been a huge growth in popularity to fill homes with succulents and seasonal blooms.

A small design detail that can make a huge difference, these plants give a pop of colour that is welcomed in rentals where painting walls or replacing furniture is not an option.

Our plant babies become focal points in our homes, sitting pride of place among our curated bookshelves, tablescaping and shelves. But despite all the care, love and attention we lavish on them, some of us are simply not blessed with green fingers. That’s where faux varieties come in.

There’s certainly many advantages to these plants. No upkeep, no commitment and all the mood-boosting joy and realism of a live plant. Continually forgetting to water your plants? No longer. Heading on a two week holiday (one can dream)? No problem. Your greenery will still be as vibrant as the day you left - no wilting leaves or dry stems to return to. Tired of sweeping up leaves? Life is too short. The only downside? No fragrant floral aroma.

Real, fresh blooms can also wreak havoc on allergies, particularly those with hay fever and can be poisonous to our beloved pets.

These artificial plants have an impressive attention to detail that gives them all the realism of a live plant. They boost your mood with vibrant hues, freshness and cottage garden feels without the admin of watering and maintaining.

See our pick of the best.

Hoax Flowers Delilah

Put a Spring in your step with these faux flowers that give a fresh bouquet of tulips a run for their money. Sure to brighten your home for years to come, they just might be the most realistic dupe we’ve ever seen. The collection combines cheery hues of red, yellow, white and tones of pink and are presented in a cream vase so they’re ready to go.

 (HOAX)
(HOAX)

£200 | Hoax Flowers

Pastel Dried Flower Bouquet Large

There’s something of a dried flower revolution going on, taking the world of Instagram by storm. The appeal comes from their ability to offer all the mood-boosting delights of a fresh variety but without the waste. MUD Urban Flowers - the brains behind this statement bunch - pairs pastels and creams with pops of green from eucalyptus for a set that will serve to only enhance your interiors.

 (Oliver Bonas)
(Oliver Bonas)

£55 | Oliver Bonas

Scottish Everlasting 120cm Artificial Monstera/Cheese Plant

Monstera, or the Cheese Plant as it is known, is the IT girl of the botanical world. Native to Mexico but found in the likes of Hawaii, and Seychelles, it can transport you to warmer climes. This iteration is ideal for the less green fingered amongst you with a realistic looking glossy leaf effect. Pop into a stylish planter to further the holiday effect.

 (La Redoute)
(La Redoute)

£79 | La Redoute

Zebra Grass Artificial Plant

The clue is in the name. Zebra grass has a tonal stripe design that makes a true statement in its own right. The plant tends to fare badly in winter, while thrives in the summer weather but if you want an all-round fixture in your home, this artificial alternative is the way to go, commitment-free.

 (Oliver Bonas)
(Oliver Bonas)

£59.50 | Oliver Bonas

Sunny Marigold Arrangement in Mini Milk Churn

Wild flowers bring instant wildness to city-locked homes and look best when paired with weathered pots for a rustic feel as shown with this arrangement housed in an aged mini milk churn. The realistic-looking bouquet is made up of feel-good colours of yellows and oranges that will liven up monochrome interior styles.

 (Bloom)
(Bloom)

£69 | Bloom

IKEA 403.495.31 Fejka Artificial Potted Plant

Whether you opt for just one or a whole array of the Ikea Fejka potted plants, you can give your home a thriving plant nursery feel without the extensive maintenance that goes alongside it. These trailing options have a truly realistic look that could fool even the most discerning of your horticulturist friends - and what’s more, no tidying of dead leaves required.

 (IKEA)
(IKEA)

£12.39 | Amazon

Liv By Olivia’s Planter Succulent Freda Boston Fern Rattan

Ferns are notoriously challenging to keep alive. They look good at the beginning with the lush vibrant leaves, but not long after, the colour turns to brown and you are left disappointed by your growing efforts. Enter this faux planter from Olivia’s that offers the same beautiful statuesque foliage that you know and love with the added bonus of an artificial layer of soil. It comes complete with a rattan basket for a welcomed decorative detail.

 (Olivia's)
(Olivia's)

£96 | Olivia’s

Faux Agave in Cement Pot

Let the attractive aesthetic of this faux Agave plant take you to a far-flung beach holiday. The plant - hardy found naturally in the UK - originates from The Americas but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the succulent style with an artificial version. You may not be able to extract the sweet agave nectar but it will look great in your living room, bedroom or home office.

 (Perch & Parrow)
(Perch & Parrow)

£12 | Perch & Parrow

Bloom 100cm Artificial Potted Bird Of Paradise in Glass Pot

Break from your traditional plant babies and opt for something a little more exotic in the form of this artificial Bird of Paradise plant. The unique flowers resemble that of a bird and give a very subtle pop of colour that even chromophobes will approve of. It is offered in a versatile glass jar alongside a moss-lining for greater realism.

 (La Redoute)
(La Redoute)

£129 | La Redoute

Extra Large Faux Olive Tree

Dreaming of that European retreat? Bring a feel of the Mediterranean to your home with this show-stopping extra-large faux olive tree that will become a focal point in your home. Come rain or shine, this plant will look as perfect as the day it arrives with a fitting grey-green colouring. Pair it alongside the smaller sizes for a mini oasis.

 (Nordic House)
(Nordic House)

£310 | Nordic House

Sweet Pea Arrangement in a Jam Jar

We can’t resist the charm of a table set around freshly picked flowers and with this faux flower arrangement, you can achieve the perfect tablescaping each and every time. The pretty in pink bouquet has pastel tones and comes in a suitably rustic jam jar with the illusion of water.

 (Bloom)
(Bloom)

£49 | Bloom

Cactus Artificial Plant

Our love for succulents show no sign of wavering and that is no doubt due to their durability. And yet, there are still those among us that sadly find a way of killing it. Luckily, there’s a solution. An artificial option that has all the realism that you’d want without the possibility of plant murder. It is set in a versatile black pot with a faux pebble bedding.

 (Oliver Bonas)
(Oliver Bonas)

£39.50 | Oliver Bonas

Bay Isle Home Floor Flowering Orchid Plant in Pot

For us, orchids are synonymous with sophistication and elegance. They are the kind of plant that shows someone has their life together and is able to maintain the requirements it needs to stay alive. Fool your friends and family into thinking that you are in fact said person with this pot that look as if the plant is thriving.

 (Wayfair)
(Wayfair)

£98.99 | Wayfair

Habitat Mid Century Artificial Snake Plant

Snake plants are treasured around the world - referred as the ‘Tiger’s tail orchid’ in Japan, ‘Tiger’s tail’ in Brazil and the ‘Sword of Saint George’ in Russia. It’s known for its strong fibres that were used to make bow strings. It is also renowned for its unkillable properties but if you don’t fancy trying your luck, Habitat has this equally striking faux alternative that is set in a mustard pot.

 (Habitat)
(Habitat)

£16 | Argos

GreenBrokers Premium Artificial Lilac Wisteria Tree 150 cm Potted Plant

Desperate to bring spring in? Recreating Wisteria Lane is but a simple purchase away. The bountiful lilac hued plant is not only dreamy and attractive but it also symbolizes long-life and immortality - what’s not to love? Take the fuss out of the growing process with this potted tree that is crafted to be as botanically accurate as possible.

 (Amazon)
(Amazon)

£69.99 | Amazon

Verdict

While the price tag for the Hoax Flowers Delilah is certainly on the dearer side, the investment pales in comparison to the amount you’d fork out for fresh flowers over the years. The blooming bunch will put a smile on your face and give your home instant vibrancy.