Tall artificial plants for indoors bring
instant greenery and architectural interest to any space without the fuss of live plants. They’re perfect for filling corners, adding a natural touch to minimalist decor, or creating a lush ambiance in homes and offices. This guide offers genius essentials for choosing, styling, and enjoying your tall faux botanical companions.
Transform Your Space with Tall Artificial Plants: A Beginner’s Guide
Feeling like your home or office is missing that certain je ne sais quoi? Maybe a splash of vibrant green, a touch of natural elegance, or just a way to fill an empty corner with life. If the thought of keeping a live plant alive feels a little intimidating, you’re not alone! Many of us love the idea of indoor plants but struggle with the watering schedules, sunlight needs, and potential for wilting. That’s where the magic of tall artificial plants for indoors comes in! They offer all the beauty and presence of their living counterparts, with none of the demanding care. Ready to bring effortless, long-lasting beauty into your home or workspace? Let’s dive into the genius essentials for choosing and styling the perfect tall faux plants.
Why Choose Tall Artificial Plants for Indoors?
Let’s face it, real plants are wonderful, but they come with responsibilities. Tall artificial plants offer a fantastic alternative for busy individuals, those with less-than-ideal lighting conditions, or anyone seeking low-maintenance decor.
Here’s why they are a genius addition to your home:
Effortless Beauty: They look great year-round with zero watering, pruning, or fertilizing needed.
Perfect for Any Space: Ideal for dark corners, high-traffic areas where live plants might not thrive, or rooms with inconsistent temperatures.
Allergy-Friendly: A great option for those who love the look of plants but suffer from allergies.
Cost-Effective Over Time: While the initial investment might be higher than a small seedling, they last for years, saving you money on replacements and plant care supplies.
Design Flexibility: Available in a vast array of species, sizes, and styles to match any decor.
Choosing the Right Tall Artificial Plant: What to Look For
Selecting the perfect tall artificial plant can feel overwhelming with so many options. Let’s break down the key factors to ensure you bring home a realistic and stylish addition.
Material Matters: Realism is Key
The quality of the materials used in an artificial plant directly impacts its lifelike appearance.
Leaves: Look for leaves made from high-quality silk, polyester, or plastic. Textured leaves with subtle variations in color and veining tend to look more natural. Some premium options even feature a soft, velvety coating.
Stems and Branches: Natural wood or rattan for stems adds authenticity. Even high-quality plastic stems can look good if they have a realistic texture and color.
Trunk: For larger trees like artificial fiddle leaf figs or palms, a sturdy, realistic-looking trunk is crucial.
Size and Scale: Finding the Perfect Fit
When we say “tall,” we mean plants that can range from 3 feet to over 7 feet! Consider the space you have.
Ceiling Height: Ensure the plant won’t look cramped or be a hazard. Leave a foot or two of breathing room.
Visual Weight: A very wide, bushy plant might overpower a small room, while a slender, tall plant can add height and airiness without overwhelming the space.
Placement: Will it sit on the floor, or will it be elevated in a tall planter? This impacts the total visual height.
Plant Type: Mimicking Nature
There’s a faux plant for every aesthetic. Consider what kind of natural vibe you want to create.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata): Iconic for its large, glossy leaves, offering a modern and trendy feel.
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): Known for its distinctive split leaves, adding a tropical, bohemian touch.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Striking upright leaves, perfect for minimalist or contemporary spaces. Also known for its air-purifying qualities (though artificial ones don’t filter air, they mimic the look!).
Areca Palm or Kentia Palm: Brings a tropical, resort-like feel with their graceful fronds.
Bird of Paradise: Bold, exotic leaves that make a vibrant statement.
Olive Tree: Offers a Mediterranean charm with its silvery-green foliage and twisted trunk.
Color and Realism
The best artificial plants have subtle variations in green hues, just like real leaves. Avoid plants that are uniformly bright green, as this can look artificial. Look for plants with slight browning on edges, different tones of green, or subtle speckles.
The Potting Dilemma: Choosing the Right Planter
Most tall artificial plants come in a basic black plastic pot, designed to be placed inside a more decorative planter. This is a good thing! It gives you the freedom to choose a pot that perfectly matches your decor.
Material: Ceramic, terra cotta, concrete, woven baskets, or metal planters all offer different aesthetics.
Style: Modern, rustic, bohemian, minimalist – the planter sets the tone.
Size: Ensure the planter is large enough to accommodate the base of the artificial plant and a bit of filler to secure it.
Drainage: While not necessary for the artificial plant itself, planters with drainage holes can help prevent water damage to your floors if any moisture gets trapped or if you decide to add real plants later.
Top Tall Artificial Plants for Different Decor Styles
Finding the right tall artificial plant can elevate your interior design. Here are some popular choices tailored to various styles:
Modern & Minimalist Interiors
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Its clean, architectural lines are perfect for a sleek, uncluttered look.
Artificial Yucca Tree: Upright, sword-like leaves add structure without being overwhelming.
Tall Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata): Its large, simple leaves create a striking focal point.
Bohemian & Eclectic Vibes
Artificial Monstera Deliciosa: Its large, fenestrated leaves bring a lush, tropical, and slightly wild feel.
Faux Bird of Paradise: Bold, dramatic foliage adds an exotic touch.
Tall Areca Palm: Its arching fronds create a wonderfully relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
Traditional & Classic Homes
Artificial Olive Tree: Its delicate, silvery leaves and often gnarled trunk lend an old-world charm.
Faux Norfolk Island Pine: Resembles a small, elegant Christmas tree year-round, offering a natural, enduring silhouette.
Artificial Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina): Graceful, cascading branches add a touch of refined elegance.
Scandinavian Style
Artificial Birch Tree: With its distinct white bark, it brings a touch of nature that feels light and airy.
Tall Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig: Its simple, elegant form fits seamlessly into the Scandinavian emphasis on natural materials and clean lines.
Where to Place Your Tall Artificial Plants for Maximum Impact
The placement of your tall artificial plant is key to making it look intentional and enhance your space.
Corners: The Unsung Heroes
Empty corners can be tricky to decorate. A tall artificial plant is the perfect solution:
Fill the Void: It draws the eye and prevents a corner from feeling neglected.
Add Height: It balances out lower furniture and makes the room feel more complete.
Flanking Doorways or Archways
Placing matching tall plants on either side of an entrance or an archway creates a grand, symmetrical feel. This works beautifully in living rooms, foyers, or even on a covered patio.
Beside Sofas or Armchairs
Tuck a plant next to a sofa or a reading chair to add a touch of life and coziness to your seating area. It breaks up large furniture pieces and adds a natural element.
In Bedrooms
Create a serene, spa-like atmosphere in your bedroom with a tall faux plant. It adds a calming presence without the worry of pollen or allergenic compounds.
Home Office or Workspace
Boost productivity and reduce stress by adding greenery. A tall artificial plant can make a sterile office space feel much more inviting and inspiring. Studies suggest that plants, even faux ones, can have a positive psychological impact. For example, research from the Institute of Art and Design at the University of Chiba has shown benefits of plants in improving concentration and mood.
Enhancing Empty Walls
If you have a large, bare wall, a tall plant can act as a soft architectural element, preventing the space from feeling too stark.
Styling Tips: Making Your Faux Plants Look Real
Even the most realistic artificial plant can look out of place if not styled correctly. Here are some tips to ensure yours blend seamlessly into your home.
The Importance of the Pot
As mentioned, the basic nursery pot needs an upgrade. Choose a planter that complements your decor. Avoid pots that are too glossy or vibrantly colored unless that’s a specific design choice. Matte finishes and natural textures tend to look more sophisticated.
Use Filler Material
To make your plant look more stable and realistic, you can add filler material to the decorative planter.
Natural Materials: Use moss, pebbles, stones, or even packing peanuts (cover them with moss!). This also helps to weigh down the planter and prevent it from tipping.
Securing the Plant: If the plant feels wobbly, you can use floral foam or crumpled newspaper around the base of its original pot to keep it snug within the decorative planter.
Arrange the Leaves and Branches
This is where you can really bring your artificial plant to life!
Fluff and Shape: Gently bend, curl, and shape the leaves and branches to mimic the natural growth patterns of the real plant. Refer to pictures of the live plant for inspiration.
Vary the Angles: Don’t have all the leaves facing the same direction. Create a more organic look by angling them differently.
Remove Obvious Seams: Some plants have noticeable seams on leaves or stems. If possible, gently bend or twist these to break up the uniformity.
Mix with Real Plants (Optional but Effective!)
If you have a few real plants, placing a tall artificial plant amongst them can help the faux one blend in. This is particularly effective for filling gaps or adding height.
Lighting Matters
While artificial plants don’t have light requirements, their appearance does. Place them in areas where natural light hits them. This helps to reduce glare and brings out the details and subtle color variations, making them look far more realistic. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can cause some materials to fade over time.
Maintaining Your Tall Artificial Plants
While low maintenance, these plants aren’t entirely maintenance-free. A little bit of care will keep them looking fresh and fabulous.
Dusting is Key
Over time, dust will settle on the leaves and branches.
Gentle Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster for regular dusting.
Deeper Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, you can use a damp cloth. For plants with lots of small leaves, you might carefully use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with a brush attachment or even take them outside and gently spray them with a hose (ensure they are fully dry before bringing them back inside, especially if placed on delicate flooring).
Frequency: Aim to dust every few weeks, or more often if you live in a dusty environment.
Check for Fading
Although UV-resistant materials are common, prolonged, intense direct sunlight can still cause some artificial plants to fade over time. Rotate your plant occasionally or consider moving it if you notice significant fading.
Inspect for Damage
Periodically check for any bent leaves, loose stems, or other minor damage that can be easily fixed.
Pros and Cons of Tall Artificial Plants
Like any decor choice, tall artificial plants have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • No watering or feeding required | • Can sometimes look obviously fake if low quality |
| • No risk of pests or diseases | • Requires dusting and occasional cleaning |
| • Excellent for low-light or challenging environments | • Initial cost can be higher for realistic options |
| • Long-lasting and durable | • Can fade if placed in intense direct sunlight for extended periods |
| • Allergy-friendly | • Do not offer the air-purifying benefits of live plants |
| • Immediate visual impact and style statement | • Can still contribute to waste if not properly disposed of |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tall Artificial Plants
Q1: How do I make tall artificial plants look more realistic?
A1: Choose plants made from high-quality materials, arrange the leaves and branches to mimic natural growth patterns, and place them in attractive planters. Ensuring varied green tones and subtle textures also boosts realism.
Q2: Can tall artificial plants be used outdoors?
A2: Most indoor artificial plants are not designed for outdoor use as they can fade and degrade quickly from sun and weather exposure. Look for specifically designed outdoor artificial plants if you need them for a covered porch or patio.
Q3: How do I clean my tall artificial plants?
A3: Gently dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth, or for very dusty plants, you can carefully rinse them with water (allow to dry completely before repositioning).
Q4: How do I secure a tall artificial plant in its pot?
A4: Most plants come in a weighted base. To add stability, you can fill the decorative planter with pebbles, sand, or moss around the plant’s original container. For very large plants, floral foam can also be used to secure the base.
Q5: Are high-quality artificial plants worth the investment?
A5: Yes, high-quality artificial plants can be a worthwhile investment. They offer superior realism, durability, and longevity, looking better for longer and enhancing your decor significantly compared to cheaper, obviously fake alternatives.
Q6: Will the color of my tall artificial plant fade?
A6: Colors can fade over time, especially if exposed to intense direct sunlight. While many are treated for UV resistance, it’s best to avoid prolonged, direct sun exposure to maintain the vibrant color of your artificial plants.
Where to Buy Quality Tall Artificial Plants
When you’re ready to bring home your faux greenery, consider these options for finding quality pieces:
Online Retailers: Large online stores often have a vast selection and competitive pricing. Look for detailed descriptions and customer reviews.
Specialty Artificial Plant Stores: These shops focus exclusively on artificial plants and often offer higher quality and more unique varieties.
Home Decor Stores: Many home goods and decor shops carry a selection of artificial plants, often seasonal, but can provide excellent options.
DIY Stores (Home Improvement): Some larger home improvement stores offer surprisingly good artificial plant options, especially larger trees.
Remember to check return policies, especially when buying online, to ensure you can swap out a plant if it doesn’t quite meet your expectations.
Conclusion
Tall artificial plants for indoors are a remarkably versatile and beautiful solution for adding life and style to any home or office. By understanding what to look for in terms of materials, scale, and style, and by employing a few simple styling and maintenance tips, you can create a stunning, green oasis that requires minimal effort. They offer a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality, making them a genius essential for modern living. Embrace the ease and beauty they bring, and enjoy your effortlessly lush indoor space!
