Fake Plastic Plant Arrangements (DIY Indoor Decor)

Our own Crazy Aunt Patty showed me a creative and inexpensive way to put together fake plastic plant arrangements for DIY indoor decor.

So let me share what I learned!

Faux Indoor Plants

I do love real and healthy green plant decor, but maintaining it all? Not as much.

I was originally skeptical, but it turns out I may have to rethink faux plants.

If you do it right, they can look rather real. What’s more, you can make an arrangement yourself in 15 minutes. Flat.

As the years go by, the to-do lists get longer, and the time gets shorter.

So recently, I have consciously tried to let go of unnecessary work.

We all have our passions and non-negotiables, so why not focus on those and reduce the tasks that don’t bring you joy?

It’s rather liberating, actually!

Plant Arrangements

You might enjoy plant care, arranging, and gardening, but look to simplify. This is a great option for that.

The plant arrangements I am sharing today are very simple.

But you can take them to the next level by adding additional faux plant varieties, colored plants or blooms, or more contrast.

Look for artistic containers or unique plant stands.

Project Planning

When you decide what type of plant combination you want and where you want to put it in your home or office, measure the containers you want to fill.

Take pictures of the vessel, flower stand, or plant hanger, and bring them along when you shop.

Materials Needed

Below are the faux plant project supplies you’ll need.

Green Stems enough for your container
Floral Foam to fit your design
Scissors
Planter Container, Stand, or Hanger
Plant Liner optional

(I bought all of my greenery and supplies at Michael’s)

Faux Greenery

There is a fine line between beautiful and tacky, for sure!

For this reason, you’ll need to choose your green plants carefully.

If you do, no one will even notice they are fake.

You won’t miss the watering, the clipping, the repotting, the undergrowth, the overgrowth, or the disease.

You’ll only need to sit back and enjoy them.

Where to Buy Artificial Foliage

Ready to shop? Check which stores carry faux greenery.

Look online or contact craft, hobby, or home decor stores.

Determine which stores you want to visit and which fits your style and budget best.

Sources for faux greenery stems and supplies:

Michaels
JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores
Hobby Lobby
Afloral

Try these links for a great selection of faux plants:

Pottery Barn
West Elm
Hayneedle

First, allow yourself enough time to shop.

You’ll want to choose all the varieties of greens that you like and that look the most realistic to you.

Take out a stem or two of your favorites, grab a cart, and set them aside.

If you are using more than one plant variety, start by pairing them side by side.

Be sure to step back to look from various angles or try taking pictures with your phone.

It’s amazing how much easier it is to make a decision when you can see it from different viewpoints.

Keep combining different types of plants until you find some options you like.

Consider varying heights, using one upright plant with one trailing vine, with another height in between.

Instructions

Below is a step-by-step tutorial on making a fake or artificial plant arrangement.

1 Gather your materials together in a well-lit working space.

You will need your green faux stems, your floral foam, and scissors to open up the packaging and remove the tags.

You may want your container or plant stand nearby to measure and test ideas.

2 For this plant arrangement, a Boston Fern is the main focal point in the center, so I began there.

Start in a direction that makes sense for your arrangement.

With a firm grip, push each stem into floral foam until it is stable.

However, remember to handle all greenery with care. Faux leaves can be fragile and sensitive to folding or denting.

Some varieties are flexible, but others may not recover, and you may not notice until you start putting your arrangement together.

3 Next, fan out the plant and spreads its branches or leaves. Make sure the size is right.

If yours seems too small or large, you may need to add, subtract, trim, or purchase another size.

4 Now add your second plant variety. I used another fern variety.

Pull back the branches from your first planting, and push the next set of stems into the floral foam.

Continue planting if you have additional plants or flowers until you feel you have the correct amount.

I was going for simple, so two stalks worked for me.

5 To finish, spread out the branches of all plants and adjust to fill any gaps.

When you are confident that you like the look of the plant arrangement, remove all the tags.

6 Place your finished arrangement in your plant container, stand, or hanger. Enjoy!

Indoor Plant Decoration Ideas

Besides using a plant stand or a hanging planter, consider using smaller pieces of greenery to give a shelf, table, or basket a bit of color.

It’s easier to find a single sprig or small branch that looks realistic than a whole planter.

Look in the “pick” section of the Floral and Greens department of the store for starters.

Fill a vase or a pot with artificial stems and place it up on a fireplace mantle, and add to a coffee or small bedside table.

A small touch of greenery can be just the thing that is needed to complete the room decor.

Indoor Plant Stand Ideas 

If you are looking for a way to display the new plant arrangement you made, I’ve done a little shopping to get you started.

Below are a few metal and wood plant stands and holders that I found on Amazon.

I bought my metal planter years ago, but some of these are similar.

Click the picture or the link below the photo for more info and specs. Affiliate product links are in color.

Midcentury Metal Plant Stand

I like the clean lines of this simple plant holder. I think it would fit well in all types of interiors. Find it HERE.

Wood Midcentury Pot Holder

Here’s another stand that has clean and simple lines but will add more warmth to your room with its natural wood finish. Click HERE

Tall Metal Plant Stand

If you are looking for a plant holder that is more decorative and curvy, here she is. Click HERE.

Maintaining Artificial Plants

Fake plants do need regular cleaning, or they may become dusty, fade, or deteriorate.

Remove dust, dirt, and debris from your faux plants with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a feather duster, a small brush, a vacuum, or a blow dryer (preferably outside your home).

If your arrangement is simple, you could also try removing one stem at a time, running each stem under the faucet or hose, or dipping them in a water container and patting them to dry.

Remember also to keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight.

I hope you enjoyed this quick project tutorial.

It’s wonderful how fast it comes together, and I smile as I walk by these plants, knowing they look great but don’t need me anymore. 😂

Have fun! Challenge yourself to make something new for your home.

If you try this or any Bloom creative project, I’d love to hear about it in the comment box below.

Thanks for following along!
xo,
Cindy

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