The absolute BEST artificial plants for your rental
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
Trying to keep real plants alive in an Airbnb is a mega-chore. And after you’ve replaced your 17th fiddle fig because no one remembered to water it, that’s when you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of artificial plants.
Luckily, they’ve gotten a lot better in recent years - there are some amazing fake plants out there that you have to touch to tell if they’re real or not!
WARNING: Fake Boston ferns always look cheap. Buyer beware!
Here are our faves:
CB2 Fiddle FigCB2 Fiddle Fig
This CB2 fiddle fig comes with a sleek white pot and a moss base. The whole thing is done and ready to go. Living fig trees can get big and unwieldy, but this one will always stand at a perfect 5 feet. If the $299 price is too much, try Ikea and get your own pot. They have great fiddle figs too, just at a smaller height.
String of Pearls
A string of pearls plant looks amazing in person but can be fickle and die easily. So if you’re looking for something natural to come spilling out of that macrame you’ve got hung up in the dark corner of the room, this is your guy. The simple shape of the beads makes it easy to replicate without looking phony.
Ikea Monstera
Ikea Monstera
Real monstera plants are vines, so it’s tough to get them to keep a decent shape without tying them to posts. The Ikea monstera is bendable to get the shape you want and costs less than $40. Put it in a pot or a basket and it’s a great way to brighten up a room with some lush greenery.
Opalhouse Artificial CactusTarget Opalhouse Artificial Cactus
This $20 artificial cactus from Target comes in an adorable boho basket and looks like the real thing! Goes great in a corner or on an end table for some height. And since cacti are notoriously difficult to keep alive in low light settings or cold climates, you’ll never have to worry about killing one again.
Artificial TillandsiaTarget Artificial Air Plants
Air Plants, or Tillandsia as they’re called, are nearly impossible to keep alive in a vacation rental unless you live on the premises. But Target has some amazingly realistic ones. In general, look for ones with that little but of fuzz and a matte sheen. It’ll fool even the most discerning plant lovers.
Aldik Home succulents
Aldik Home Succulents
Aldik Home is one of our favorite secret spots for the best silk plants in general, especially succulents. Their stuff is top notch and if you’re ever in Southern California, you can’t beat the opportunity to touch and feel artificial plants before you buy them. If you’re in the industry and can set up a resale account, you get a steep discount too.
What are your favorite falsies? Please, please, please share in the comments. We REALLY want to know! They’re so hard to find…