Making Faux Plants and Branches Look Real
At this time last year, I shared with you My “Must-Do Fake Flower Decorating Tips. This post is all about Faux plants and how to style them so they look as realistic as possible. You will find how to style fake stems in water to making a topiary look real.
If you follow design blogs and have read decorating magazines as long as I have, then you have seen trends in furnishings, decorative accessories, paint colors and more… come and go.
Some home decorating trends have more staying power than others, some become classics, but most simply become popular to the masses for a few years until the next trend surfaces.
There are two decorating trends that have been popular for the last few years in the world of decor that I just can’t get on board with.
They are succulents and macrame wall hangings. I grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s. Both of these remind me of my awkward junior high years… no need to bring any of those memories back. :-)
Even if succulents are not my thing, there is a plant trend I do like… it’s one that is open, airy, casual and relaxed.
The house plant trend I really like is the simple, but artfully arranged fake greenery branches that are in tall glass vases that you see gracing the pages of Pottery Barn catalogs.
I have never had much of a green thumb and am fine with using faux or fake flowers and house plants in my house.
Of course, I prefer decorating and arranging with real fresh flowers and clip branches from the shrubs and trees around my yard to place in vases, but I can only cut so many branches off each season :-)
Good quality artificial plants, stems, branches and flowers can look just as nice when styled in a realistic way are my second go-to.
I love the large tall arrangements shown in the catalogs, but I don’t live in a house with large rooms and high ceilings. I have to pare the size down to look in proportion within my space.
When I am out shopping I always search for just the right size to use.
Two weeks ago at Hobby Lobby, I found these Ginkgo branches. With my online coupon, they cost around $12.
What I like about them the most is their color, a light green. Many fake plants are a very dark green, I prefer light green. The other reason I like them is they were just the right height for my kitchen table.
With some bending and fluffing of each stem, I arranged them in a large pickle jar I picked up at the thrift store many years ago. It is my go to vase that gives off the casual vibe I like.
How to Make Faux Plant Branches Look Real
1. FIND PHOTOS – When you go shopping to find the best faux branches to place in glass vases, take pictures with you from magazines so you can compare the look of everything from the leaves to the stems. Real plants have stems and leaves that are not all the same color and can be slightly imperfect
2. LOOK FOR A TALL CONTAINER – You don’t have to limit yourself to an actual vase, consider repurposing tall bottles and jars.
3. LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF STEMS – Using only 3 stems looks more realistic and allow the stems look prettier in the water.
4. CURVE THE STEMS – A real flower does not stand perfectly straight on it’s stem, they softly droop to the sides of a vase. Using your hands, bend the wire stems into a slight curve so they will stand more like a real flower.
5. ADD WATER TO THE VASE – When using glass vases to display fake branches or flowers, make sure to add water to the vase. This tip alone will make fake florals look more realistic.
If the metal ends of the stems are visible, cut them off with wire cutters. If the metal can’t be cut off, apply clear nail polish over the metal and let dry, then place in water. This will keep rust marks from forming on the glass.
6. MIX WITH REAL – If you only have one long faux branch, mix it up with two real branches to create a more realistic look.
Other Ways To Style Faux Greenery Branches To Make Them Look Real
How to Create a Fake Topiary That Looks Real
This idea is not using the fake greenery branches in a glass vase, but it is another way to use them to create a real looking plant.
Cut greenery off fake floral stems. Use a real tree branch wedged into a pot filled with soil. Find out how to create it here: How to Make a Fake Topiary
How to Clean Faux Plant Stems
Thank you to reader, Connie M. who shared a very smart tip on how to clean artificial flowers. Use a paint brush. A 1″- 2″ wide one would be perfect. The bristles are stiff, yet soft enough to get into all the crevices without damaging the flowers and leaves.
When they need a deep cleaning:
- The easiest way to clean fake greenery is to place them in a tub or sink of warm soapy water, swish them around to loosen the dust, then spray them down with the sink faucet sprayer.
- Shake and gently remove excess water on them with a fluffy towel.
- Air dry them by placing them right back in the vase. Arrange to your liking and let dry in place. If you allow them to dry laying down on a towel, they may get kinks or flat areas and won’t look natural.
Faux Plant Resources:
More faux plant decorating ideas:
My “Must-Do” Fake Flower Decorating Tips
