Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees - My Honest Guide to Fake Plants That Actually Look Real

If you’ve ever tried to keep a real fiddle leaf fig alive, you know it’s not easy. These plants are picky - they need perfect light, consistent humidity, and no drafts. Miss one detail, and you end up with sad, drooping leaves.

I’ve been there. In fact, I’ve bought (and killed) more than one fiddle leaf fig in my life. After the last one dropped half its leaves in a week, I realized maybe it wasn’t me… maybe it was the plant.

That’s when I gave up on the real deal and started looking at faux fiddle leaf fig trees.

At first, I was skeptical. Wouldn’t a fake fiddle leaf fig tree look, well… fake? But after browsing reviews and seeing some in person, I was surprised. A well-made fiddle leaf fig tree artificial looks incredibly close to the real thing. Most of my friends can’t even tell the difference when they come over.

And here’s the kicker: no watering, no stressing, and no sweeping up dead leaves. Just a beautiful, green statement piece in my living room all year round.

Why I Switched to Faux Instead of Real

There were a few reasons I made the change to artificial fiddle leaf figs, and maybe some of these will sound familiar:

• Low-maintenance lifestyle - I travel often and don’t want to rely on neighbors or plant sitters. A fake fiddle leaf plant doesn’t need babysitting.
• Always looks perfect - No drooping, no leaf spots, no sudden tantrums from a sensitive plant. My faux fiddle fig tree looks just as good in December as it does in July.
• Lots of options - You can buy small faux fiddle leaf fig plants for side tables, or huge 7ft artificial fig trees that fill an empty corner.
• Budget-friendly in the long run - Sure, a quality realistic fiddle leaf fig isn’t the cheapest up front, but once you buy it, you’re done. Compare that to replacing real plants every time they die, plus the pots, soil, and care tools.

For me, the decision was about saving time and keeping my home looking fresh without the stress.

Types of Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

Over the past year, I’ve experimented with different types of fake fiddle leaf fig trees. Each one has its own vibe, and the right choice depends on your space.

Standard Floor Plants (5-6ft)

This is the most popular size. A faux fiddle leaf fig tree at about 6 feet tall is perfect for corners, entryways, and living rooms. Most people searching for faux fiddle fig tree or fiddle leaf fig tree artificial are probably after this style.

Tall Statement Trees (7-8ft)

Got high ceilings? A large fake fiddle leaf fig tree is a showstopper. I put one in my entryway, and it instantly made the space feel grand. These taller plants are ideal for rooms where you need height and drama.

Small Potted Plants

Sometimes, you just need a touch of greenery. Small faux fiddle leaf fig plants are perfect for desks, shelves, or nightstands. I keep one in my office, and it brightens up my Zoom background without needing any care.

What Makes a Fake Fiddle Leaf Fig Look Real?

Not all artificial fiddle leaf fig plants are created equal. Some are stunningly realistic, while others… not so much. If you want a realistic fiddle leaf fig, here’s what I’ve learned to look for:

• Leaves with detail - The best fake fiddle leaf fig trees have matte, not shiny, leaves with visible veins and natural color variation.
• A believable trunk - Skip anything with smooth, plastic-looking trunks. Good faux fiddle fig trees use textured bark for a more lifelike look.
• A stable base - A weighted pot matters. It keeps your faux fiddle leaf fig tree from tipping over, especially in busy spaces.
• An upgraded container - Honestly, the easiest hack is slipping your plant into a woven basket or ceramic pot. A simple nursery pot screams “fake,” but a nice basket instantly elevates your artificial fiddle leaf fig.

Styling Tips for Faux Fiddle Leaf Figs

Even the most realistic fake fiddle leaf fig trees need a little styling to look natural. Here are a few tips that have worked for me:

• Fluff the branches: When it arrives, bend and spread the branches. Real trees aren’t perfectly straight.
• Add a basket: One of my favorite tricks is hiding the pot in a woven basket. It instantly makes my faux fiddle fig tree look chic.
• Choose the right spot: Place your fake fiddle leaf plant where a real plant might thrive - like near a window or in a bright room. It just feels more natural.
• Mix with real elements: Put your artificial fiddle leaf fig next to a real plant, a cozy rug, or wood furniture. The mix helps it blend in.

Where I Found the Best Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

I’ve shopped around a lot, both online and in stores. Here’s my take:

• IKEA – Great for budget options, but some can look plasticky.
• West Elm - Stunning quality, but pricey.
• Nearly Natural - A good middle ground with decent realism.
• Amazon - Honestly my favorite. Tons of variety, from small faux fiddle leaf fig plants to large artificial fiddle leaf figs, and you can read real customer reviews (with photos).

One tip: Look for sellers who include extras like baskets or moss toppers. Those details make a big difference in how “real” your faux fiddle leaf fig tree looks.

My Experience with Faux Fiddle Leaf Figs

My first was a 6ft faux fiddle leaf fig tree for my living room. It filled an empty corner perfectly. People constantly compliment it, and when I tell them it’s fake, they’re genuinely shocked.

That success made me bolder. I added a small fake fiddle leaf plant on my bookshelf, and later a large fake fig tree in the entryway. Each one added style without any work.

Here’s the truth: the super cheap ones often look shiny and fake. Spend just a little more, and you’ll get a realistic fiddle leaf fig that lasts for years.

FAQ About Faux Fiddle Leaf Figs

Do fake fiddle leaf figs look real?

Yes - if you buy a good one. Look for detailed leaves, textured trunks, and realistic pots.

What size is best for most homes?

A 6ft fiddle leaf fig tree artificial works in almost any space. If you have high ceilings, go for 7ft or 8ft.

Do artificial fiddle leaf fig plants fade?

Most mid-range and premium faux fiddle leaf fig trees are UV-resistant and keep their color for years.

How do I make my fake fiddle leaf look more real?

Fluff the branches, add a decorative basket, and place it in natural light. These small touches make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a faux fiddle leaf fig tree was one of the best décor decisions I’ve ever made. My home feels brighter, more styled, and way less stressful.

Whether you’re looking for a small faux fiddle leaf fig plant for your desk or a dramatic faux fiddle fig tree to anchor your living room, it’s an easy upgrade that works in any space.