Pick These Artificial Plants for Fauxliage That Doesn’t Look So Faux

1. Aloe

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties when it comes to sunburn. But this spiky succulent with thick, serrated leaves is also a low-maintenance indoor plant. It doesn't require frequent watering. In fact, it's actually best to let the soil dry out completely between drinks to prevent over-watering. And although it grows slowly, aloe can eventually reach up to three feet in height and width.

2. Snake Plant

Live Sansevieria Plant w/ Grow Pot

Snake plants are beloved for their striking, sword-shaped dark green leaves, which are often highlighted with patterns in silver, white, cream, or yellow hues. These tough plants are ideal for forgetful waterers, too, as they can go weeks without needing a drink!

So, this variety can easily reach an impressive four feet tall and even thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright light.

3. Zebra Plant

Aphelandra Zebra Plant with Yellow Blooms

With its white-striped leaves, the zebra plant can add a stylish touch to any windowsill. But, perhaps its best quality is that this low-maintenance succulent thrives with very little attention, making it ideal for busy plant owners.

This variety typically remains under a foot tall, so it remains compact and easy to fit in smaller living spaces, like apartments. Additionally, the zebra plant prefers bright light and well-draining soil, so you should always allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.

4. Bunny Ear Cactus

Bunny Ear Cactus

As this variety's cute name suggests, the bunny ear cactus features flat pads that resemble the ears of a rabbit. Not only is this charming cactus drought-tolerant, but it also doesn't have the sharp spines typically associated with cacti. Still, you should be cautious of the tiny barbs on its pads, which can irritate your skin if touched.

The bunny ear cactus needs plenty of bright light to thrive, but when given enough sun exposure, you'll be rewarded with beautiful yellow blooms in the spring.

5. Corn Plant

American Plant Exchange Dracaena Mass Cane ‘Corn Plant’

Despite its name, the corn plant isn't really related to the corn you eat. Rather, its long green leaves do resemble corn stalks! Aside from bringing a bunch of greenery into your home, this plant is low-maintenance and surprisingly forgiving if you sometimes forget to water. It will bounce back if it dries out a little, making it a no-fuss variety.

6. Ponytail Palm

Bloomscape Live Ponytail Palm w/ Planter

The ponytail palm is a very tough plant, thanks to its thick stems that store moisture. So, it can easily survive if you forget to water it now and then! This drought-tolerant beauty only needs to be watered every couple of weeks in the warmer months and every three to four weeks during the winter. It also does well in both low and bright light and can reach an impressive 10 feet tall.

7. Ox Tongue

Gasteria Spotted Ox Tongue Rare Succulent Live Plant

Featuring rugged leaves, the ox tongue can add visual intrigue to any indoor plant collection. This succulent doesn't require frequent watering, either, and in the winter, it can go for weeks without needing a drink. Instead, it flourishes in bright light, and with the right amount of sun, it will produce pink-red flowers during the spring.

8. Pothos

Live Mini Pothos Plant w/ Hanging Planter

Pothos is a favorite in both homes and offices thanks to its hardiness and glossy leaves. This variety has earned its reputation as one of the most low-maintenance plants, flourishing even without daily watering. On top of that, it handles everything from low light to bright light and can tolerate drying out in between waterings.

9. Dracaena

Costa Farms Dracaena Golden Heart Live Indoor Plant

Commonly known as "dragon trees," dracaena are favored for their sword-shaped leaves and resilience in the face of neglect. They're highly adaptable, thriving in low light and requiring minimal watering. They can even handle missed feedings from time to time, too. So, dracaena can make bold decor statements with little care needed from their owners.

10. ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Last but not least is the ZZ plant, which has thick and leathery leaves that almost resemble plastic. Thankfully, this drought-tolerant variety is just as low-maintenance as the fake plants you can buy at the store. ZZ plants only require occasional watering, and while they do best in bright light, they're also perfectly fine in low-light areas.

1. Parlor Palm

The Sill Parlor Palm

Native to Central and South America, the Parlor Palm is a resilient plant that thrives in low-light environments, making it perfect for spaces that don't get much natural sunlight. It also grows to a manageable height of two to three feet, meaning it doesn't take up a ton of space and is excellent for smaller homes. However, one of the best parts about the Parlor Palm is how little maintenance it requires. Just some occasional watering is enough to keep this plant happy.

2. Rubber Plant

CB2 Live Ficus Elastica Rubber Plant

As a fig tree variety, the Rubber Plant has become a popular choice for both homes and offices due to its beautiful appearance yet easygoing nature. Its big glossy leaves sometimes lead it to be mistaken as a high-maintenance jungle plant, which is why many people over-water it. In reality, though, this plant is fairly low-maintenance, and while it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can tolerate low-light conditions.

It also doesn't like to be moved around frequently, which is a major upside for people who don't have the time to fuss over their plants.

3. Golden Pothos

Costa Farms Golden Pothos Live Plant

If you want to dive into the world of vining houseplants, Golden Pothos is a stellar option. This stunning variety, featuring heart-shaped leaves in hues of green and yellow, is quite forgiving and resilient. Golden Pathos can grow up to 12 to 18 inches per month, so it's known as a fast grower. And while it enjoys natural light, it's also adaptable enough to do well under fluorescent lighting. So, it's great for offices or dorm rooms.

4. Jade Plant

The Sill Sunset Jade

The Jade Plant is a succulent that takes on a tree-like appearance as it matures, with a woody stem and thick leaves. It's this variety's leaves that help it retain water, too. That's why Jade Plant is perfect for people who tend to forget about their greenery from time to time. It's much easier to over-water it than under-water it.

5. Aloe

Costa Farms Aloe Vera, Live Succulent Plant

Featuring thick, dark green leaves, Aloe is a hardy succulent that's known for its impressive drought tolerance. This low-maintenance plant does best in bright light, so all you have to do is place it on a sunny windowsill. Plus, it's pretty adaptable and can handle partial light. Just keep in mind that these conditions might cause Aloe to produce longer, spindly leaves as opposed to compact and sturdy ones.

6. English Ivy

West Elm Live English Ivy House Plant

Another vining plant that thrives with minimal care is English Ivy. It looks stunning in a hanging container or trailing over high shelving. This resilient variety can go for weeks without any attention, which is why so many busy plant parents love it. English Ivy is easy to manage indoors and can serve as a great home decor statement piece. However, it's important to note that, in the United States, this plant is considered an invasive species when planted outside.

7. Snake Plant

The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii

Anyone looking for a tough and easy-to-care-for houseplant should consider the Snake Plant, which can go for weeks without water. This variety, which features stiff, upright leaves, is a large succulent that's adaptable and can flourish in a range of conditions. Whether in bright light, shade, dry, or humid environments, the Snake Plant will survive.

8. Spider Plant

Williams Sonoma Live Spider House Plant

Sometimes referred to as the Ribbon Plant, the Spider Plant is a super forgiving variety that can handle occasional watering and exposure to artificial light. Not to mention, it grows great in both hanging baskets and pots. Spider Plant features leaves with light green stripes and white, star-shaped flowers, too, meaning it's a striking home decor addition.

9. Eternity Plant

The Sill ZZ Plant

This variety's name couldn't be more appropriate since the Eternity Plant (AKA "ZZ" plant) is able to shine in less-than-ideal environments and endure neglect much longer than other plants. It's hardy, requires very little water, and does well in low to medium light. It's best to let the soil dry out completely in between watering, so sometimes, the Eternity Plant only needs a drink about once a month.

10. Peace Lily

West Elm Live Peace Lily Plant

Finally, the Peace Lily is a gorgeous houseplant that blooms white flowers when given enough light. Or, in shadier spaces, it still functions as an adaptable foliage plant. Peace Lilies are extremely drought tolerant as well, which is why it's best to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. An easy way to tell if your plant needs a drink is by observing its leaves. When the foliage begins to droop, you can give it some water.

THE BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."