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    Home » Trending

    Published: Apr 29, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. ·

    8 Plants That Look Fake but Totally Aren’t

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    Some plants are so perfectly unique, vibrant, and symmetrical that they seem like they must be artificial. But don’t be fooled — these real, living plants are all-natural, despite their almost-too-perfect looks. From ultra-smooth textures to striking colors, these plants will make your garden feel like a high-end botanical exhibit.

    If you love a bit of illusion in your greenery, these eight plants will give your space a truly surreal vibe. Get ready for a list of plants that look fake but are completely real!

    Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

    Bird of paradise plants with orange and blue flowers and large green leaves growing in front of a yellow building.
    Photo Credit: moniek58/Pixabay

    With its dramatic, sculptural leaves and vibrant, exotic flowers resembling a bird’s head, the Bird of Paradise looks like it came straight out of a high-end fake plant catalog. Yet, this tropical beauty thrives in well-lit spaces and adds an elegant touch to any room.

    Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

    Cluster of bright pink oleander flowers with elongated green leaves in the background.
    Photo Credit: SandeepHanda/Pixabay

    The Desert Rose's twisted trunk and vibrant, almost plastic-looking blooms make it appear like something out of a dollhouse garden. But it's a real succulent, perfectly adapted to dry conditions and sun-soaked spots.

    Calathea (Calathea spp.)

    Close-up view of several green leaves with white parallel stripes, displaying a pattern and glossy texture.
    Photo Credit: Nothing Ahead/Pexels

    Known for its perfectly patterned leaves with bold, contrasting stripes, Calatheas look like the work of an artist, not nature. These plants are real and thrive in lower-light conditions, offering a pop of color and texture to indoor spaces.

    The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta)

    A rainbow eucalyptus tree with multicolored bark stands on a grassy lawn, with a fence, trees, and ocean visible in the background.
    Photo Credit: steveheap/Deposit Photos

    The Rainbow Eucalyptus has a bark that seems more like a painting than a plant. Its vibrant, multicolored trunk peels away in strips, creating a kaleidoscope of hues. This tree is totally real, though it’s best suited for tropical climates and large gardens.

    Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

    Dense cluster of pink and white flowers with yellow centers, surrounded by dark green leaves.
    Photo Credit: Hans/Pixabay

    With its waxy, glossy leaves and perfectly symmetrical blooms in shades of red, pink, or white, the Wax Begonia has a polished, fake look. But it’s a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in partial shade and brings a bit of shine to any garden.

    Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)

    Close-up of two air plants (Tillandsia) hanging from a branch outdoors, with a blurred background of trees and greenery.
    Photo Credit: sweetlouise/Pixabay

    Air plants often seem artificial because of their sleek, sculptural form and vibrant colors. These tiny, epiphytic plants don’t need soil and can be placed in creative displays, making them look like they're from a sci-fi movie, but they’re all-natural!

    Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)

    A single stalk of delicate white and pale yellow wildflowers stands upright against a blurred, green and brown natural background.
    Photo Credit: OndrejProsicky/Deposit Photos

    The Ghost Orchid’s delicate, ethereal white blooms, suspended on a spindly stem, have an almost otherworldly look. It seems like something out of a dream or a surreal painting, but this rare orchid is 100% real, though it’s quite hard to grow outside of specific conditions.

    Lithops (Lithops spp.)

    Six green lithops, also known as living stones, are clustered together on a bed of small brown and tan gravel.
    Photo Credit: manseok_Kim/Pixabay

    Commonly known as "living stones," Lithops look like little pebbles, often fooling unsuspecting passersby. Their thick, succulent leaves blend in with the soil, giving them the appearance of stones. But they’re living, breathing plants, thriving in dry, sunny spots.

    These plants are so stunning, they could belong in a high-end decor shop rather than your backyard. Glossy, vibrant, or surreal, these real wonders will add an extraordinary touch to your space.

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    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen is a plant lover, gardener, certified functional nutritional expert, cookbook author, writer, and photographer. Her work has been featured in many online and print publications including Willow & Sage Magazine, Forbes, NBC, New York Daily News, Healthline, MSN, Elle, Yoga Journal, and many more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen is a plant lover, gardener, certified functional nutritional expert, cookbook author, writer, and photographer. Her work has been featured in many online and print publications including Willow & Sage Magazine, Forbes, NBC, New York Daily News, Healthline, MSN, Elle, Yoga Journal, and many more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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