Natural-Looking Artificial Flowers & Plants

Silk

• Silk plants and flowers are usually the most realistic-looking. Artificial flowers were once primarily made out of plastic, according to Bangkok Companies. These types of flowers almost never looked realistic, so many artificial flowers are now made out of silk. The upside of plastic flowers is that they are much more durable.

Mulch

• The realism of artificial plants can be enhanced by placing decorative mulch around the plant. This mulch will make it look as if you actually grew the plant yourself, according to Artificial Plants and Trees. At the very least, soil should be placed around the base of the artificial plant to add a touch of realism.

Dark Leaves

• Dark-leaved plants tend to look the most natural. Some of the more unrealistic aspects of artificial plants are more difficult to see on dark leaves, according to the SilkFlowers.com. Lighter leaves have less realistic details that can show up more clearly.

Vases and Pots

• Silk plants and flowers look the most realistic when they are placed in pots. Silk plants that are placed directly in soil can get dirty, so decorators often place the flowers in vases or pots where the lower parts of the flowers cannot be seen, according to SilkFlowers.com. These plants will also look more realistic if they are placed near a light source.

Movable Petals

• Many artificial flowers can have their petals pushed in or pulled out so that the petals match the season, according to SilkFlowers.net. That way, the flowers can look as if they're blooming at the appropriate time, instead of always being in a state of constant bloom.

Outdoor Plants

• More expensive artificial flowers and plants can be placed outside. These artificial plants do not fade because they have UV protection, according to Artificial Plants and Trees. These artificial plants must be the most durable possible because they are subjected to rain, strong winds and other harsh environmental conditions.