The fiddle leaf fig tree (Ficus lyrata) is a tropical tree with large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves, and the faux versions in this collection copy that look on a sturdy trunk in a pot or basket. Artificial figs suit bright and dim rooms alike, homes with busy schedules, and anyone who has watched a living fig drop its leaves after being moved. We carry more than 250 artificial figs and related items, and roughly 45% come already set in a planter.
Why Fake Figs Make Sense
A living Ficus lyrata is famously fussy. It needs bright, indirect light, steady temperatures, consistent watering and no drafts, and it often sheds leaves when it is moved or the season changes. A fake fig keeps the same shape in a corner far from windows, beside an air vent or in a rental where you can't control the light. You get the look in rooms where a living one would struggle.
Real-Touch Leaves and Other Materials
"Real touch" is the term you will see most often here. It describes leaves with a soft, slightly rubbery coating that copies the waxy feel and subtle sheen of a living leaf, with visible veins. Standard plastic or fabric leaves are lighter and cost less, but often look flatter. When comparing, check:
- Leaf size variation: real figs have big bottom leaves and smaller new leaves at the top.
- Vein detail and color: a mix of deep and lighter greens looks more natural than one flat shade.
- Trunk: natural wood or textured trunks beat smooth plastic poles.
- Bendable stems: wired stems let you angle leaves outward like a living plant.
Picking Height for Your Room
Faux figs are generally made in tabletop sizes around 2 to 3 feet, floor sizes of 4 to 5 feet, and tall versions of 6 to 7 feet. A tall or large faux fig works as the focal point in a living room corner, beside a fireplace or at the end of a sofa. On an 8-foot ceiling, about 6 feet including the pot leaves room for the top leaves to spread. Small figs suit desks, dressers and kitchen counters. A fig has a dense, upright canopy, so it takes more visual space than an olive of the same height; for an airier look, compare artificial olive trees.
Planters: Baskets, Ceramic and Metal Stands
Many trees here arrive potted, in woven baskets, jute or cotton baskets with tassels, white or black ceramic, slate-toned pots and metal stands. A fig in a woven basket fits boho, coastal and Scandinavian rooms; matte ceramic or a metal tower stand suits modern spaces. If a tree arrives in a plain nursery pot, set it into your own container and cover the top with moss or stones.
Fiddle Leaf Fig vs. Palm vs. Olive
- Fiddle leaf fig: large, bold leaves and an upright shape. Strongest visual statement.
- Palm: wide, feathery fronds that spread at the top; more tropical and relaxed. See artificial palm trees.
- Olive: narrow silvery leaves and an open canopy; lighter and more Mediterranean.
All of these, along with shaped boxwood and cypress topiaries, sit within our wider plants and trees collection.
Price Range for Faux Figs
Prices start around $20 and reach about $1,000 per item. Most fall between roughly $95 and $265, and a typical tree costs around $155. Real-touch leaves, greater height and decorative planters push the price up. A little over half the range is in stock.
Shaping and Cleaning Your Tree
Faux figs ship with leaves pressed flat. After unboxing, bend each stem outward and angle leaves slightly upward, working from the bottom to the top, so the tree looks full from every side. Dust every few weeks with a soft cloth or a feather duster; big flat leaves show dust more than small ones. Wipe with a damp cloth for a deeper clean, and keep the tree out of strong direct sun through glass to prevent fading.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree FAQ
Is a faux fig better than a real fiddle leaf fig tree?
It depends on your light and time. A living fig needs bright indirect light and steady care, while a faux tree looks the same year-round anywhere you put it. Many people choose faux for dim rooms and real for sunny ones.
How do I make a fake fig look real?
Fluff and angle every leaf after unboxing, place the tree where a real one might grow (near a window), and use a natural planter such as a basket or matte ceramic. Real-touch leaves and a wood trunk help most.
What size fig should I buy for a corner?
For a standard 8-foot ceiling, a fig of about 5 to 6 feet including the pot looks right. In a room with tall ceilings, go up to 7 feet.
Is a fig safe for cats indoors?
Living fiddle leaf figs are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. A faux tree removes that issue, though you should still stop pets from chewing leaves.
Can I use a potted fiddle leaf fig tree outside?
Most faux figs are made for indoor use and will fade in direct sun. Use them on a covered porch only if the listing says outdoor or UV-resistant.