DIY Fake Plants
Creating beautiful faux plants can enhance your Instagram product photography, adding a natural vibe to your photos without the maintenance of real plants. In this guide, I’ll walk you through making realistic faux plants with affordable supplies. These DIY plants can be customized to your style, giving you endless options to create a unique backdrop for your photos.
This tutorial will give step-by-step instructions on how to make these cute DIY fake plants! I will also give you a couple of ideas on how to make your Instagram or Etsy look just right.
Visual learner? Scroll to the bottom for the step-by-step video tutorial.
Supplies
Ruler: For measuring stem lengths and tape strips.
Scissors & Wire Cutters: For cutting floral wire and shaping leaves.
Floral Stem Wire: Available in packs of around 12, these green, thread-covered wires provide a realistic stem for your faux plants.
Crafting Folder: This will help smooth any creases as you work.
Brown Sharpie: Ideal for sketching templates on leaves without leaving obvious lines.
X-Acto Knife: Useful for cutting small details.
Gorilla Glue: Optional, but handy for extra hold.
Green Painter’s Tape: A strong adhesive that forms the base of your leaves. (Avoid floral tape or electrical tape as they lack strength and flexibility.)
Clay Pots: Choose between a 2- or 3-inch diameter clay pot, depending on your plant size.
Foam for Pot Filling: This will hold your stems securely. You can reuse leftover foam or purchase crafting foam at a store.
Paint: Dark green paint adds realism to the leaves, creating a lush, lifelike effect.
Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Floral Stems
Start by cutting your floral stem wires to around 6 inches long. This length works well for small, potted faux plants but can be adjusted depending on the pot size and plant height you want.
Step 2: Create Leaf Bases with Painter’s Tape
This is where we form the leaves:
Cut Tape: Cut four pieces of painter’s tape, each about 4 inches long.
Attach the Floral Wire: Lay one piece of tape down sticky side up. Place a floral wire in the center, then place a second piece of tape on top, sticky sides together, securing the wire between the tape pieces.
Layer the Tape: Place a third piece of tape just below the initial pieces, and add a fourth on top to fully secure the stem.
Trim any sticky edges that remain. This step gives you a sturdy, tape-based leaf to shape.
Step 3: Shape and Cut Your Leaves
Now that you have a tape “leaf,” it’s time to cut it to shape:
Draw a Template: Use the brown Sharpie to outline a leaf shape on the tape. Common leaf shapes include ferns, monstera, or simple oval shapes.
Cut and Detail: Use scissors to cut out the leaf shape and make tiny cuts for extra details, like serrations or holes typical of monstera leaves. For intricate cuts, switch to the X-Acto knife.
Step 4: Add Color and Depth
Now that you’ve shaped your leaves, add a layer of dark green paint to give them a natural look. This will add depth and realism, creating a beautiful contrast in your photos.
Step 5: Assemble the Pot and Insert Leaves
Take the foam and cut it to fit snugly in your clay pot. Insert the floral stems into the foam, arranging the leaves to look full and natural. Use the foam's folds to keep each stem steady and upright.
Step 6: Repeat for Additional Leaves or Plants
To create a full plant, repeat the steps above until you have enough leaves to fill the pot. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to mimic different plant varieties. For a lush look, make several sets of leaves with varying lengths and shapes.
Step 7: Style and Photograph Your DIY Fake Plants
Now that your faux plants are complete, place them in a well-lit area for your photo shoot. They make the perfect addition to product photos or lifestyle shots, adding an organic, earthy vibe to your Instagram feed.
Tips for Styling DIY Fake Plants in Photos
Lighting: Use natural lighting to enhance the color and texture of your plants.
Backgrounds: Choose neutral or nature-inspired backgrounds for a cohesive look.
Props: Pair with earthy elements like stones, wood, or fabric to complete the aesthetic.
