Choosing artificial hanging plants: tips for the best choice

Choosing a good artificial hanging plant doesn’t start with the color or species, but with the place where you want to put or hang it. In a dark hallway you’ll have different needs than above a cabinet in the living room or in an office. Therefore, focus on length, fullness, material, appearance and how the plant is presented. If you choose smartly, you’ll get the green effect of a real plant without watering, shedding leaves or hassle with daylight.

Artificial hanging plants are popular because they instantly add atmosphere in places where real plants are often tricky. Think of a high shelf, a bathroom, a corner without daylight or a space where you simply want little maintenance. At Eliassen you’ll find All artificial plants, with different styles, from ivy and eucalyptus to hoya, monstera and rhipsalis, online and in the large showroom in Ammerzoden.

What should you look for when choosing artificial hanging plants?

The best artificial hanging plant isn’t automatically the largest or fullest option. It’s about the right balance between shape, length and surroundings. First look at the spot: will the plant go on a cabinet, in a decorative pot, in a macramé hanger or on a wall rack? A plant on a tall cabinet can fall a bit longer, while a smaller variant works better on a shelf or sideboard.

Also pay attention to the look of the foliage. If you want calm and natural green, ivy, eucalyptus or rhipsalis are often safe choices. If you want more character, a variegated leaf or a more striking model such as monstera may fit better. Finish matters too. High‑quality artificial plants are recognizable by matte leaves, natural color nuances and a shape that doesn’t look too rigid or plastic.

• Check the length in relation to the height of your furniture or hanging point
• Choose a species that matches your interior style
• Look for a realistic finish with color variations and veins
• Think about presentation in a pot, basket or hanger
• Decide in advance whether the plant will be used indoors or in a sheltered outdoor spot

Which artificial hanging plant suits your space?

Not every room calls for the same type of plant. If you choose artificial hanging plants based on the room, you’ll prevent the whole from becoming too big, too busy or too inconspicuous. In living rooms a fuller hanging plant often works well, because it adds warmth and depth. In smaller spaces a subtler plant is usually nicer.

Living room

In the living room, an artificial hanging plant can really contribute to the overall look. Think of a Hanging plant in pot Ivy green (105 cm) or eucalyptus on top of a cabinet, on an open wall shelf or in a hanging pot in the corner of the room. If you have a lot of wood, rattan or earth tones at home, a natural green hanging plant will complement that nicely.

Bathroom or dark hallway

These are places where real plants often struggle due to limited light or changing conditions. That’s exactly where artificial hanging plants are a practical solution. Opt for a fresh, calm plant that enlivens the space without dominating it.

Office, hospitality or retail

Business spaces often call for a neat, well‑kept look with as little maintenance as possible. Artificial hanging plants are useful on reception counters, in waiting areas, above cabinets or as part of a green wall. For hospitality and shop windows, a fuller plant often works well because it immediately adds visible atmosphere.

How do you determine the right size?

A common mistake when choosing artificial hanging plants is to look only at the plant itself, and not at the proportions in the space. A long hanging plant can be beautiful, but looks messy if it hangs too low or hits other accessories. Conversely, a plant that’s too short can disappear on a tall cabinet.

Therefore, look at three things: the height of the spot, the length of the vines and how full the plant appears. A model of 40 to 60 cm often works well on smaller furniture or narrow shelves. See, for example, Artificial hanging plants 56 cm (2 types) as a practical reference. For on top of a cabinet or in a higher setting, think more in the range of 70 to 105 cm, as with various hanging plants in pots from Eliassen. The larger the space, the more length and volume you can use.

Which types of artificial hanging plants look the most real?

When you search for which artificial plants look real, you usually look at leaf structure, color and natural shape. With hanging plants this stands out even more because the vines hang down visibly. Good artificial hanging plants therefore don’t have a shiny plastic look, but a matte finish and subtle differences in leaf color.

Species that often look realistic include ivy, eucalyptus, hoya and rhipsalis; for example, see the Rhipsalis artificial plant in pot for a natural, playful drape. Variegated foliage can also be beautiful, as long as the pattern doesn’t come across as too harsh or artificial. If you want a safe choice that works in many interiors, green foliage usually serves you well. If you want to stand out more, choose a distinctive shape or a variegated accent.

Characteristics of high‑quality artificial hanging plants

• Matte leaves instead of glossy plastic
• Natural color gradations
• Fine veins and realistic leaf patterns
• A loose, natural fall of the vines
• Durable finish that stays beautiful for a long time

Choose green or flowering?

Most people choose a green artificial hanging plant because it looks calmer and is easier to combine with different interior styles. Green works well in modern, rustic, industrial and natural interiors. For business settings, green is also often the safest choice.

A flowering artificial hanging plant can be interesting if you want to add more color. Think of a softer, decorative look in a bright space, sunroom or cozy corner; a nice example is the Hanging plant in pot with white roses (50 cm). Keep in mind that flowering variants more quickly create a pronounced style. If you’re unsure, a green base is usually the best choice and you can add color with pots, artificial flowers or other accessories.

Artificial hanging plants for indoors or sheltered outdoors?

Not every artificial hanging plant is intended for outdoor use. Indoors you have the most choice and can mainly focus on style and size. For sheltered outdoor areas, it’s important that the plant is suitable for a spot with fewer direct weather influences. Think of a canopy, veranda or sheltered balcony.

If the plant will hang in full sun, rain and wind, you must specifically check whether the model is suitable for that. For many people an artificial hanging plant is ideal indoors, especially in places with limited daylight. That remains the safest and most durable application. For more information on colorfastness and durability in sunlight, also read UV‑resistant artificial plants: what is it and when should you choose it?

Which pot or hanger fits best?

The presentation largely determines how realistic and atmospheric the plant appears. A good artificial hanging plant can look less attractive in the wrong pot, while a simple model can look stronger in a fitting setting. Rattan baskets provide a warm, natural look. Sleek pots in black, beige or gray often fit better in modern interiors.

If you use a decorative pot, pay attention to the proportions between pot and plant. The pot doesn’t need to be huge, but it should look stable relative to the length of the vines. Finish the top neatly with clay pebbles, sand or gravel for a well‑groomed look. In a macramé hanger, a hanging plant looks extra playful, especially if you work with different heights.

Practical styling tips

• Combine different heights for more depth
• Place a hanging plant in a pot that looks slightly sturdier than the grower’s pot
• Finish the top layer for a more natural result
• Above a cabinet, use a fuller plant rather than a very thin model
• Only combine multiple plants if the space is large enough

What are the pros and cons of artificial hanging plants?

People usually choose artificial hanging plants for convenience. You don’t need to water them, there’s no issue with too little light and you avoid dropping leaves or plants growing crooked. That makes them ideal for busy households, offices and spaces where real plants are difficult to maintain.

There are also considerations. An artificial plant doesn’t grow and doesn’t improve the indoor climate the way a real plant can. In addition, low quality is more noticeable, especially up close. That’s why it’s smart to consider material, finish and a model that suits the spot.

• Pros: maintenance‑free, always tidy, suitable for dark spots, long‑lasting
• Cons: no real growth or scent, quality differences determine the look

Popular choices in the range

If you’re still unsure which artificial hanging plants are the best choice, it helps to look at models that are widely applicable. At Eliassen, eucalyptus, ivy, a hoya hanging plant, monstera and a compact rhipsalis are logical options for anyone seeking a maintenance‑free green mood‑maker. Ivy often hangs classic and full, eucalyptus looks calmer and more modern, and rhipsalis gives a lighter effect.

Hanging plants in pots are also handy because you can style them more quickly. You place them directly in a decorative pot, on a cabinet or on a shelf. If you want to combine multiple plants, it’s smart to play with differences in leaf structure and length so it doesn’t become one uniform green mass.

Shop online or prefer to see them in person?

Online you can easily filter by species, size and look. That’s convenient if you already know what you’re looking for. If you’re unsure about length, color or realism, it’s especially nice to view artificial hanging plants in person. That’s why Eliassen not only has a webshop, but also a large store and showroom in Ammerzoden where you can see many models live.

This is especially helpful if you’re looking for a plant for a specific spot at home, in an office or in a store. Thanks to the combination of showroom, personal service and a wide range, you can more easily make a choice that truly fits. You’ll also benefit from the quality and sharp pricing the family business is known for.

Frequently asked questions about choosing artificial hanging plants

What are the best artificial plants if you want a hanging plant?

That depends on your style and the spot. For a calm, versatile look, ivy, eucalyptus and rhipsalis are often good choices. If you want something more striking, a hoya or monstera may fit better.

Which artificial hanging plants look real?

Models with matte leaves, subtle color nuances and a natural drape look the most realistic. Species like ivy and eucalyptus often perform well in that regard.

How do you know what length you need?

Measure the height of the cabinet, shelf or hanger and determine how much space the vines may fall down. On a tall cabinet, a longer plant works better than on a narrow wall shelf.

Are artificial hanging plants suitable for a bathroom?

Yes, they’re especially useful there. You won’t be bothered by a lack of daylight and the plant stays beautiful without care.

Can you use artificial hanging plants outdoors?

It’s possible, but not every model is suitable. Preferably use them in sheltered outdoor areas and always check whether the plant is designed for that application. For sunny spots, pay extra attention to UV‑resistant artificial plants: what is it and when should you choose it?

How do you make an artificial hanging plant look better in a decorative pot?

Place the plant firmly in the pot and finish the top with clay pebbles, gravel or sand. This makes the whole look tidier and more natural.

Where are artificial hanging plants best placed?

Popular spots are on top of a cabinet, on a high shelf, in a macramé hanger, in a bathroom or in a dark hallway. Choose a place where the vines can fall freely.

Is an artificial hanging plant suitable for an office or store?

Yes, absolutely. They’re maintenance‑free, stay tidy and quickly add atmosphere in reception areas, shop windows, hospitality venues and offices.