It’s not exaggerating to say that the choice of artificial tank plants can make or break the look of an aquarium. If you are looking for the most realistic artificial aquarium plant for your fish tank, don’t skip this review list:
Here are the most realistic artificial aquarium plants you can buy in 2024:
- Fade Resistant (Silk Plant): Marina PP117
- Best For Freshwater Tanks (Silk Plant): Marina PP95
- Best For Saltwater Tanks (Silk Plant): Petco Brand-Imagitarium Aqua Bloom
- Best For Goldfish Tanks (Plastic Plant): Ameliade Aquarium Artificial
- Best For Turtle Tanks (Plastic Plant): CNZ 15” Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament
- Best For Betta Fish Tanks (Plastic Plant): McFeddy Aquarium Plants
| 6 Most Realistic Artificial Aquarium Plants | ||
|---|---|---|
Fade Resistant | Marina PP117
| |
Best For Freshwater Tanks | Marina PP95
| |
Best For Saltwater Tanks | Petco Brand-Imagitarium Aqua Bloom
| |
Best For Goldfish Tanks | Ameliade Aquarium Artificial
| |
Best For Turtle Tanks | CNZ 15” Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament
| |
Best For Betta Fish Tanks | McFeddy Aquarium Plants
| |
Fade Resistant: Marina PP117
- Environmental-friendly & giving like-new look – fade-resistant colors
- Suitable for small tanks - 5
- The base could be heavier
- Unable to position the branches to your liking
The Marina PP117 is a good budget option for small tanks under 20 gallons. It measures 5" to 6" tall, includes four plants seated on a singular base made to be buried in aquarium gravels, and is available in two color and size options.
The leaves of these fake aquarium plants are silk - soft enough to undulate with the water, toxin-free, and environment-friendly.
The translucent color imitates very closely to live aquarium plants and importantly, never fades so you are reassured to clean them with warm water.
| Marina PP117 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 0.8 x 4 x 8.5 inches |
Highlight Features | fade-resistant colors 5" to 6" in height able to undulate with the water stream |
The Marina PP117 has the perfect balance of price and quality. Despite the incredibly low price, it is made from toxin-free materials with fade-resistant colors.
Best For Freshwater Tanks: Marina PP95
- Perfect for freshwater tanks equal to or larger than 20 gallons - 11.5
- Can only be bought individually
The best fake aquarium plant for freshwater tanks is the Marina PP95. They provide two color choices, all of which are available in three sizes from Medium to Extra-large, roughly measuring from 11.5" to 20" tall.
These fake plants have all the features like the Marina PP117: soft non-toxic silk material, natural-looking translucent color, and a moderately weighted base designed to be buried in the tank's substrate to stay in place.
Based on the width and height of the plants, they are perfect for freshwater tanks of 20 gallons in size or larger. But for tanks under 20 gallons, they could be too full.
| Marina PP95 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 1 x 4 x 11.5 inches |
Highlight Features | 11.5" to 20" in height Natural movement & translucent color |
Check out the Marina PP95 - Silk Plant if you’re looking for the most realistic fake aquarium plants for freshwater tank
Best For Saltwater Tanks: Petco Brand-Imagitarium Aqua Bloom
- Material friendly to saltwater aquariums
- Providing a good shelter for shy fish – large, soft, and well-shaped leaves
- Wish there were more color and size options
Superior to the two above, the silk material of this fake aquarium plant is safe for both saltwater and freshwater tanks.
It measures 7.5" tall and is available in one size and color option, meaning that this option should only suit small tanks.
The stone-like base of the plant is flat and made to be seen. Worry-free, all of them are very solidly attached for no risks of loose stones.
The leaves are well-shaped and look natural, though there are a few obvious plastic connections in the root and stem. Overall, this is a great option to provide good hiding places for shy saltwater fish.
| Petco Brand-Imagitarium Aqua Bloom Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 1.75 x 7.5 inches |
Highlight Features | Material friendly to saltwater aquariums large, soft, and well-shaped leaves |
The material of the Petco Brand - Imagitarium Aqua Bloom - Silk Plant is durable enough to last in saltwater tanks.
Best For Goldfish Tanks: Ameliade Aquarium Artificial
- Providing a natural-looking environment – including 7 plants of various sizes and colors
- Not scratching or harming long-finned fish – soft material
- Colorful & attractive – the vibrant shades of pink, purple, brown, and green
- Not for small tanks
- Requiring burying into the tank substrate
The Ameliade Aquarium Plastic Plant comes in a pack of 7 plants, including one big, bonsai-like plant (with dimensions of 10.6" tall x 3.54" wide) and six smaller (roughly measuring from 1.96" to 2.75" tall by 1.57" to 2.75" wide) coming in a wide range of color options.
This combination closely imitates a natural environment, helping your pet fish less stressful and more comfortable. The vibrant shades of pink, purple, brown, and green makes your tank more colorful and beautiful.
As these fake aquarium plants are made of premium eco-free non-toxic soft PVC, they will not fade, rot, or attract algae. The best part is they don't scratch or tear long-finned fish like goldfish.
| Ameliade Aquarium Artificial Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 10.63 x 9.84 x 3.15 inches |
Highlight Features | including 7 plants of various sizes and colors soft material the vibrant shades of pink, purple, brown, and green |
Made from soft-to-touch plastic, the Ameliade Aquarium Artificial - Plastic Plant is very friendly to long-finned fish like goldfish
Best For Turtle Tanks: CNZ 15” Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament
- Holding up well in turtle tanks - the one-piece molded construction & durable materials
- Adding life to the aquarium – vibrant colors
- Suited for large tanks - 15
- The base of the plant maybe not weighted enough for determined turtles
When using these decoration items for your tank, we assure you that it is hard to tell they are made of plastic. The leaves are well-shaped and the color is realistically vibrant.
The reason that we suggest this artificial aquarium plant for the turtle tank is the one-piece molded construction. Unlike those options that allow you to remove stems from the included base, this one is fixed to hence hold up better against the aggressive abuse of curious turtles.
Like other picks here, the entire plant is made of toxin-free materials to not contaminate the aquarium water or poison your fish. According to the measurement, we suggest it for large tanks over 30 gallons.
| CNZ 15” Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 15" tall x 5.5" wide Base: 4" x 2.5" |
Highlight Features | the one-piece molded construction vibrant colors 15" tall x 5.5" wide |
The CNZ 15” Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament is built to be hard and sturdy, which suits well to turtle tanks.
Best For Betta Fish Tanks: McFeddy Aquarium Plants
- Not harm betta fish fins – soft materials & no sharp edges in the design
- Making the tank livelier – vibrant colors
- Allow for flexibly changing the layout of fake plant in the tank – each plant seated in a separate base
- Not eco-friendly
The McFeddy Aquarium Plants are our favorite pick for betta fish tanks for two good reasons. First up, they all are made of soft-to-touch plastic material and next, the shape of the leaves has no sharp edges to scratch the fish fins.
The vibrant color is a big bonus to make your aquarium livelier. Betta fish also has a good place to hide.
A pack of this includes 7 plants with measurements of 4" to 12" in height. Each plant is attached to a separate ceramic base, which we find is very handy for those who prefer to frequently change the layout of the fake plants in their tank for a new look.
| McFeddy Aquarium Plants Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 15.75 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches |
Highlight Features | soft materials & no sharp edges in the design vibrant colors each plant seated in a separate base |
Want to create a natural-looking and harm-free environment for your betta fish? Then, our favorite pick is the McFeddy Aquarium Plants - Plastic Plant
How To Choose The Most Realistic Artificial Aquarium Plant?
Your Overall Goal Vs. The Plant's Style, Size, And Color
Artificial aquarium plants, in the market, are available in every color of the rainbow and in a broad range of styles, ranging from natural-looking copies to vivid and brilliant options.
But take note that they are only a piece of the puzzle.
You will want the fake plants to blend in with the surrounding flora and fauna rather than sticking out like a sore thumb, right?
Then, consider the additional décor pieces you'll be using, as well as your ultimate purpose in decorating your aquarium, to ensure that they all blend well together.
Colors
Consider brightly colored plants in a range of designs if you want something with a touch of whimsical looking.
Choose realistic-looking fake plants if you want to create the most natural appearance in your tank.
Style & Size
To compliment the color scheme that you hope to create for your aquarium, use a choice of fake plants in various tones.
You will want to employ various fake plants in the front and backdrop of your tank, so choose a range of plant shapes and sizes.
Pro Tips:
If you buy a lot of the same plant, you may make a carpet-like effect.
If you prefer to use varied plant shapes and sizes, put the smaller and shorter ones in the foreground of the tank and the taller ones near the sides and in the rear.
This adds visual interest without taking up crucial free-swimming room in the center of your tank.
Silk Plants Or Plastic Plants
To know which material is right for you, please take a peek at this comparison table:
Pros | Cons | |
Silk plants | More realistic movement | Hard to clean Degrade over time |
Plastic plants | Easy to clean Long-lasting | More rigid -> less realistic movement |
Fin-Friendly
If you plan to add fake aquarium plants into a betta or goldfish tank, pay more attention to the plant shape and material.
As these long-finned fish species are more vulnerable to be torn or scratched by pointy and sharp objects, you should choose fake plants with soft material and rounded edges.
Which Brands Make The Most Realistic Artificial Aquarium Plant?
Marina
One of the most reliable companies specializing in manufacturing and selling aquarium products, Marina. They are also the top-seller on Amazon, speaking of realistic artificial aquarium plants.
Petco
Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., founded in 1965, is a well-known US pet retailer dedicated to providing pet services, products, and food. They have grown to be the US's largest pet food and supplies chain with nearly 1,500 Petco stores in 2021.
FAQs
Are fake plants good for aquariums?
Yes, they are. Aquarium-safe fake plants are considered good for aquariums because they don’t foul or decay in the tank, are low-maintenance, affordable, and safe for fish that tend to eat live plants.
Are plastic or silk aquarium plants better?
As plastic and silk aquarium plants have their own pros and cons, the choice depends on your needs. Plastic plants are tougher, easier to clean, and more durable while silk plants are more realistic to the look.
How long do plastic aquarium plants last?
Plastic aquarium plants can last from 1 to 5 years depending on the brand, quality, and maintenance.
Can you mix fake plants with real plants?
Yes, you can. By mixing real plants and fake plants, it’s easier for you to join in various plant trends with no fears of them dying.
Can you have too many fake plants in an aquarium?
No, you can’t. Having too many fake plants in an aquarium limits the space for fish to swim.
Conclusion
Aside from aquarium pumps and heaters, your artificial plants are probably the most important addition for the tank. It has to be safe, realistic to the look, and even fin-friendly. All of the options in this review are thoroughly picked according to our real-life testing process, which means they are the most realistic artificial aquarium plants in the market at the best price.
