Unpacking & Arranging Your Artificial Plant

You’ve finally made the leap into artificial greenery—hooray! Now that you’ve purchased your plant, you might be wondering: how do you plant artificial topiary trees in pots so they look realistic and stay secure? Whether you’re styling a lush faux fern, a tropical palm, or an elegant potted artificial topiary tree, the process is similar for all. Today we’re sharing a few expert tips on how to carefully unpack, arrange, and display your artificial plant so you get that nearly natural effect every time.

Unpack & Stand Artificial Plant Upright

Your Nearly Natural artificial plant—whether it’s a tabletop orchid or a potted artificial topiary tree—will come carefully packaged in a secure box. Upon arrival, find an open workspace and carefully open all taped corners (you may need scissors). Inside, your faux plant will be wrapped in protective plastic. With care, gently remove it and stand it upright on a floor or table surface.

Most topiary trees arrive in a starter pot, which can later be placed inside a decorative plant pot for a more finished look. This also helps stabilize the plant, especially for taller topiary designs.

Bend Down Branches

When you first receive your artificial plant, you’ll notice that most of the foliage is tightly packed and folded upward against the stem or trunk. This is to protect it during shipping. Start at the bottom and carefully pull down each section or tier of greenery.

Because each branch contains a hidden flexible wire, you can easily bend and separate them from the trunk. Take your time, working one branch at a time, to create a natural spread.

Fluff Out All the Leaves

Once the branches are separated, move through each tier of foliage and begin fluffing the leaves. Bend each one outward, alternating positions and directions to avoid a stiff or uniform look. For a lifelike touch, curve each leaf slightly along its spine—this gives your foliage a gentle, natural arch.

Continue To Style & Fluff Foliage Throughout

Work your way around the plant from the bottom up, using your fingers to shape the leaves into realistic positions. Real plants have natural variations in color and shape, and our artificial plants reflect this as well. Position the leaves to highlight these subtle details.

Don’t worry if some areas look “less perfect.” This irregularity actually makes the plant appear more real. If any branch looks uneven, simply re-bend it until you’re happy with the result.

Add Accompanying Setting to Base

While many Nearly Natural plants come stabilized in their own plant pot, some include decorative base materials like rocks or moss that you’ll need to add yourself.

If your plant arrives in a starter pot, place it inside your chosen decorative plant pot and fill the space around it with floral foam, gravel, or moss. This not only keeps the plant stable but also adds to its realism—especially for artificial topiary trees in pots used outdoors or in entryways.

If your plant comes with decorative stones or moss, gently arrange them at the base, making sure they look natural.

Place in Setting & Admire

When you’re happy with the look of your artificial plant, place it in its intended location. Whether you’re planting a topiary tree in a pot for your front porch or adding a tropical palm to your sunroom, step back and check it from all angles. Make any small adjustments to ensure it looks full and lifelike.

Pro Styling Tips

For a visual reference, you can always refer back to the product images on our website to see how your plant should appear once fully fluffed.

• Choose a plant pot that complements your decor style.

• Use UV‑protected plants outdoors to prevent fading.

• Add decorative moss, pebbles, or wood chips to disguise the starter pot.

• Fluff and reposition leaves seasonally for a fresh look.

Bonus Answer: How to Plant Artificial Topiary Trees in Pots

1. Unpack your topiary: Remove from box, unwrap, and stand upright.

2. Place starter pot in a decorative plant pot: Choose one slightly larger for stability.

3. Secure with filler: Use floral foam, gravel, or moss to keep it steady.

4. Bend branches: Shape them outward for a natural spread.

5. Fluff leaves: Curve and alternate leaf positions for realism.

6. Add decorative base material: Moss, pebbles, or wood chips hide the starter pot.

7. Display and adjust: Place in your desired location and fine‑tune the shape.