My DIY Faux Real Ficus Tree

This project took a bit of time. Not because it was hard but because I had a hard time finding supplies. I originally wanted to do an olive tree. But I could not find branches to save my life. I had my heart set on these olive branches from Walmart but were sold out every time I went in and they are not available online. So I had to rethink my tree.

In the meantime I had my hubs cut me down some large branches that I would use as the base of the tree. Originally I had planned on making two trees to flank my hutch in my sitting room. However, after getting the large branches into the room it seemed a bit much.

So after scouring the internet for branches I stumbled upon a DIY ficus tree. It was by far the best one I had seen. Except her process was insane! There was NO way I was going to paint each leaf! I ended up going with some beautiful ficus branches from Michael’s. Really pretty color and size and they were $1.99 with I believe it was 20% off. Win win!!

I love the color of both the dark and light green and the detail in the leaves.

Now I finally have all my materials. Time to assemble! I had watched a few other videos where they used a small drill bit to create a pocket so that you could just stick the branch stem directly into the tree. However, the large branch I chose was a bit too thin for that method. I used brown floral tape and it worked like a charm!

I used the stems that I cut off as a template for my faux leaves. The tape really blends in perfectly. You honestly don’t see it.

Literally one of the easiest projects I have ever done. It was my first time using floral tape. It’s very thin and slightly sticky. You just place your branch stem where you want it and gently tape it on. SO SIMPLE!!

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:

Ficus stem branches or any that you prefer (I used 18 stems)
Floral Tape
Large Branch – remove all the leaves and small twig like branches
Bucket/Container for concrete base
Concrete
Basket/Container and Moss (optional) for finished tree

At this point I had used 12 ficus branches. I felt it needed to be slightly fuller so I ordered another 6 branches. I also ended up cutting off those other 2 arms so the fullness would just be the top portion.

After you have assembled your tree and all it’s beautiful new faux leaves you are ready to mix up your concrete in your bucket. We used the quick concrete where you just add water. Filled it nearly to the top of the bucket and added water and stirred it up really good. Then place your tree right in the center. You will need to prop it up on something while it dries. I let it dry over night then moved it back inside. Placed the bucket right into my cute basket, added some moss to cover up the ugly part and there you have it! Your very own DIY Faux Real Ficus Tree! I love the way it turned out. It fits perfectly in the space. Worth the wait!

Used a dolly to prompt it up overnight. Excuse my messy garage! 😉

Totally project cost me around $45! What what! I already had a few of the supplies: bucket, basket and moss. But even if I hadn’t such an affordable project. If you have ever priced large faux tree they are OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive! Don’t believe me check this olive tree out (insert mind blown emoji)!!

The concrete is all dry and time to place into my pretty basket.

Honestly this project was extremely intimidating for me. It was way out of my DIY comfort zone. BUT I didn’t give up when I couldn’t find supplies and stayed the course and it paid off! Now another plant doesn’t have to die on my behalf! 😉 Thanks to my new DIY Faux Real Ficus Tree!