How can I make my artificial plant or tree look real?. It may be helpful to look at our photos or a photograph of the actual type of plant you bought to get an idea of how the leaves should sit;-To get a natural curve on the leaves, carefully hold the tip in one hand and the stem in the other and run your hand along the curve to gently bend it into shape and your plant is well dressed and ready to pot;-Put the plant in a larger planter.