I'm not a fan of plastic plants. I have used very nice silk orchids and good faux ficus trees in staging.

Probably a good idea for staging as long as no one steals them. I once staged a house of my own that I was selling with just a few items...plastic plants in a few areas, towels in the bathrooms, just little stuff. Someone came in with their agent and stole everything. Cons: someone may steal the items. 

For staging, silk plants are my preference. 

Not a plastic fan but, if artificial plants are used I am in the Kathy Streib arena. 

Probably ok for staging if they look real enough. I think most people know staging if temporary. Other things require temporary plastic decorations like cemeteries. It's an accepted practice.

Plastic maybe not so much, but some silk flowers can be very nice and they are "approved" by Feng Shui practitioners as enhancing an area. 

Visited with this question of yours decades ago as I did both. The real requires once or twice a week TLC & the "plastic" needs dusting as well. Both look beautiful. Both perform. Plastic is more $$$ up front but lasts longer. The fresh smell good & remind us of other life forms getting a turn. Thank you Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a ...for this decent question

I am a person that only like to see real things.  But that just me

They're great for staging.  They bring in color and don't require constant watering or tending to for removal of dead leaves.  Plastic plants don't create a mess either.

I have seen a few that look realistic, most are not that attractive.

The problems with plastic items are incredibly large.  Plastic plants and trees usually get ignored and fede in color.  They don't look good to start with and all plastic is destroying our oceans and planet.

Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, oh the plastic plants and trees, yes they are still a trend. The key is that they must look clean and real. I am not a fan, but I do have a few, I do prefer the real ones.