Living walls have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people look for ways to bring the beauty of nature indoors. A living wall, also known as a vertical garden or green wall, is a wall covered in plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
However, choosing the right plants for your living wall is crucial to its success. In this article, we’ll explore some key factors to consider when selecting plants for your living wall.
Light requirements:
The first thing to consider when choosing plants for your living wall is the amount of light your space receives. Some plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while others prefer more indirect or filtered light.
If your living wall is in a well-lit room with plenty of natural light, you may want to consider plants that prefer full sun, such as succulents or herbs. If your living wall is in a dimly lit area, you may want to choose plants that can tolerate low-light conditions, such as ferns or pothos.
Water and humidity requirements:
Another important consideration is the amount of water and humidity your plants will need. Some plants require frequent watering and thrive in high-humidity environments, while others prefer drier conditions.
If you live in a dry climate, you may want to choose plants that can tolerate drought conditions, such as cacti or succulents. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to choose plants that thrive in moist conditions, such as ferns or moss.
Soil type:
The type of soil you use in your living wall can also affect the types of plants that will thrive. Some plants prefer well-draining soil, while others prefer soil that retains moisture. You may need to experiment with different soil types to find the right balance for your living wall. Consider using a high-quality potting mix that is formulated specifically for indoor gardening.
Size and growth rate:
When choosing plants for your living wall, consider their size and growth rate. You don’t want plants that will outgrow their space too quickly or become too tall and leggy.
Look for plants that will stay relatively small and compact, or that can be easily pruned to maintain their shape. You may also want to choose plants with a slow to moderate growth rate so that you don’t have to replace them too often.
Colour and texture:
Finally, consider the colour and texture of the plants you choose for your living wall. You may want to choose plants with different leaf shapes and textures to create a more interesting and dynamic display. You can also choose plants with different flower or foliage colours to add pops of colour to your living wall.
Some popular plants for living walls:
Succulents: Succulents are ideal for living walls because they don’t require a lot of water and can tolerate bright, direct sunlight. They come in a wide range of colours and textures, from the spiky leaves of the agave to the rosette-shaped leaves of the echeveria.
Ferns: Ferns are a great choice for living walls because they prefer moist, humid conditions and can tolerate low to medium light. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the delicate fronds of the maidenhair fern to the broad leaves of the Boston fern.
Moss: Moss is a great option for living walls because it doesn’t require soil and can grow in a variety of conditions, including low light and high humidity. It comes in a range of shades, from bright green to deep emerald.
Herbs: Herbs are a popular choice for living walls because they can be harvested for use in cooking or teas. They prefer bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
