5 things to know about living plant walls
Weight, planting and maintenance are factors to consider when choosing these verdant vertical gardens
Living plant walls can look impressive and disguise problem outdoor areas, but it’s something that requires careful consideration and maintenance.
Vertical gardens take the idea of outdoor planting to a new plane. A living wall involves designing and installing a prefabricated growing system to create a vibrant, striking feature.
With professionally installed systems, the supporting structure is usually a type of racking made up of pockets or cells. Other methods include a capillary matting system, which attaches to a waterproof backing and frame.
A nutrient-rich irrigation system is an essential part of the design. An expert will advise on location, aspect and adjacent features, which all play a part in a flourishing wall.
Grand Designs spoke to Adam Shepherd of Tapestry Vertical Gardens for his key considerations for an outdoor living plant wall.
1. Maintaining a living wall
A living wall will thrive if plant selection is considered for the aspect and climate and the wall is maintained and fed correctly. Professional installers offer a maintenance plan that can be quarterly, but if you’re after a more manicured look choose monthly maintenance.
Photo: Tapestry Vertical Gardens
2. Irrigation made easy
The irrigation system is designed to keep the green wall constantly moist and releases water and nutrients at a set rate via an automated system. Depending on the design of the wall, the top sections may need to be watered for longer as the bottom ones benefit from run-off.
The irrigation system includes a feed tank kit, which can be hidden behind the green wall itself, in planting beds or in seating areas. The kit doesn’t have to be anywhere near to the living wall, just as long as a pipe can be run between it and the wall.
Photo: Hedera Screens
3. Drainage considerations
Drainage is important and, in most instances, a channel drain is installed in the paving beneath the living wall to carry away excess water.
Alternatively, an integrated drip tray that sits above any paving and takes the wastewater away to an agreed point can be installed. Drip trays are a great option for retrofit living walls and when installing above doorways.
A mix of herbs and hardy perennials. Photo: Verti Grow
4. Soilless systems
A soilless system means the growing medium won’t decompose or have to be replaced, unlike soil-based systems. Plants are rooted into a porous, mould-free, geotextile material that allows for root migration throughout the wall.
Private residence by ANS Global. Photo: Charlie Round Turner
5. Feature lighting
Adding lighting, such as external LED in ground uplighters or overhead spotlights to the decking or paving beneath the living wall, creates an impressive focal point at night and allows it to be used in the evening.
Photo: Tapestry Vertical Gardens
Which plants are best for a living wall?
If you are serious about getting a living wall in your garden or home, it’s best to make sure you have the right plants. This will ensure it lasts a long time, and also make it look its best.
Popular choices include ferns, succulents, herbs and trailing vines. This is because these will thrive in a vertical environment. Additionally, they are low maintenance and adaptable to different light conditions depending on where the plant wall is placed.
It’s best to focus on texture, shape, form and colour as much as on flowers for a living plant wall. This is to ensure it looks great all year round and not just in the summer months. The plants used should also be small, less than 50cm. This is the case unless you are able to commit to regular pruning to keep them from overgrowing.
Opt for shade loving plants if your living plant wall will get less than half a day of sun in midsummer. You’ll also need to water your living plant wall everyday in hot weather, and every other day throughout the summer.
Some of the plants you should consider for your living wall include:
- Adiantum (maidenhair fern) is a delicate fern plant that will thrive in indirect light, which is ideal for shadier spots.
- Pothos, this is an easy to care for plant which tolerates all kinds of conditions so will likely thrive wherever your plant wall is placed.
- Maranta (prayer plant), this is known for its gorgeous green foliage and will add detail and interest to your living wall.
- Saxifraga x urbium is a hardy plant that will thrive in various environments,
- Carex oshimensis Sedge is a grass-like plant that can add texture and colour to your plant wall.
How much does a living plant wall cost?
If you are using a living plant wall kit, rather than building and creating your own, you could be looking at around £250 per square metre.
An irrigation system will cost around £350, and any additional plants you add would be on top of this. The cost of the plants will depend on the type of plants you choose, and how big they are. It’s best to budget around £100 per square metre for additional plants to give you some flexibility on the options.
How long do living plant walls last?
If you give your living plant wall the care and attention it needs, it can last for several years.
Keeping up with regular maintenance of the living wall, for example watering, fertilising, pruning and monitoring for pests and diseases is crucial if you want it to last. You’ll also need a functioning irrigation system to make sure the plants are being watered enough, but even if this is in place you may still need to water some of the plants daily.
If you provide proper care, a living wall can thrive for a decade or even longer. Certain plants may need to be replaced in this time, or refreshed to make sure the overall appearance of the living plant wall is still good. This is great news for your investment though!
Can you have a living wall indoors?
Yes, it is possible to have a living plant wall inside your house.
Taking the nature led home trend to another level, it’s a great idea for a focal point of a living area or workplace. They can be incredibly motivating and there are plenty of benefits including improved air quality, making a stylish interiors statement, and improving your overall wellbeing at home.
You will need to consider the lighting conditions for the plants, and what the irrigation system will be for an indoor living plant wall. You’ll also have to make sure that the plants you select will thrive in your home conditions, and will be more limited as a result.
Do living walls create damp?
If properly installed, a living plant wall in your home shouldn’t create damp.
Dampness inside buildings is complex and involves the movement of moisture within a structure, and this can originate from various sources. If not properly managed, damp can cause structural and health issues to occupants.
A living plant wall relies on moisture retention for managing water correctly and maintaining the health of the plant life. To ensure this doesn’t create damp within your home, it’s important to regularly maintain and inspect your living plant wall. You should also make regular checks on the irrigation system to ensure it’s not damaged.
Be sure to invest in the highest quality materials for your indoor living plant wall, as reliable components are less likely to fail, therefore causing issues. As well as the materials, it’s important to invest in appropriate plants for the indoors. They need to be suitable for your climate and the specific conditions of your home and living wall. Plants that need less water will reduce the strain on any irrigation system, and remove the risk of damp-related issues.
Do plant walls attract bugs?
Yes, living plant walls will attract bug life, whether they are inside or outside your home. All plants do, and a living wall is no exception.
Factors that are more likely to encourage bugs onto your plant wall include high humidity. This is because many insects thrive in these conditions, therefore stagnant air also makes it easier for them to move around. Therefore, it can cause them to multiply.
Overwatering your plant wall can encourage bugs as they’re also attracted to moist environments. This can also create a breeding ground for them.
If you have plants that need a lot of sunlight and are then not exposed to it, these plants can become stressed and more vulnerable to pests. Weak plants will not have as much natural repellent to resist insects and pests, and this will then mean they won’t dry out as quickly. Therefore creating more moisture, and making it easier for pests to breed and spread.
How can I prevent bugs getting onto my plant wall?
Take out regular inspections on the plant wall, and ensure any new additions don’t have any pests on them before bringing them home. Look closely at the leaves, stem and soil of the plant.
Where possible, try to clean your plants regularly using a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or dust. Also take this as an opportunity to remove any dead leaves or stems as this can also attract bugs.
Ensure your living plant wall is near an open window or a small fan to allow fresh air to circulate. This helps to reduce the moisture around the plants and keep the bugs at bay.
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