What is a living wall?
Living walls are vertical wall systems with plants, flowers and other living greenery on them.
Green walls are different to facades where climbing plants grow on the outside of buildings with their roots in the ground, because they are created using planting trays.
Living walls can be installed both internally and externally, and often have built in irrigation systems.
At Walls of Plants, we manufacture and install living walls of all sizes, shapes and colours to our customers, and we’re often asked exactly what a living wall is, and why you should invest. So, we thought we’d explain everything you need to know before you start planning your installation.
Why should you get a living wall?
Living walls offer many benefits to buildings, regardless of whether they are homes, office blocks or other commercial properties.
1. Living walls look beautiful
First and foremost, living walls look, well, pretty amazing.
No matter how many plants you choose to put on your plant wall, they make an incredible centrepiece in any room and on any surface. They’re vibrant, exciting, and such a step up from having a few house plants around. You’ll never get bored of walking into a room and finding a slice of nature.
2. Living walls improve air quality
One of the most compelling reasons to install a living wall is the improvement in air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
In urban environments, where air pollution is often a concern, living walls act as a natural defense against airborne contaminants. This means healthier, fresher air indoors, which can improve overall well-being, productivity, and even sleep quality.
3. Green walls instill a sense of calm
There’s a reason nature is so calming. Being surrounded by greenery has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Living walls bring the outdoors in, allowing you to benefit from nature’s calming influence, even in the middle of a busy city or hectic office.
Studies have demonstrated that green spaces can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and improve mood overall. For both home and office environments, a living wall can create a serene, peaceful atmosphere that promotes mental wellbeing.
4. Natural noise reduction
Another advantage of living walls is their ability to reduce noise pollution. The plants absorb sound, acting as a natural acoustic barrier.
In cities and towns, where noise from traffic, construction, or crowds can be overwhelming, a green wall helps create a quieter, more peaceful environment. The vegetation muffles sound making indoor spaces more conducive to focus and relaxation.
For neurodivergent people, who may be more sensitive to sensory stimuli, a living wall can offer a quieter, less stressful environment that helps them feel more content in their own space.
5. Build green, be green
Living walls are a great way to integrate sustainability into your home life.
Green walls contribute to energy efficiency by providing natural insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. In colder months, they can help retain heat, while in warmer months, they can reduce the need for air conditioning by cooling the environment.
Is it safe to have a living wall inside?
Yes, living walls can be safely installed indoors.
In fact, they offer a wide range of benefits for your home or office space. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure both the plants and your indoor environment thrive.
With proper installation, having a living wall indoors can be one of the best interior design decisions you ever make.
To ensure safety, it’s important to:
- Properly waterproof the wall: A well installed living wall should include a waterproof backing and drainage system to prevent water damage to the building structure.
- Monitor humidity levels: Indoor plants generally require higher humidity than many indoor environments offer. Ensure your living wall is positioned in a way that prevents excessive moisture buildup in your space. Some systems include self watering features to keep humidity levels in check.
- Choose non toxic plants: Especially in homes with pets or small children, make sure to choose non toxic plant species that are safe to have around.
How to care for a living wall
Caring for a living wall is easier than you might think, especially if you choose a system with built in irrigation.
Here are some basic care tips:
- Watering: Make sure your living wall has an efficient watering system. Most systems are designed to provide consistent water to each plant, but you’ll still need to check on it occasionally to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Light: Living walls need access to light, so it’s important to place your wall in an area that gets sufficient natural light. Depending on the types of plants you choose, you may need to supplement with grow lights.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to keep your plants healthy and to maintain a neat appearance. Trim back overgrown vines or leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the wall from becoming too unruly.
- Fertilising: Periodic feeding will help your plants thrive. Use organic fertilisers or liquid plant food designed for the specific plants in your wall.
Maintaining a living wall may seem like a commitment, but with the right system in place, it can be a relatively low maintenance way to bring greenery into your life.
Where can you put a living wall?
Living walls can be installed just about anywhere that allows for proper care and maintenance.
You can put them in:
- Homes
- Offices
- Shops
- Warehouses
- Showrooms
- Restaurants/cafes
- Hairdressers
- Dentist’s offices
- Galleries
- Shopping centres
The possibilities are endless.
Do you need to water a living wall?
Many living wall systems come with an integrated irrigation system that helps distribute water evenly across the plants. You might only need to refill the reservoir occasionally or check that the system is functioning properly.
This makes them very low maintenance, and ensures even people who aren’t green fingered can benefit from everything that plant walls have to give.
Why not just get a fake plant wall?
While fake plant walls can mimic the look of a living wall, they lack the many benefits that real plants offer, and truth be told, they just don’t have the same feeling.
Fake plants can be unsustainable, less colourful and don’t bring the same mental health benefits as real greenery. You might be tempted to get a fake plant wall for the ease of care, but with built in watering systems, the difference in care really isn’t that drastic.
How big are plant walls?
Plant walls can be as big or as small as you want them to be. Typically, they are sold in kits that allow you to choose the height, width and number of baskets making them customisable to the space you have available.
So you can choose a small hallway display or a floor to ceiling showstopper. They’re fit for all.
What do the plants grow in?
Use an 80% soil and 20% perlite mix with a 6 month slow release fertiliser. It is recommended that indoor plants have a layer of pebbles to act as a natural pest deterrent.
Where to get a green wall
If you’re looking to spruce up your interior design with the addition of a living wall, then Walls of Plants have just what you’re looking for.
Our GreenWalls are designed for low maintenance planting so that you can get the luxury look without the trouble. Our battery powered manual feed system is designed to automatically feed and water your plants, so you don’t have to, and our horticultural expert can advise you on the best low maintenance plants and arrangements to keep both garden and gardener happy.
