If you are a plant lover, you have surely heard of green walls. If you are not familiar with this term or, like me, thought it meant a wall full of vines, think again! Instead, imagine a vertical garden, filled with different and varied plants, concentrated on a wall section.

You are interested? Us too! The realization of an interior or exterior green wall will not only offer you an aesthetic advantage, but will also offer you multiple benefits! Here is some information before you embark on this adventure.

The creation of a green wall: how to go about it?

What is a green wall and what are its benefits?

Much like a painting, a green wall can extend to different sizes depending on your space and its restrictions. However, unlike a regular painting, this one will be in constant bloom and you will be able to watch it grow and flourish over time!

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, its installation will help with the purification and filtration of the air, in addition to the natural production of oxygen that plants normally produce.

Plants also help keep the temperature more stable and cool, which will also help you limit your air conditioning energy use! In addition, a green wall will offer you sound-absorbing properties once installed since it will absorb ambient noise in your home.

Several studies report in particular the benefits of plants and vegetation in the workplace, in community spaces or at home, explaining that they significantly increase productivity, well-being, mood and much more!

Installing a green wall: where to start?

The selection of the perfect plants according to their location

If you choose to install an interior green wall in your home, you will have to take into account its location and the amount of light it will receive. Whether in a small apartment or a larger home, natural light will never stay the same with the passing hours.

If you choose a corner that receives little light, lean towards tropical plants instead, as they require little direct light to thrive.

For generally darker or poorly lit interiors, it is best to install an additional light source, even if you are only selecting plants that require little light exposure. You can do this using a horticultural light (fluorescent tube) or a steam lamp. This will also allow you to broaden your selection of plants in the end.

The PlantesPlaisirsPassions website lists the following plants, which are suitable for shaded areas:

• Dracaena;

• Zamioculcas;

• ferns (Asplenium, Adiantum, bird's nest, capillary, Filicophyta, Nephrolepis Exaltata, etc.);

• miseries;

• Pothos;

• Aeschynanthus;

• Peperomia;

• Asparagus;

• Spathiphyllum;

• Sansevieria;

• Clivia;

• Ivy.

For predominantly brighter places (including the addition of artificial light), you will have access to a wide selection of plants that will be able to adapt perfectly to these conditions.

However, it is best to avoid plants that do not appreciate humidity, such as succulents or cacti, since the proximity of your plants will create a humid climate naturally. 

The framework of your green wall

The structure of your wall will depend on the size you want to work with. The base can be made from a simple medium-sized frame, going up to the full size of your wall if you want!

The way you go about it will obviously also be different depending on the location of the structure. Here we will focus on an interior wall!

Here is PlantesPlaisirsPassions's practical guide (translated from French):

Source: verticalgardens.nl

Watering and irrigation

Several models of green walls seen on the internet during my research included an automatic irrigation system. The upside is that other than filling the main water basin, you won't have to constantly remind yourself to water your plants.

Called "closed-circuit", this tank is made up of submerged pumps that are connected to meters which, once programmed, can send the water through pierced pipes which will water the plants.

Maintaining your green wall

The maintenance concerning your green wall will remain rather simple. You will need to make sure to remove any dead, damaged leaves or yellowing cuttings as your wall grows to avoid affecting other surrounding plants.

Otherwise, it is good to know that each year, it is recommended to change at least 10% to 20% of your plants, in addition to pruning several of them according to their development.