What Plants Are Best for a Living Wall?
Living walls are an amazing way to bring greenery into offices and indoor spaces. These walls offer many benefits to business and property owners, improving the aesthetics of a building and boosting air quality. When it comes to installing living walls UK, you want to take the time to plan out the types of plants that would be best suited for the light levels, climate, maintenance schedule, and purpose of the wall. Let’s take a look at what the best plants that grow in walls are or visit our living wall page for more information about installing a vertical garden into your home or office.
Ferns
Ferns are a popular choice for living walls due to their lush, textured foliage and adaptability to shade and indoor environments. They are well-suited for indoor walls with indirect light and you have a variety of choices to pick from if you are opting for these plants for living walls. The Boston Fern is known for its elegant arching fronds, thriving in humid environments and making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Another good choice is the Maidenhair Fern, which has delicate and lacy leaves that adds a little softness to your selection of plants to grow in walls. Finally, consider the Bird’s Nest Fern, which has bright green, spoon-shaped leaves and adds a tropical vibe and splash of colour to a living wall.
Succulents
Many property owners look to add a living wall to their home or office but only want plants that grow in walls which require very little upkeep and maintenance. Succulents are a low-maintenance option for sunny living walls. They naturally have the ability to store water which makes them particularly suited to outdoor walls in hot or dry climates. Sedum is a popular choice, with a variety of options to choose from, such as trailing forms and compact rosettes. They add some much-needed texture and colour to many living walls. Echeveria are rosette-shaped succulents which are available in shades of green to pink and purple, which can add a splash of colour to an otherwise very green wall. Finally, Crassula or Jade Plant is known for its glossy leaves, providing a hardy and ornamental option for living wall plants.
Herbs and Edibles
Living walls can be both beautiful and practical when you incorporate edible plants. Herbs and edibles are perfect for kitchen gardens, offering you easy access to fresh ingredients. Basil is one of the top choices for wall growing plants. This sun-loving herb thrives in well-drained soil and makes a fragrant addition to any living wall. Thyme is another aromatic option which is also drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for vertical gardens which can’t be watered too often. Finally, if you are really looking to make a very practical and usable addition to your kitchen, consider adding lettuce. It’s very quick to grow and versatile, so lettuce can be harvested regularly for salads. Choose varieties like Butterhead or Romaine for best results when picking plants that grow on walls outside.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Plants That Grow on Walls
When choosing plants for a living wall, consider the location of your living wall and the conditions in which it will be growing. The light requirements that your plants need will have a huge impact on which plants you add to your wall. Ensure the plants you select are compatible with the available light conditions. Shade-loving ferns will not thrive on an exterior wall which is getting sun all day long. On top of that, think about the watering needs of your plants and your maintenance schedule. Choose plants with similar moisture requirements to simplify the watering process. Many vertical gardens use an integrated irrigation system to keep plants hydrated and to save someone having to carry out this task manually every day.
From there, you’ll want to look at choosing plants that have similar growth habit’s. While you can mix trailing, climbing, and compact plants for visual interest, avoid overly aggressive species that could crowd out others. For outdoor living walls, select plants suited to your local climate. Hardy perennials may be necessary for colder regions or the temperatures we experience here in the UK in the winter months. Finally, if you are short of time or work in a busy office where you don’t want to worry about looking after plants, then opt for low-maintenance plants. Succulents and drought-tolerant species are ideal for reducing upkeep and still allow you to enjoy the benefits of a living wall without it taking up hours of your time.
Living walls are a fantastic way to incorporate greenery into spaces with limited space or no outdoor garden. By choosing the right plants for your unique needs, you can add visual interest to any space and enjoy all of the benefits of a vertical garden in your office or home.