As the desire to infuse indoor spaces with the beauty of nature grows, interior green walls are emerging as popular trends.
Imagine stepping into your home or workplace and being greeted by the serenity of a living wall; a vibrant oasis adorned with succulents, grasses, and colorful perennials. This is the promise of interior green walls and tropicals—an opportunity to integrate nature seamlessly into our built environments.
These living works of art are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to improved air quality and overall well-being.
Getting Started: Considerations and Space Requirements
Before planning a green wall, here are a few key factors to consider:
- Light levels: Assess the amount and quality of light available at the chosen location. Natural light is the best option for optimal plant growth. Different plants have varying light requirements, so match the selection of plants to the light levels in the area.
- Temperature: Consider the temperature fluctuations in the indoor location throughout the year. Some plants may be sensitive to temperature swings, so be careful when locating a green wall in an entryway or a poorly insulated space. Be aware of air conditioning or heating vents, as they can make it harder for plants to thrive.
- Access to Water: Ensure access to water for irrigation purposes, whether through a nearby water source or a built-in irrigation system.
Maintenance Accessibility: Ensure that the location allows for easy access to the green wall for maintenance tasks such as watering, pruning, and replanting.- Building Codes and Regulations: Check local building codes to ensure compliance with any requirements or restrictions related to the installation of green walls.
Setting Goals
Green walls serve various purposes beyond their aesthetic appeal. It’s important to define your goals and the benefits you’re looking for so you can design the perfect green wall for your space. Some popular reasons for creating a living green wall include:
Air Purification
Green walls help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Many plants are excellent at purifying the air and contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
Edible Gardens
Some green walls are designed to grow edible plants such as herbs, vegetables, and fruits. These vertical gardens provide opportunities to grow food in urban environments or limited spaces.
Stress Reduction
Engaging with plants – either by caring for them or simply being in their presence – has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Connecting to nature can help you feel more grounded and centered, reducing anxiety and tension.
Sensory Stimulation
The presence of aromatic plants in green walls can add to the sensory experience of the environment. Choosing plants with pleasant scents can create a more inviting and enjoyable space.
How To Choose Plants for Inside
If a green wall isn’t your goal, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate plants into your indoor space to enjoy the benefits of nature within your home. Here are some of the best plants for an indoor environment:
- Snake Plants: Known for its air-purifying properties, the snake plant thrives in low-light conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for beginners.
- Pothos: Pothos is a versatile plant that can adapt to various light conditions. It’s excellent for trailing down shelves or hanging baskets. It’s known for its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves and air-purifying abilities.
- Spider Plant: Spider plants are easy to care for and produce cascading foliage, making them an attractive addition to any indoor space. They are excellent at purifying the air and removing toxins.
- ZZ Plant: The ZZ plant is highly tolerant of low light and drought conditions, making it virtually indestructible. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any room.
- Peace Lily: Peace Lilies are renowned for their elegant white flowers and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: Fiddle leaf figs are prized for their large, glossy leaves and striking appearance. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering, making them a bit more demanding but well worth the effort for their beauty.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is not only a useful plant for its medicinal properties but also thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering. Its spiky leaves add visual interest to any space.
- Philodendron: Philodendrons come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile options for indoor plants. They thrive in medium to low light conditions and are relatively low maintenance.
How To Maintain Indoor Plants
To care for indoor plants like these, you’ll need to dedicate some time and resources.
Maintain a regular watering schedule for your plants, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants. Avoid using heavy garden soil, as it can retain too much water.
Choose containers with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Select appropriately sized containers for your plants, allowing room for growth.
Regularly prune your plants to remove dead or yellowing leaves and encourage new growth.
Green Living Elevated
The benefits of bringing plants into your indoor spaces are endless, from enhanced aesthetics and air quality to stress reduction and a connection to nature.
If you’re ready to transform your living space to one you’ll love coming home to, LaurelRock is here to help. Our sustainable offerings can turn your vision into a reality, bringing the outdoors in and creating a space that genuinely nurtures your well-being.
We offer a variety of different options that allow you to find the perfect choice for your space, including:
- Wall-mounted interior green walls
- Freestanding green walls, which can be moved from room to room, inside to out.
- Edible green walls
LaurelRock’s Green Team will evaluate, recommend, and build green wall systems based on the specific needs of your environment and building structure. Embrace the trend and let the beauty of interior green walls breathe life into your home.
