In today’s world, space often comes at a premium cost, especially in urban environments. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your green thumb! Indoor vertical gardens, also known as living walls, offer a stylish and functional solution for bringing the beauty and benefits of nature indoors, even with limited floor space.
In this blog, I will show you everything you should know about indoor vertical gardens—from the benefits to plant selection and the future of vertical indoor gardens.
Don’t let your space limit you from having a green home. Instead, take the bold step to learn and implement vertical indoor gardens to decorate your space.
The Rise of the Living Wall
Indoor vertical gardens have come a long way from simple hanging planters. Today, they encompass a wide range of systems, from DIY setups to sophisticated hydroponic installations.
Here are some popular types of indoor vertical gardens that you can implement for your indoor space, whether at the living room, bathroom or bedroom. We got something for you.
Pocket planters
These are fabric planters with multiple pockets that you can hang on walls and are an excellent option for beginners. They are perfect for herbs, small succulents, and trailing plants.
Living wall panels
These pre-made panels have integrated irrigation systems for easy maintenance. They can be modular, allowing you to customize the size and shape of your vertical garden.
Hydroponic systems
Taking it a step further, hydroponic vertical gardens eliminate the need for soil altogether. Plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution, ideal for controlled environments and consistent growth.
The Benefits of Indoor Living Walls
Vertical gardens offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. See how you will benefit by having indoor vertical gardens for your walls.
Indoor vertical gardens save space
These gardens utilize vertical space, maximizing greenery in areas with limited floor space. This makes them ideal for apartments, studios, and compact homes.
Improved air quality
Plants act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels, creating a healthier indoor environment. The good thing about vertical gardens is you can still purify your indoors regardless of how tiny your space is.
Plants enhance your mood
Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost productivity. A living wall can bring a calming and refreshing touch to your living or workspace.
Temperature regulation
Plants help regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing heat and releasing moisture, contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment.
Noise reduction
Living walls can dampen sound waves, creating a quieter and more peaceful space. They are a good choice, especially if you work from home.
Increased humidity
Plants naturally add moisture to the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates and help alleviate dry skin and respiratory issues.
How to Create Indoor Vertical Gardens
Now that you’re convinced of the merits of living walls let’s explore the steps to create your own indoor vertical garden.
Step 1: Planning and design
Before installing an indoor vertical garden, you should measure your available wall space and consider the overall weight of the garden when fully planted.
After measuring your available space, you should choose a system that suits your budget, maintenance preferences, and desired plant types.
Finally, indoor living walls require bright, indirect light. Therefore, you should assess your natural light situation and supplement it with grow lights if needed.
Step 2: Plant selection
When selecting a plant for your indoor vertical garden, match the light needs of your plants to the available light in your space. For instance, low-light options include snake plants, ZZ plants, ferns, and philodendrons. For brighter areas, consider succulents, herbs, and flowering varieties.
After selecting your plants for your vertical garden, group plants with similar watering requirements to simplify maintenance. Some systems have integrated irrigation, while others might require manual watering.
Remember to choose plants that are safe for your pets. Ensure the plants are non-toxic and that you can place them where pets cannot reach them.
Step 3: Installation and maintenance of indoor vertical gardens
You should follow installation instructions because each system has specific installation guidelines. Ensure proper drainage and secure the system to the wall.
To succeed in indoor vertical gardens, you should develop a consistent routine for watering and fertilizing your plants according to their needs. If you are a busy plant parent, focus on getting plants that thrive on neglect.
Furthermore, you should note that regular pruning encourages healthy growth and maintains the shape of your living wall. Therefore, don’t neglect the plants to overgrow in the wrong direction.
Inspiration for Every Space
Indoor vertical gardens are a versatile design element. I have for you some inspirational ideas for incorporating them into your living space. I have a green wall on almost every room in my house, so don’t worry about where I got the ideas.
- Kitchen herb garden. Install a vertical garden near your cooking area to grow fresh herbs right at your fingertips. Herbs such as mint are good for meals and homemade drinks.
- Living room statement piece. A large-scale living wall can be a stunning focal point, adding color and texture to your living room.
- Bathroom oasis. Plants thrive in bathrooms’ naturally humid environments, so a vertical garden can create a spa-like atmosphere.
- Office green wall. A living wall in your office can enhance employee well-being and productivity.
- Restaurant feature wall. Living walls can add a unique and vibrant touch to restaurants and cafes, creating a memorable dining experience.
Living Walls: A Sustainable and Growing Trend
The benefits of indoor vertical gardens extend beyond aesthetics and personal well-being. Living walls contribute to a more sustainable future in several ways.
For example:
Reduced carbon footprint. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and release oxygen, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Improved building efficiency. Living walls can act as natural insulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings.
Stormwater management. Green walls can help manage stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater and slowing its release into drainage systems.
Habitat creation. Living walls, especially those with flowering plants, can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting urban biodiversity.
The Future of Indoor Vertical Gardens
The technology and applications of indoor vertical gardens are constantly evolving. Here’s a glimpse into what the future holds:
- Smart living walls. Vertical garden systems with integrated sensors and automated irrigation will further simplify maintenance and optimize plant growth.
- Biophilic design integration. Living walls will become a more prominent element in biophilic design, focusing on creating spaces that connect people with nature.
- Vertical farming applications. Advanced hydroponic systems might be incorporated into living walls, allowing for the production of fresh food in urban environments.
Embrace the Indoor Vertical Gardens: Conclusion
Indoor vertical gardens offer a multitude of benefits, transforming living and working spaces into healthier, more aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable environments. With careful planning and plant selection, you can create your own thriving vertical oasis, contributing to a greener future, one wall at a time.
So, unleash your inner botanist and embrace the living wall revolution! Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a curious beginner, there’s a perfect indoor vertical garden system waiting for your exploration.
Therefore, start small, experiment with different plant combinations, and enjoy the rewards of bringing a touch of the outdoors in.
Indoor Vertical Gardens: FAQs
- What kind of plants are best for indoor vertical gardens?
There are many different plants you can use in indoor vertical gardens. Some good choices include:
Air plants. These low-maintenance plants don’t require soil and get their moisture from the air.
Bromeliads. These colorful plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and require minimal watering.
Ferns. Ferns thrive in humid environments and add a touch of elegance to any space.
Pothos. This easy-to-care-for vine is a popular choice for indoor vertical gardens.
Succulents. These drought-tolerant plants require minimal watering and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.
2. Do I need a special kit to create an indoor vertical garden?
No, you don’t need a special kit to create an indoor vertical garden. You can use a variety of materials, such as recycled wood, PVC pipe, or fabric pockets. There are also pre-made vertical garden kits available for purchase.
3. How often do I need to water my indoor vertical garden?
The watering needs of your indoor vertical garden will vary depending on the type of plants you grow, the size of your garden, and the humidity levels in your home. Generally, you can expect to water your vertical garden once or twice a week.
4. How do I fertilize my indoor vertical garden?
Most indoor vertical gardens will only need to be fertilized a few times a year. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted according to the package instructions.
5. How much light does my indoor vertical garden need?
The amount of light your indoor vertical garden needs will depend on the type of plants you grow. Some plants, such as pothos, will thrive in low light conditions, while others, such as succulents, need several hours of bright light each day.