Living Wall

When it comes to watering your living wall, the rule of thumb is to keep the soil moist but not wet. Depending on the species of plant, you will need to check the soil once or twice a week to determine when watering is necessary. If you’re using a self-watering system, some plants may only need watering once a month. Some types of plants need frequent irrigation, such as lettuce or herbs, while some don’t need as much, such as philodendron. Typically, when the top 1-2 inches of the soil become dry, it’s time to water.

In general, Living Walls need bright, indirect sunlight or bright shade. The amount of light each species needs will depend on the variety you’ve selected. As a general rule, some plants will love the direct sun while others do better in a more shady spot. Since almost all house plants are tropical or subtropical you generally won’t want to put them in a spot with very direct, intense sunlight that’ll fry them. With a Living Wall, you can take advantage of windows and enrich your space with shades of green.

Living Walls prefer to live in a moderately warm and humid climate, between 65-85°F (18-30°C). If the space becomes too cold, the plants can go dormant, and even die. To prevent this, it is important to monitor the temperature and keep the room as stable as possible.

Living Walls love to be in high humidity environments. Generally, you should keep the humidity level around 60-70%, and a dry environment can be detrimental to many plants. If necessary, you can mist your Living Wall, but remember that this is only a temporary solution. If the environment inside your home is too dry, you’ll need to use a humidifier. You can also place the Living Wall near a heat source such as a radiator, which will help keep the environment humid.

The ideal soil for a Living Wall is a mix of organic matter such as peat moss and coir, combined with perlite and a bit of vermiculite to create a soil that is light and airy. You’ll also need to add a slow-release fertilizer to ensure that the plants are adequately nourished over a longer period of time. Always make sure to use soil that is both well-draining and rich in nutrients so that your plants thrive.

Fertilizing a Living Wall is key to keeping it looking healthy and vibrant. Typically, you should be fertilizing every two weeks during the growth season and every month in the winter. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for house plants, as that will provide the necessary nutrients. You should also adjust the strength of the fertilizer depending on the season and the needs of the plants. Too much fertilizer can cause the plants to grow too quickly and become spindly; not enough will cause the plants to become weak and unhappy.

Living Walls are unfortunately prone to pests and diseases. Keeping a watchful eye out for pests is an important part of maintaining the wall. The most common pests include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. To prevent or treat pest problems, you should regularly inspect the plants, wash off any visible pests with a soft brush, spray with soapy water if necessary, and use specific insecticides to help eradicate any infestations. Prevention is always the best method to keep pests at bay, so regular maintenance is key.

Your Living Wall should be repotted every 12-18 months to ensure the health of your plants. When it comes time to repot your wall, be sure to use new soil and containers that are the right size. The ideal pot should be 2-3 times the size of the original one and will also need to be well-draining. When repotting, make sure to have a solid drainage plan in place to help the roots of the plants not to become waterlogged.

Pruning is an important part of keeping a Living Wall looking its best. Regular pruning will help keep the plants in top shape, encourage new growth, and help to maintain the overall shape of the wall. To prune a Living Wall, gently snip off the dead and dying leaves, twigs, and branches, and limit pruning to about one third of the total growth. When pruning, always use clean, sharp scissors and avoid cutting any green growth.

Mulching is an important step to ensure the success of your Living Wall. Mulch helps to regulate the soil temperature, retain moisture, and control weeds. Use a light layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or composted leaves on top of the soil to keep the plants healthy and happy.

Propagation is a great way to expand your Living Wall and add new plants. It also helps to keep the wall vibrant and thriving. There are a few ways to propagate plants. Leaf cutting is a popular option since it’s easy to do and requires minimal effort. Simply snip off a healthy leaf, and place it in a pot filled with moist soil. Roots will form at the base of the cuttings and eventually grow into a new plant. Another option is to take stem cuttings from the mother plant, and place the cut end into a pot of moist soil. Again, it will take some time for roots to form, but eventually, you’ll be able to watch your Living Wall expand with all new plants.

Since a Living Wall is made up of many plants, it is important to provide adequate support. You can use trellis panels, vines, small wires, or stakes to provide extra stability and support for the plants. This will also help prevent the plants from drooping and keeps them looking healthy and full.

Living Walls require a period of rest each year to stay healthy. This can last anywhere from three to four months, depending on the species. During this time, it is important to reduce watering, fertilization, and pruning. Plant growth will be slowed during this time, but it will speed up again when the rest period is over. This period of rest is essential to the health of the Living Wall because it allows the plants to rest and rebuild energy.

Certain varieties of Living Wall plants may be toxic to humans and pets, so it’s important to research any plants you’re considering before installing them. Commonly toxic plants include calla lilies, dieffenbachia, and philodendron. If you have pets or small children in the home, it is best to err on the side of caution and opt for non-toxic varieties.