Adding some greenery to your home with green walls can provide many benefits. Green walls, also known as living walls, are vertical gardens made up of plants that are grown on or against interior or exterior walls. They are a great way to bring nature indoors, purify air, reduce noise, and add visual interest to any space. However, over time the plants may start to look a little lackluster. Here are some tips on how to keep your green walls looking their best.
Assess the Location
The first step in revitalizing your green wall is to assess the location it is in. Consider the following:
- Lighting – Most plants need adequate sunlight to thrive. If the wall is in a spot that does not get much natural light, you may need to supplement with grow lights or move some plants around.
- Air circulation – Stagnant air can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Make sure there is good airflow around the wall.
- Water drainage – Excess water needs to be able to drain off easily. Check that the irrigation system or planting medium allows for drainage.
- Temperature & humidity – Most plants prefer consistent, moderate temperatures between 60-80°F. Low humidity can cause leaf curling and brown tips.
Making adjustments to these factors can help improve the health of your green wall.
Remove Unhealthy Plants
Take a close look at all the plants on your wall. Remove any that are diseased, dried out, or no longer aesthetically pleasing. Cleaning out damaged plants will allow you to start fresh.
Here are some signs that a plant needs to be removed:
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Brown, yellow, or curled leaves
- Leaf spots or fungal growth
- Rotting roots
- Weak, thin growth
It’s better to be proactive and remove unhealthy plants right away before they can spread issues to neighboring plants.
Fertilize the Plants
Providing fertilizer will give your green wall plants the nutrients they need for healthy growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer made for indoor plants. Follow the product instructions for diluting and applying the fertilizer.
Here are some general fertilizing guidelines:
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer).
- Use half strength or less to avoid burn.
- Spray onto leaves or pour into irrigation system reservoir.
- Reduce frequency in winter when plants are dormant.
The right fertilizer and application routine will nourish plants and keep them looking lush.
Prune Overgrown Plants
Pruning is an important part of green wall maintenance. It helps control size, remove dead growth, and encourage new shoots. Here are some pruning tips:
- Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors to make cuts.
- Trim back trailing stems to keep growth contained.
- Pinch off spent flower blooms.
- Remove crowded, woody, or leggy stems back to a leaf node.
- Cut just above leaf nodes at a 45 degree angle.
Try to prune plants throughout the growing season. Taking off old growth makes way for fresh, new foliage.
Add New Plants
Over time, you may need to add some new plants to fill in bare spots or replace underperforming plants. Choosing plants well-suited to the growing conditions is key.
Here are some good options for green walls:
| Plant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Succulents like sedum, echeveria | Low maintenance, drought tolerant |
| Spider plant | Easy care, trailing stems |
| Philodendron | Vining growth, many varieties |
| English ivy | Versatile, spreads readily |
| Ferns | Lush, tropical look |
Add plants gradually, allowing them time to establish. This will help keep your green wall looking fresh.
Clean the Wall Surface
Dust and debris can build up on the wall itself over time. Give the wall surface a periodic cleaning to keep it looking its best.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust and dirt.
- Spray with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow to fully dry before reinstalling plants.
Regular gentle cleaning will help remove grime without damaging the wall or plants.
Check the Irrigation System
Most green walls have an integrated irrigation system to provide water to the plants. It’s important to periodically inspect this system.
- Check lines for leaks or clogs.
- Clean out emitters and filters.
- Adjust timers to provide adequate water.
- Test to ensure all areas are getting watered.
- Fix any broken or malfunctioning components.
Troubleshooting irrigation issues helps ensure plants get the moisture they need.
Use Grow Lights if Needed
In low light conditions, grow lights can provide supplemental lighting. LED grow lights work well for green walls.
Here are some tips for using grow lights:
- Use full spectrum bulbs that provide a balance of light colors.
- Position lights 6-12 inches from plants.
- Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.
- Use a timer to control the light cycle.
- Adjust height as plants grow.
With adequate light, plants will stay lush and vibrant.
Control Pests
Green walls can sometimes suffer pest infestations like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Take action at the first sign of pests.
- Isolate and remove heavily infested plants.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for mild infestations.
- Apply insecticides as a last resort for large issues.
- Release beneficial insects like ladybugs to control pests.
Controlling pests right away prevents major plant damage.
Monitor Air Quality
One benefit of green walls is their ability to purify indoor air. Use sensors to monitor air quality.
| Sensor | Measures |
|---|---|
| CO2 | Carbon dioxide levels |
| TVOC | Total volatile organic compounds |
| Particulate matter | Dust, dander, mold, etc |
| Temperature & humidity | Ideal conditions for plants |
Adjustments can be made based on air quality data to maximize benefits.
Conclusion
With some periodic care and maintenance, your green wall can continue looking beautiful for years to come. Assess growing conditions, remove unhealthy plants, fertilize, prune, and add new plants as needed. Also clean the wall surface, check irrigation, control pests, and monitor air quality. A thriving green wall not only looks great, but also improves indoor air and mood. With a little TLC, your living wall will be an enjoyable part of your interior space.
