Limited on space? Go vertical! Innovative containers are providing us with more ways to incorporate plants into our indoor spaces these days, from wall-mounted planters to various hanging methods, totems, and even moss art.
On the Wall
Mounted plants: select plants are mounted to wood or other material, hung like works of art, and grown vertically.
- Wood mounts may be made of cork, driftwood, or scrap wood
- Ceramic plate mounts work for a more modern feel
- Ideal plants to mount are epiphytes or semi-epiphytic varieties, footed ferns (Staghorn, Rabbit’s Foot, Kangaroo Paw), Orchids, Hoya, Pothos/Epipremnum, trailing varieties of Philodendrons, Scindapsus, etc.
WallyGro Eco Planters: wall-mounted containers made of 100% recycled plastic milk jugs
- Available in a range of colors and comes with mounting hardware (up to 30 lbs)
- For indoor/outdoor use; can discretely accommodate drip irrigation lines
- Ideal for one 6-inch plant, but can hold two 6-inch plants or three 4-inch plants comfortably; not great for large-growing plants or trees. You can use bird’s nest ferns, snake plants, zz plants, calathea, all types of trailing plants… possibilities are endless!
- Special design creates airflow to root system while eliminating the need for bottom drainage with a unique watering chamber in back
- Planting soil can be regular indoor/outdoor potting soil or based on specific plant’s needs
Plant Shelves
- Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are full of great ideas for creating a wall of plants by using all types of shelves including free standing, hanging, and floating—just do a quick search for #plantshelf or #plantshelfie for inspiration. Ikea also has some great furnishings to showcase plants—we use many of them in our stores!
- Supplemental lighting mounted into shelving units or applied otherwise can greatly increase the health and success of your shelved plants
Hanging Around
There are many creative ways to hang plants; best for trailing or semi-trailing plants:
Growing Up
Totems and moss poles: many trailing or climbing plants such as Pothos varieties, Hoyas, Philodendrons, and more are trained to grow up a single, vertical wooden or moss-covered post
- Initially, plants may need to be attached to post, but most will self-adhere over time with aerial roots that grow into the wood or moss fibers; keep moist for faster root growth
- Excellent for a narrow space or corner spot; supplemental lighting may help depending on plant selection and available natural light
- Often, plant foliage increases in size when grown in this manner!
Trellises: creative structures or functional panels used to vertically support vining, trailing, or climbing plants (e.g. Pothos, Scindapsus, Cissus/Grape Ivy, Hoya, and Philodendron adansonii); can be used to create a “green wall”
Out of Thin Air
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are a great option for areas with indirect light and can be easily removed for watering. Tillandsias can be displayed vertically by hanging from wire (no copper), fishing line, or in ceramic wall-mounted cones made by our local friends at Carter & Rose on SE Division.
Moss Walls & Green Walls
Looking for “WOW” and have limited floor space?
Moss wall art can be a great alternative to living plants! Using preserved moss to bring the colors and textures of nature to an interior space may be preferred for specific situations. Moss art is the perfect solution where water and electricity are not available, and lighting is at a minimum. It is cost-effective and requires very little maintenance (occasional dusting). Moss wall art can be a fun DIY project to do at home or it can be done on a larger scale for offices and other commercial or residential areas for a “nature mural” effect.
Living green walls are “growing” design trends with biophilic benefits, sure to impress any guest—they are real masterpieces! Living walls are long-term investments that require planning, trained professionals to guide the process, and meticulous maintenance, including irrigation systems.
Professional installations: the horticulture technicians from our Urban Plantscapes team can design, create, and install your living wall or moss art mural! Large-scale living walls should be hung with several important factors considered:
- Overall weight of material
- Potential water condensation or drainage issues
- Irrigation and lighting needs of plants used
- Occasional access for maintenance
Popular systems tend to be modular, allowing smaller sections of the planting to be replanted or changed out easily. Contact our Urban Plantscapes division for a project consultation!