So, you want to create your own vertical garden? Well you might have all the tools to make it happen, but what plants should you use to make sure your plants grow well and live long?
The only
way is up!
So, you want to create your own vertical garden? Well you might have all the tools to make it happen, but what plants should you use to make sure they grow well and live long?
There is a whole host of things to think about before planting your own vertical wall, including:
- Is the wall positioned indoors or outdoors?
- How much sunlight will it receive?
- Are the plants creepers or drapers?
- Where should plants be positioned depending on how large they are and how they grow?
A vertical garden is a great addition to the home and adds just that extra bit of colour and life to the living space, whether it’s a large feature wall or a small and easy-to-maintain plant project.
Great plants for a vertical wall include:
Epipremnum aureum or the Australian native monstera
These plants grow really well indoors and are perfect for those who don’t quite have a green thumb because they don’t require too much care. It’s a creeper and can grow up to 20 metres, digging its roots into trees, or whatever is close by, and growing upwards. Keep this one off the floor and away from the dog or cat though, as it can be toxic to furry friends.
Ready, set, grow! How to plant an indoor vegie patch-cum-home decor >>
Aeschynanthus or the lipstick plant
This is a subtropical flowering plant which prefers a warm and humid environment. It’s called the lipstick plant because of the bright red flowering buds which look great among the green foliage on a vertical wall. These work well either indoors or out and grow best with a moist soil and good lighting. Make sure the soil doesn’t become too moist though, and keep them in good light for optimum flowering. Place these plants at about mid-range on your vertical wall because their shiny green leaves cascade beautifully, but they also climb too, so give them room for some movement.
Hoya carnosa or the wax flower
The wax flower is the perfect plant for a smaller vertical wall project. They creep along walls, ladders and other objects easily and work well outside. Simply use some chicken wire to encourage the vines to grow along your fence or wall.
Adiantum aethiopicum or maidenhair fern
Position these at the edges of your vertical wall, or scattered throughout, and these will cascade and give your wall a lush and soft look. In Australia, these plants are found near creeks or in open forest so they love water.
Get inspired: Where to find inspiration for your home >>
Acacia cognata or limelight bower wattle
This is the plant that is going to add that wow factor to your vertical garden. It’s luscious and is sure to fill in all those gaps on your wall. It needs good drainage though and can survive with little water and in colder climates.
Herbs and vegies
You could always turn your vertical garden into a vegie patch too, using sprouts, lettuce and even herbs to grow and then use in your lunch. Spinach, peas, lavender and rosemary work particularly well.
Other helpful tips to remember
- Keep irrigation, drainage and lighting in mind when thinking about building your own vertical garden.
- Water your vertical wall by hand.
- Choose plants which suit the size of your space and climate.
- Keep up the maintenance of your plants by trimming and pruning when required.
More home and garden tips
Grow your own herbs
10 Ways to make your backyard more livable
Home decor predictions for 2013
Leave a Comment