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How To Create an Indoor Plant Wall
If you have ever looked around your freshly renovated room and thought to yourself, something's missing—chances are that missing something is a plant. Trailing greenery has the unique power of adding instant character to a space and can accentuate the art, furniture and lighting choices you've already made.
Don't be afraid to go big! Why have one single plant when you can create an entire indoor plant wall that brings the outdoors in?
Here's a simple step-by-step process for creating an indoor plant wall that will provide a fresh focal piece for your home and make your existing decor really come to life.
1. Find the Right Location
Establishing plant wall decor in your home is simple, but the one thing that can be a little tricky is finding the right spot to build it. Most plants require ample light to survive, so choose a place in your home that is flooded with bright, indirect light.
If we lost you at "indirect light," that just means a spot that doesn't get direct, unfiltered light, which could end up burning the leaves of your plants. Try building your plant wall in the corner of a brightly lit room, for example, or in a sunny spot with windows that have cellular shades or sheer curtains. That way, direct sun rays aren't baking your plants.
Also, choose a central room of your home—such as the living room or office—and an accent wall that won't be too large or overwhelming. You want your plant wall to add to your decor, not steal the whole show.
2. Build Your Plant Wall Foundation
There are lots of different ways to display plants on your wall, so the next step after choosing your spot is to formulate a plan for display. Do you want to set your plants on floating shelves? Or do you like the idea of hanging them at various heights from the ceiling using drywall anchors and cup hooks? Maybe you prefer installing round metal loops directly into the wall that you can sink the pots down into.
Search for inspirational images online, and then make your plan of action. If you're drilling into the wall, be sure to find and drill into the studs to ensure the shelves can hold your pots and plants. For a full wall, consider parallel floor-to-ceiling shelves. For a little more flair, offset some floating shelves and trail your greenery from one to the next.
One quick tip (no matter the display type you land on): Make sure pots with drainage holes also have a tray to collect the runoff water. Otherwise, you run the risk of watering more than just your plants!
3. Choose the Best Plants (That Won't Ignite Allergies)
The wonderful thing about plants is they tend to purify the air, as long as you choose varieties that don't flower or create pollen (which can be tough on those who suffer from seasonal allergies). Plants like the Maranta leuconeura—also known as the prayer plant—can provide beautiful greenery, but they also form flowers as they grow. If you're concerned about allergies, ask your local nursery to direct you to plants that don't produce flowers.
Consider choosing hearty plants that won't need too much upkeep. With so many plants on your plant wall, you'll want greenery that grows and trails without being too finicky. I love to use golden pothos because they don't flower, are easy to take care of in all sorts of different lighting situations and are easy to propagate, too, so you can add to your plant wall without having to buy more plants. Another trailing plant that works well for plant wall decor is the Brazil philodendron.
4. Keep Your Plants Alive and Well
Now, it's time to learn how to keep your DIY indoor plant wall alive! Watering, of course, is key. The best way to stick with a watering schedule is to pick a single day to do it. That way, you can get in the habit of completing the chore at the same time every week. Better yet, set an alarm on your phone or download an app like Vera or Planta, enter your plants' information, and get notifications when it's time for watering.
One tool that can make your weekly watering schedule and plant maintenance more second nature is a moisture meter. You can get these at most gardening centers or online plant care shops. They allow you to gauge the exact level of moisture in your particular plant. Just stick the metal probe into the soil, and the meter will tell you if your plant needs water or if it's already full of healthy moisture.
Photo by Kevin Torres
5. When in Doubt, Go Faux
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed or you'd like to start slow, consider using faux plants. Realistic silk plants are easy to find these days. Not to mention, they are a one-time investment and totally maintenance-free so they're a smart way to get your feet wet when it comes to plant wall decor. This option is also great for a vacation home or guest house you don't use frequently.
If you prefer some live greenery in your space, try a 50/50 split between live and faux plants to make the overall look feel more realistic.
