How to Create a Living Wall – DIY (Indoor & Outdoor)

A living wall, also known as a green wall or vertical garden, can transform your indoor or outdoor space into a lush, visually striking environment. Having created several living walls, I’ve learned through trial and error the best practices, tips, and insights to make your project successful from start to finish.

Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Location

The success of your living wall heavily depends on location, which affects the plants you can use and the amount of maintenance they’ll require.

Indoor Placement Tips

For an indoor living wall, natural light is vital, but you also want to avoid overly intense sunlight that can scorch plants. An east-facing wall, which receives morning light, or a spot near a filtered window works well. One of my earlier mistakes was placing a wall near a south-facing window, which led to burnt leaves. Grow lights are a lifesaver in low-light rooms, and I prefer LED grow lights since they’re energy-efficient and produce less heat, preventing damage to plants.

Outdoor Placement Tips

For outdoor walls, think about sun and wind exposure. My first outdoor wall was too exposed to strong afternoon sunlight, which dried out the soil quickly. Placing your wall in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade helps balance moisture retention and light. You also want to avoid areas with harsh winds, which can harm fragile plants and make it difficult to maintain consistent moisture. If the wall is in a windy location, consider adding a wind barrier or choosing hardy plants that withstand these conditions.

---

Step 2: Selecting Your Living Wall Structure

Choosing the right structure depends on your space, design goals, and maintenance preferences.

Pocket Planters

Pocket planters are an excellent choice for budget-friendly projects and smaller spaces. In my kitchen wall setup, I used fabric pockets, which are easy to install and lightweight. The downside is they tend to dry out faster, especially outdoors. For added moisture retention, I now mix coconut coir with my soil to keep plants hydrated longer. Also, be mindful of the spacing between pockets to ensure each plant has room to grow.

Modular Panels

For larger projects, modular panels are fantastic as they allow for complex arrangements and even come with irrigation options. They require a bit of setup, but once installed, they’re durable and easier to maintain on a large scale. When I used modular panels outdoors, I found that anchoring the frame well was essential, as they can get heavy with soil and plants. Make sure to use strong wall anchors if you’re attaching them to an exterior wall.

Freestanding Wall Systems

Freestanding wall systems are highly versatile and can be easily moved, which makes them perfect if you’re renting. I set up a freestanding wall in my backyard, which lets me adjust the position for optimal sunlight throughout the year. However, make sure to secure the base if outdoors—adding sandbags or extra weight ensures stability.

---

Step 3: Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is critical for both visual appeal and ease of maintenance.

Indoor Plant Choices

For low-light rooms, plants like pothos, ferns, and philodendrons work beautifully as they tolerate indirect light well. In humid areas like bathrooms, I use tropical plants like bromeliads, which thrive in higher moisture levels. However, I learned the hard way that combining humidity-loving plants with drought-tolerant ones, like succulents, leads to inconsistent results since they need different watering routines. Now, I choose plants with similar needs to reduce maintenance.

Outdoor Plant Choices

Outdoor walls offer more flexibility, especially in sunny spots. I like using a mix of herbs (e.g., thyme, basil, mint) for a practical and edible wall that looks great. When choosing flowering plants, opt for hardy varieties. In one of my first outdoor walls, I tried delicate flowers, only to replace them with tougher options like daisies and lavender, which handled the outdoor elements much better. Shade-loving plants, like hostas and ivy, are great for shadier spots.

---

Step 4: Preparing the Wall Surface

Preparing the wall surface is crucial, especially for long-term installations. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Waterproof Membranes: Indoor walls can be prone to moisture issues, so adding a waterproof membrane between the wall and the planters protects against mold. I learned to leave a small gap between the structure and the wall for airflow; this prevents the wall from getting damp.
2. Weight Management: Consider the weight of your wall, especially if using heavier soils or pots. In one project, I underestimated the weight and had to re-anchor everything. Now, I test the strength of my anchors beforehand to ensure the wall won’t sag.

---

Step 5: Installing Your Living Wall

Installing the wall is an exciting stage, and ensuring each row is level is key to a polished look.

1. Secure Fastening: Whether you’re using nails for pocket planters or wall anchors for heavier setups, double-check that everything is secure. I once had a row come loose mid-assembly due to weak anchors, and since then, I always use high-quality screws, especially for outdoor installations.
2. Plant Placement: I arrange plants with cascading foliage at the top and smaller plants toward the bottom for a natural flow. This allows larger plants to create a cascading effect, which adds visual depth and fullness to the wall. In modular setups, experiment with alternating plant types for contrast.

---

Step 6: Planting

Planting requires attention to detail to create a healthy, balanced wall. Here’s what I’ve found most effective:

1. Lightweight Soil Mix: Use a lightweight potting mix; I prefer adding perlite or vermiculite to increase drainage while reducing weight. In one of my earlier setups, I used regular garden soil, which was too heavy and retained excess moisture, leading to root rot in some plants.
2. Spacing: Avoid overcrowding. I used to pack plants in tightly, thinking it would create a fuller look. However, this led to competition for nutrients and moisture, so now I give each plant adequate space to breathe and grow.

---

Step 7: Watering and Irrigation

Watering a living wall is where a lot of trial and error comes into play. Here’s what I’ve found most effective:

Hand Watering

For smaller walls, a long-spout watering can allows for controlled watering from the top down. Start at the top row to let gravity help distribute water evenly. However, watch for dry spots. In my first setup, the plants at the bottom received more water than the top, so I adjusted by giving top plants a quick soak separately.

Drip Irrigation

For larger installations, a drip irrigation system is a game-changer. I use a small water tank connected to a solar-powered pump, which waters plants gradually throughout the day. This setup requires initial investment and setup time but makes maintenance far easier, especially in hot weather.

DIY Tip: I set up a DIY irrigation system using a low-pressure hose with small emitters at each pocket. It works wonders, delivering water slowly and reducing the chance of overwatering.

---

Step 8: Seasonal Adjustments

Changing your wall’s plants seasonally keeps it vibrant. Each season brings different growth patterns, and adapting your wall keeps it healthy and visually fresh.

1. Spring and Summer: In spring, I add vibrant, flowering plants and fast-growing herbs. This seasonal boost gives the wall a fresh look and often makes for beautiful, aromatic displays.
2. Fall and Winter: As the weather cools, I swap out tender plants for hardier options, like evergreens or perennial herbs. Covering delicate plants with a breathable fabric prevents frost damage.

Tip: Adjusting your wall seasonally not only keeps it attractive but also helps you learn which plants thrive best in each condition.

---

Step 9: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Keeping a living wall thriving requires regular attention. Here are some maintenance tips from my own experience:

1. Regular Fertilizing: I use a diluted liquid fertilizer every few months to support plant health. Over-fertilizing can cause excess growth, so I focus on feeding mainly during spring and summer.
2. Pruning and Airflow: Prune plants to maintain structure and prevent overcrowding, which can block airflow and lead to mold. Early on, I neglected this and had mildew issues—now, I trim plants regularly for better circulation.
3. Pest Management: Living walls, especially indoors, can attract pests like spider mites. I’ve found neem oil sprays effective for indoor walls. For outdoor setups, I rely on regular inspection and mild soapy water sprays to control pests naturally.

---

FAQ