Living walls, also known as green walls, have grown in popularity over the years as a great way to improve indoor air quality, add aesthetic value to any space, and boost your wellbeing. But what if you live in a place like the UK, where sunshine can sometimes be a rarity? Does this mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of having a living wall in your home?
The good news is that it is indeed possible to have a living wall in a UK home with minimal natural light. The key lies in understanding the needs of different plant species, the use of artificial light sources, and a well-designed system that can simulate the plants’ natural environment. Let’s dive in deeper to explore this fascinating topic.
Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants is the first step towards a successful indoor green wall. No matter how well your system works, if the plants are not suited to the conditions in your home, they will not thrive.
Some plant species are more shade-tolerant than others, making them ideal for environments with minimal natural light. These include the likes of ferns, ivies, and certain types of moss. They can adapt to low light conditions and still continue to grow. Moss is especially resilient and requires only a small amount of light to survive, which makes it a popular choice for living walls in darker spaces.
However, it’s important to remember that even shade-tolerant plants need some form of light to photosynthesize and grow. So, while they may survive in low light conditions, their growth may be slower and they may not look as vibrant as they would in brighter environments.
Utilising Artificial Light Sources
In cases where natural light is limited, you can supplement it with artificial light sources. Plants need light to photosynthesize and grow, but this light doesn’t always have to come from the sun.
Artificial lighting can provide all the light your plants need to thrive. The key is to choose the right type of artificial light. Fluorescent lights and LEDs are often the best choices for indoor gardening, as they can provide the full spectrum of light that plants need without producing too much heat.
However, using artificial light is not as simple as turning on a lamp. Different plants have different light needs, and these needs can change depending on their growth stage. Some plants need long periods of light each day, while others need shorter periods. You will need to adjust the intensity, duration, and spectrum of the light to match your plants’ needs.
Implementing a Well-Designed System
When creating a living wall in a space with minimal light, a well-designed system is crucial. This includes factors such as the type of wall, the system’s water delivery, and how the plants are arranged.
There are many different types of living wall systems available, from modular systems with individual plant pockets to panel systems that support a large number of plants. The system you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type of plants you want to grow.
Water delivery is also a critical aspect of a living wall system. Too much water can lead to root rot and other problems, while too little can leave your plants parched. Many living wall systems include a built-in irrigation system that delivers the right amount of water to each plant.
Lastly, it’s important to think about how you arrange your plants. Positioning your plants correctly can help maximize their exposure to light and improve their health and growth.
Living Walls and Air Quality
One of the main benefits of having a living wall is the improvement in air quality. Plants are excellent at absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen back into the air.
In indoor environments, plants can help absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. These compounds are commonly found in many household items and can have negative effects on health.
In addition to absorbing pollutants, plants also release humidity into the air, which can help to create a more comfortable indoor environment. This can be particularly beneficial during the colder months when indoor air can become dry due to heating.
Creating a Green Space within Your Home
Creating a living wall in your home is more than just about having a unique feature. It’s about creating a green space that can improve your wellbeing, both physically and psychologically.
Surrounding yourself with greenery has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost productivity. For those living in urban environments, a living wall can provide a much-needed connection to nature, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From a design perspective, a living wall can transform an otherwise empty wall into a stunning feature. It can add colour, texture, and life to any space, from a small apartment to a large family home.
While creating an indoor garden might seem like a daunting task, especially in light-challenged environments like the UK, remember that it’s fully achievable with the right choices and a well-implemented system. By selecting the right plants, providing them with the proper light source, and using a well-designed system, you can enjoy the many benefits that a living wall brings to your home.
Maintaining Your Living Wall
Creating a living wall is not a one-time job; it requires ongoing care and maintenance to ensure its longevity. It’s not just about meeting the basic needs of your living plants, but also about ensuring your wall system functions optimally.
Many factors can affect the health of your green wall. These include the amount of light the plants receive, the temperature and humidity levels, and how often the plants are watered. Monitoring these factors and making necessary adjustments will help ensure your green wall thrives in your home.
When it comes to watering, a built-in irrigation system can make things much simpler. It not only ensures that your plants receive the right amount of water, but it also prevents overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Regular pruning and trimming are also important to maintain the appearance of your wall. This will help keep your plants healthy and prevent them from outgrowing their space.
If you spot any diseased or dying plants, it’s best to remove them immediately to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants. Lastly, remember to feed your plants with the right nutrients, especially if they’re growing in a soilless medium.
The Impact of Living Walls on Mental Health
The benefits of living walls are not just aesthetic or environmental; they also have a significant impact on our mental health. Research shows that contact with nature, even in small doses, can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function.
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress society, these benefits cannot be understated. A living wall, or a moss wall, can provide a calming, tranquil environment that helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It’s like having your own private retreat within your home.
The presence of living plants can also improve concentration and productivity. Studies have shown that people are more focused and productive when working in green environments. This makes a living wall, or an artificial green wall, a great addition to home offices or study areas.
And let’s not forget about the physical health benefits. Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air, thanks to the VOCs released by household items. Living walls, with their natural ability to absorb these pollutants and release fresh oxygen, can significantly improve indoor air quality. This can lead to better respiratory health, fewer headaches, and overall improved wellbeing.
Conclusion
Having a living wall or a moss wall in a UK home with minimal natural light is not just possible, but highly beneficial. By making smart choices about the plant species, using artificial light sources appropriately, and implementing a well-designed wall system, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant green wall even in low-light conditions.
Living walls are more than just a trendy home feature. They’re a means of improving your home’s air quality, enhancing your mental health, and creating an indoor oasis that brings you closer to nature. With ongoing care and maintenance, your living wall can thrive and bring you joy for many years.
Remember, each living wall is unique and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your space. But the end result – a living, breathing work of art that enhances your home and wellbeing – is well worth the effort.
