A living wall is a vertical or slanted garden that is placed on any type of wall. It can also be placed on any structure such as a bookshelf, shelving, fireplace, and more! Living walls are typically seen on the inside of buildings as a way to liven up a living space.

A living wall is a colorful and unique piece of art. It is beneficial for air quality because plants are excellent at filtering toxins out of the air. Living walls can be easily and affordably made with only a few items that can be purchased at any gardening or home improvement store. They are a fantastic addition to any living space. They also are perfect for those who do not have much living space and do not have space for a traditional house plant. Living walls are beautiful pieces of gardening artwork and make for great gifts for your loved ones.

Materials

1. Plants (Recommended Plants: Lipstick Plant, Fern, Croton, Dracena, Peace Lily, Creeping Jenny, Philodendron, Begonia, Gomphrena) You may use any shade tolerant plants that you would like! Plants can always be replaced from the living wall.

2.Potting soil - Succulent soil provides good drainage.

3.Gardening fabric or tarp to prevent wood rot

5. A small wooden box with or without shelves. This will be the frame for your living wall. Other housing units can be used too, such as pallets, buckets, and even building your own.

6. Wall mounting tools (i.e. hammer)

7. Staple gun

8. Scissors

9. Marker or sharpie

(All materials will cost on average about $30 to $50).

Safety Precautions When Using the Materials Listed Above:

Make sure that you are not allergic to any plants that you could come into contact with. Certain plants can be toxic to animals.
When choosing your plants, be sure to check if the plant will be toxic to any house pet that may come into contact with your living wall art.
Exercise caution to avoid injuring yourself or those around you if you are using gardening tools.
Exercise caution to avoid injuring yourself or those around you while using wall mounting tools.
Exercise caution when using any wooden materials (i.e. splinters, cuts)
Exercise caution when using a staple gun. Do not put fingers near the base of the staple gun when using.

Up Keep of Plants:

Plants must be watered at least twice a week. Use a spray bottle full of water to mist plants. This makes for an easier way to water the plants.

Important Things to Note:

If you are renting or live in a dorm room, be sure to check your lease or contract regarding wall mounting. Creating a living wall is best done outside in order to avoid mess. If you are unable to build it outside, be sure to layout newspaper or an old blanket to aid with cleanup.

Step 1: Lay All the Materials Out

Place box on the ground if outside, or on top of newspaper or blanket if inside.

Lay all of your materials near you for easy access.

Step 2: Line Box With a Plastic Bag

Line the inside of the box with a plastic bag. Have the plastic bag meet the inside edge of the box.

Lie the box on its side.

Use the staple gun to attach the bag to the frame of the box with about two staples.

Rotate the box to each side and staple the bag to the inside of the box with about two staples.

Step 3: Line the Box With Gardening Fabric

Lay the gardening fabric inside the box on top of the plastic bag.

Ensure the fabric fits in all corners and comes to meet the inside edge of the box.

Mark the fabric with a sharpie or marker to indicate where to cut. Remove the fabric from the box and cut along the marks you made.

Place the fabric back in the box. As in step 2, lie the box on each side and staple the fabric to the inside frame of the box.

Step 4: Fill Box With Soil

Pour the soil on top of the gardening fabric.

Fill the box approximately halfway to about three quarters full with the soil.

Step 5: Planting Your Plants

Gently take a plant out of its pot.

Carefully loosen the soil around the roots like giving a gentle massage with your fingertips.

Place the plant where you wish in the soil.

Repeat this procedure with each plant, and arrange the plants as you prefer in the soil.

Step 6: Cover the Roots

Fill the remainder of the box with soil until it covers the roots of the plants.

Gently push the soil down to lightly compact it.

Step 7: Water the Plants and Take Root

Lightly spray the plants with water from your spray bottle, or carefully pour water, so the soil is saturated but not soaked.

Allow the plants to sit in the box for 7-12 days to allow them to take root.

Step 8: ~One Week Later

7-12 days later - stand the living wall art up. Attach wall mountings on to the back upper left and right corners of the living wall. Or place in desired area around the house.

Hang your living wall and enjoy!