Behind the Green Wall: How Living Walls Are Designed and Maintained

Living walls (today we’re talking about indoor living wall systems specifically, as opposed to green walls, which we’ll cover soon!) are exactly what they sound like: vertical gardens designed so plants grow outwards from a wall.

They differ from green walls, a broader term that can describe any wall surface covered in climbing plants or façade greening. Green walls may also refer to replica or preserved planting walls - such as moss walls.

Living walls, on the other hand, are purpose-built vertical planting systems designed with rhythm, colour, and pattern in mind, transforming blank surfaces into thriving pieces of living art.

There are many ways to achieve them: a small-scale living wall might be a simple grid of planters, watered manually by a maintenance team, while large-scale systems often feature automated irrigation, pump rooms, and even dedicated horticultural lighting rigs to replicate natural sunlight indoors.

Biophilic design isn’t just about bold reveals, grand openings, or one-off planting schemes. It’s about creating living, breathing environments that endure. And while living wall installations can make a huge impact at first sight, their true value lies in how well they’re maintained over time.

Without proper living wall maintenance, plants can quickly lose their vibrancy, and systems may struggle to perform. With regular care, however, green wall systems thrive, remaining lush, sustainable, and healthy for years.

Professional maintenance matters because it:

• Prevents repeated plant loss (and the associated replacement costs).

• Keeps plants looking lush and vibrant, ensuring the full benefits of biophilia are realised.

• Supports long-term sustainability, maintaining air-purifying and wellbeing benefits.

• Ensures irrigation and lighting systems run efficiently, preventing both underperformance and unnecessary waste.

So, what does it take to maintain these living, breathing statement pieces? Quite a lot really…

Below, we’ve outlined some of the key elements of living wall success

• Irrigation System Checks: Irrigation is often automated (with a pumped system) but these systems require regular checks. It is important (like all plant care) that they are not over or under watered.

• Nutrient Management: Fertigation (water soluble plant food) is very important in keeping plants nourished, and nutrient schedules have to be adjusted for different plant species

• Lighting Maintenance & Adjustments: Indoor walls rely on specialist horticultural lighting to mimic natural sunlight. These lights have to be regularly checked to ensure lights are functioning and positioned correctly.

• Plant Health & Pruning: Standard plant maintenance rules apply here: Inspections for pests and diseases, pruning to maintain aesthetics and encourage strong regrowth, and the replacing of tired or unhealthy plants are all required to keep the wall looking and living healthy.

• Structural & Safety Inspections: These living walls are big things! We have to check framework, panels, and safety fixings to make sure that they are all in tip-top working order!

A living wall’s long-term success doesn’t just depend on great maintenance. it starts with forward-thinking design.

Choosing the right plant palette, irrigation system, and lighting setup at the outset can make all the difference between a vertical garden that thrives for years and one that struggles from the start.

Forward planning means considering how plants will grow, how the wall will change with the seasons, and how easy it will be to access for maintenance.

By integrating smart irrigation, energy-efficient horticultural lighting, and plant species suited to the specific environment, a living wall system is set up not just for short-term impact but for long-term sustainability, health, and visual appeal.

• Plant selection for environment and climate: Choosing species that will adapt and flourish indoors or outdoors.

• Efficient irrigation systems: Built-in drip or hydroponic systems that reduce water waste and simplify care.

• Specialist lighting design: Horticultural LEDs that replicate natural sunlight and support plant health in low-light conditions.

• Structural access for maintenance: Designing panels and frameworks that allow easy replacement, pruning, and inspections.

• Sustainable materials and systems: Prioritising eco-friendly substrates, fixings, and energy-efficient technology.

• Scalable design: Planning a living wall that can adapt or expand with future needs.

Living walls are complex. They can be challenging to design and maintain, but when executed well, they become outstanding pieces of biophilic artwork. At Plant Plan, we manage the process from start to finish to ensure the long-term success of every living wall project.

Our design team works closely with clients to understand their space, selecting plant species that will thrive in either natural or artificial lighting. We also factor in practical considerations such as accessibility for maintenance, whether a pump system is required, and how the living wall integrates with the rest of the planting scheme. This forward-thinking approach ensures each living wall system is not only visually striking but also sustainable and straightforward to care for.

When it comes to installation, our specialist teams handle everything from the structural framework and irrigation set-up through to careful planting and styling. For building owners and facilities managers, this means peace of mind and reduced stress throughout the process.

With tailored maintenance in place, our clients enjoy all the benefits of biophilic design, including improved air quality, enhanced wellbeing and a bold visual statement, without the pressure of ongoing upkeep.

Living walls are never static. They shift, grow, and evolve, rewarding careful design and committed care with a spectacle that only nature can provide. When nurtured properly, they remain vibrant centrepieces that cleanse the air, lift the spirit, and transform the spaces they inhabit.

If you’re considering a living wall for your office, lobby, or workspace, get in touch with Plant Plan’s expert team today. We’ll design, install, and maintain a system tailored to your needs.

If you would like to learn more about the living walls we can deliver, head over to our green walls page, Or submit a form below!