• Vertical Gardening is a special kind of urban gardening suitable to small spaces, particularly for decorating the walls and roofs in various styles. This is an alternative method for gardening by expanding the scope of growing plants in a vertical space.
• Green walls are not only spectacularly beautiful, but also helpful in enlivening the ambiance. Green walls can absorb heated gas in the air, lower both indoor and outdoor temperature, providing a healthier indoor air quality as well as a more beautiful space.

Choosing the plants:

The best plants for vertical gardens are dense, compact and low growing. Make sure you choose species that suit the aspect of the wall on which they’ll be growing. Also bear in mind that the bottom of the unit will hold more moisture than the top, so consider this when you’re deciding what to plant where.

Plants suitable for vertical garden:     

Outdoor plants Pepromia, Syngoniums, Philodendron, Begonia, Anthuriums, Chlorophytum, Lantana, Pilea, Rheo discolor, Cuphea etc .

Growing media:

1. Weightless media
2. High Water holding capacity
3. High Nutrient holding capacity
4. Good Porosity
5. Neutral pH

General considerations:

• Watering: Appropriate time
• Careful selection for wind prone areas (Succulent and hardy plants)
• Removing the dried leaves
• Keeping the structure clean
• Disposing the water from drainage system
• Pruning if necessary
• Timely application of fertilizers

Benefits of Vertical gardening:

• Aesthetic effects.
• Acts as natural insulation for hot and cold air.
• Reduces CO2 levels and increases oxygen and improved air quality
• Conserves water and watering takes less effort.
• Improves thermal insulation and energy efficiency
• Provides protection to buildings from adverse temperature and hence improves the life expectancy of the buildings.
• It  holds rain water, providing food and shelter for wildlife

Key words:

vertical gardening, indoor plants, green wall, weightless media, verticalspace, pruning,

Write up by:

Kavita B M

(Bsc .Agri )