Introduction

Looking for ways to add natural elements to your home? Vertical greenery solutions have grown in popularity as people seek to connect with nature indoors. Two standout options are moss walls and living plant walls. This guide will help you understand the key differences, benefits, and considerations for each option.

What Are Moss Walls?

Original Rainbow Moss by MosstiqueShop [click to view…]

Moss walls feature preserved moss that maintains its natural appearance without being alive. The preservation process typically:

• Replaces the plant’s moisture with non-toxic solutions like glycerine
• Sometimes adds food-grade dyes for color variety
• Stops the natural decay process while maintaining aesthetic qualities

Common moss types used include:

• Bun moss
• Reindeer moss (technically a lichen)
• Flat/carpet moss
• Pillow/cushion moss
• Mood moss
• Forest, shag, royal pool, Spanish, and mountain moss

Preserved moss is ideal for those with allergies as the preservation process typically renders it non-allergenic by preventing pollen release.

What Are Living Plant Walls?

Stainless steel living wall [click to view…]

Living plant walls (also called green walls or vertical gardens) contain actively growing plants installed on a vertical surface. These walls can support various plant life:

• Ferns (medusa, Boston, maidenhair)
• Peace lilies
• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Spider plants
• Succulents
• Edible herbs and small vegetables

Construction methods include:

• Modular panels (rearrangeable)
• Pocket systems (fabric or plastic)
• Mat media (coir or felt)
• Sheet media (polyurethane)
• Structural media (soil blocks)

These systems can be freestanding or wall-mounted, simple DIY projects or sophisticated systems with automated irrigation and lighting.

Key Differences at a Glance

Aesthetic Appeal and Design Considerations

Moss Walls

Moss walls offer:

• Consistent appearance that remains largely unchanged
• Vibrant greens and diverse textures creating a calming atmosphere
• Flexibility to create structured walls with defined patterns
• Options for wild, natural-looking installations
• Customization with logos, shapes, and intricate designs
• Ability to act as subtle accents or striking centerpieces

Living Plant Walls

Living plant walls provide:

• Vibrant, ever-changing aesthetic that transforms over time
• Wide range of colors, textures, and growth habits
• Ability to incorporate flowering plants, herbs, or succulents
• Practical benefits like added privacy
• Dynamic, evolving appearance with growth and seasonal changes
• Functional options like edible walls with herbs or small vegetables

Impact on Indoor Environment

Air Quality Benefits

Moss Walls:

• Absorb carbon dioxide and certain VOCs
• Help reduce airborne particulate matter
• Can accumulate heavy metals, acting as a natural biofilter
• Maintain some air-cleaning ability even in preserved state

Living Plant Walls:

• Actively absorb CO2 and release oxygen through photosynthesis
• Filter airborne pollutants including VOCs, dust, and toxins
• Certain plants (lavender, marjoram, ivy) are particularly effective at capturing pollutants
• Can incorporate mechanical ventilation for enhanced air purification

Humidity Regulation

Moss Walls:

• Passively stabilize indoor humidity
• Absorb excess moisture when humid
• Release moisture when air is dry
• Help maintain humidity in the 40-60% range

Living Plant Walls:

• Actively increase humidity through transpiration
• Add moisture to surrounding air through leaf processes
• Help combat dry air in winter months or arid climates
• Require careful management to prevent excessive humidity

Maintenance Requirements

Moss Walls – Low Maintenance

• No watering needed
• No additional lighting required
• No pruning necessary
• Occasional dusting with soft brush or compressed air
• Protection from direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Maintaining moderate humidity (30-60%)
• Possible use of humidifier in very dry environments

Living Plant Walls – Regular Maintenance

• Consistent watering (manual or automated)
• Regular pruning and trimming
• Periodic fertilization
• Monitoring for pests and diseases
• Ensuring adequate lighting (natural or supplemental)
• Replacing plants as needed
• Upkeep of irrigation systems

Installation Process

Moss Wall Installation

• Generally straightforward
• Often suitable for DIY projects
• Uses backing boards (wood or felt)
• Secured with adhesives like glue or floral pins
• Lightweight (about 3 pounds per square foot)
• Easily mounted on most interior walls
• Professional installation available for complex designs

Living Plant Wall Installation

• More complex, especially for larger systems
• Various options including modular units, panels, pockets
• Requires consideration of weight (10-12 pounds per square foot)
• Needs waterproofing behind the wall
• May require plumbing for irrigation
• Might need electrical work for lighting
• Professional installation recommended for complex systems

Room-by-Room Suitability

Jungle Squared Plant and Moss Wall Decor [click to view…]

Living Rooms: Both types work well. Moss walls offer low-maintenance natural beauty, while living walls provide dynamic visual interest.

Bedrooms: Moss walls are ideal due to their calming effect and minimal maintenance. Living walls work if adequate light is available.

LaLaGreen Wood Planter [click to view…]

Home Offices: Both options work well. Moss walls require less care, while living walls help purify air and reduce noise.

Bathrooms: Moss walls thrive in high humidity and low light. Living walls with humidity-loving plants like ferns create a spa-like feel.

RuMoss Moss Wall Art [click to view…]

Kitchens: Moss walls provide decoration without maintenance concerns. Living walls, especially herb gardens, add functionality.

Hallways/Entryways: Moss walls brighten low-light areas. Living walls work if some light is available and space permits.

Cost Comparison

Moss Walls

• Initial cost: $90-$200 per square foot professionally installed
• DIY options available at various price points
• Minimal ongoing costs
• Possible expense for humidifier in dry climates
• Typical lifespan of 8-10+ years

Living Plant Walls

• Initial cost: $110-$220+ per square foot
• Additional expenses for irrigation and lighting
• Annual maintenance: $1.50-$3.00+ per square foot
• Ongoing costs include water, electricity, fertilizer, replacement plants
• Professional maintenance services available

Making Your Decision

Choose a moss wall if you value:

• Low maintenance requirements
• Consistent appearance
• Lower overall cost
• Ease of installation
• Suitability for low-light areas
• Longer-term installation without replacement

Choose a living plant wall if you value:

• Dynamic, changing appearance
• Active air purification benefits
• Interactive gardening experience
• Potential for growing edible plants
• Higher humidity contribution
• Evolving visual interest

Conclusion

Both moss walls and living plant walls offer unique ways to incorporate nature into your home. Your choice depends on your priorities regarding maintenance, aesthetics, function, and budget.

A moss wall provides a low-maintenance, stable design element with minimal ongoing costs, making it perfect for busy homeowners or those who want natural beauty without the work.

A living plant wall offers a dynamic, evolving display with potential air quality benefits, but requires regular care and higher investment in both time and money.

Consider your lifestyle, the specific conditions of your space, and your personal preferences when making this decision. Either option will bring the beauty of nature into your home in its own distinct way.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moss Walls vs Living Plant Walls

1. How much maintenance do moss walls and living plant walls require?

Moss Walls: Minimal maintenance – occasional dusting with a soft brush or compressed air, and maintaining moderate humidity levels (30-60%). No watering, fertilizing, or pruning needed.

Living Plant Walls: Regular maintenance including watering (manual or automated), pruning, fertilizing, pest monitoring, and occasional plant replacement. May require system checks for irrigation and lighting components.

2. Which option is better for air quality in my home?

Moss Walls: Provide passive benefits by absorbing some carbon dioxide and VOCs, and can reduce airborne particulate matter. While less active than living plants, they still contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Living Plant Walls: Offer active air purification through photosynthesis, converting CO2 to oxygen and filtering various airborne pollutants. Certain plants like lavender, marjoram, and ivy are particularly effective at capturing toxins.

3. How much do these walls typically cost to install and maintain?

Moss Walls: Initial installation costs range from $90-$200 per square foot professionally installed, with DIY options potentially lower. Ongoing costs are minimal, possibly just a humidifier in very dry environments.

Living Plant Walls: Initial costs typically range from $110-$220+ per square foot, with additional expenses for irrigation and lighting systems. Annual maintenance costs average $1.50-$3.00 per square foot for water, electricity, fertilizer, and replacement plants.

4. How long do moss walls and living plant walls last?

Moss Walls: With proper care, preserved moss walls typically last 8-10 years or longer, maintaining their appearance with minimal intervention.

Living Plant Walls: Lifespan varies based on plant health, system maintenance, and care quality. Individual plants may need replacement periodically, but the wall system itself can last many years with proper upkeep.

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Dora Decora is a biophilic interior design specialist and passionate blogger. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into living spaces, Dora specializes in creating environments that foster human-nature connections through thoughtful design elements. Her approach emphasizes sustainable materials, natural lighting, and organic patterns that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact.

This post (https://homechroma.com/moss-walls-vs-living-plant-walls) was originally published by Dora Decora on Home Chroma. As an Amazon Associates partner, we are compensated for all qualifying purchases.