
A statement wall of indoor plants can transform a room, bringing life, colour, and a sense of serenity indoors. A plant wall can become a focal point that enhances your decor, improves air quality, and gives your space a refreshing, natural touch.
In this guide, we’ll explore different approaches to creating an indoor plant wall, from lush green walls to creative shelving arrangements, along with practical tips to keep your plants healthy and your setup secure.
Approaches to designing an indoor plant
When it comes to creating a statement wall with indoor plants, there are multiple styles and approaches to consider. Here are a few popular ones to inspire you:
1. Vertical garden or living wall

A vertical garden, or living wall, is one of the most impactful ways to create a statement wall with plants. In this approach, plants cover an entire wall surface, often using a specialised frame or grid to support them. This method is ideal for creating a lush, green look that resembles a natural forest wall.
- Examples: Use cascading plants like pothos, philodendron, and ferns to achieve a full, layered look. Wall-mounted planters or pockets can hold individual plants, allowing you to design your wall with texture and depth.
- Advantages: Provides maximum greenery and can cover large surfaces. Living walls also help improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen.
- Considerations: Vertical gardens require regular watering, and since they often use multiple plants, maintenance can be time-consuming. Consider installing a self-watering system or choosing drought-tolerant plants if you’re looking for a lower-maintenance option.
2. Trellis of climbing plants

Another eye-catching approach is to use a trellis mounted on your wall, encouraging plants to climb and spread over time. Climbing plants like ivy, pothos, and monstera could work well for this style, and they create an organic, natural look as they weave through the trellis structure.
- Examples: Use a wooden trellis to bring a rustic charm or a metal grid for a more modern, industrial look. Arrange ivy to climb in specific directions, or let monstera vines create a wilder, untamed look.
- Advantages: Trellises give you control over the direction of the growth, allowing you to create specific patterns or shapes. It’s also easier to manage individual plants in a trellis setup compared to a dense vertical garden.
- Considerations: Regular pruning may be necessary to keep the plants from growing too wild. You’ll also need to ensure the trellis is securely fixed to the wall to handle the weight of growing plants.
3. Floating plant shelves

Floating shelves are a versatile way to create a statement wall with plants without committing to a full green wall. Arrange a series of floating shelves on your wall, then place potted plants in various sizes on each shelf. This setup allows you to combine different plants, pots, and even decorative items for a personalised look.
- Examples: Create a mix of small trailing plants like string of pearls with larger upright plants like snake plants. Use different pot styles and materials to add interest to the display.
- Advantages: Floating shelves are customisable and can be changed easily. They’re also easier to clean and maintain, as you can remove each pot individually.
- Considerations: Make sure the shelves are strong enough to support the weight of the plants, and consider using brackets for extra stability. You’ll also need to protect the wall below from any water drainage.
4. Grid display with small pots

For a more structured and geometric look, consider using a metal or wooden grid to hold multiple small pots. Each pot can hold a different plant, creating a varied yet organised display. This method works well for plants with unique colours and textures, as each one has its own place in the grid.
- Examples: Use a grid filled with succulents, cacti, or air plants for a low-maintenance display. Alternatively, combine small flowering plants like orchids or African violets with green foliage for a colourful touch.
- Advantages: The grid keeps plants organised and provides a modern look. It’s also easier to swap out plants if one needs extra care or replacement.
- Considerations: Ensure each pot is securely fastened to the grid. Smaller pots may need regular watering, so be mindful of water runoff if you’re placing the grid above furniture.
5. Hanging plants and macrame hangers

Macrame plant hangers are an excellent option for adding a boho-chic look to your plant wall. Install hooks on the wall or ceiling to hang multiple plants at different heights, creating a cascading effect. This approach is particularly suitable for trailing plants.
- Examples: Use trailing plants like pothos, philodendron, or string of pearls. Arrange the plants at different heights to create a dynamic, layered effect.
- Advantages: Hanging plants save floor space and create visual interest without covering the entire wall. This method also allows flexibility to add or remove plants as needed.
- Considerations: Ensure the hooks can support the weight of each plant, including when watered. Be cautious with placement, particularly in homes with pets or small children.

Practical considerations for creating and maintaining your indoor plant wall
Creating a plant statement wall isn’t just about aesthetics; there are practical aspects to keep in mind to ensure your plants thrive and your setup is safe.
1. Watering and drainage
One of the biggest challenges with plant walls is watering. Regular potted plants are easy to remove and water in a sink, but a plant wall may not offer the same convenience. Here are a few tips:
- Self-watering systems: If you can make it work, consider installing a drip irrigation system for vertical gardens or a self-watering planter system to reduce maintenance.
- Catch trays: Use catch trays under each pot or planter to collect excess water and prevent it from damaging the wall.
- Easy-access plants: For floating shelves or grids, choose pots that are easy to remove so you can take them to the sink for watering.

2. Lighting needs
Different plants require different amounts of light, so consider the lighting in the room before choosing your plants. South-facing walls receive more light, while north-facing ones may be better suited for low-light plants. Make sure you group together plants that have the same light requirements.
- Grow lights: If natural light is limited, use grow lights to supplement. You can install LED grow lights above or next to your plant wall to ensure all plants receive adequate light.
- Choose shade-tolerant plants: For darker rooms, opt for shade-tolerant plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, or ferns.

3. Securing the plants and fixtures
Since your plants will be part of a wall display, it’s essential to secure everything properly to avoid accidents:
- Heavy-duty hardware: Use sturdy brackets, screws, or anchors that can support the weight of plants, shelves, or trellises, especially if you’re working with a larger setup.
- Check weight limits: Ensure the wall or structure can handle the cumulative weight of plants, soil, and pots.
- Safety first: Keep in mind any potential hazards, such as plants that might fall if not properly secured. Avoid placing heavy items on higher shelves, especially in households with pets or young children.

4. Plant maintenance and rotation
Indoor plant walls require regular maintenance to keep them looking lush and healthy:
- Pruning: Prune plants regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown or leggy. This is especially important for climbing and trailing plants.
- Rotation: If your plant wall is in partial sunlight, consider rotating plants every few weeks to ensure even growth.
- Cleaning: Indoor plants accumulate dust, which can hinder photosynthesis. Gently wipe down leaves or mist them to keep your plants looking their best.

5. Choosing the right plants
Selecting the right plants is crucial for a successful plant wall. Choose varieties suited to the lighting and humidity of your room. Some popular choices include:
- Low-maintenance options: Pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants are hardy and thrive in various conditions.
- Humidity-loving plants: Ferns, philodendrons, and orchids are ideal for bathrooms or other humid spaces.
- Succulents and cacti: Great for low-maintenance walls, especially if you have a bright spot with plenty of sunlight.

Conclusion
Creating a statement wall with indoor plants is a fantastic way to add personality, colour, and a natural touch to any room. With a range of styles to choose from, including vertical gardens, trellises, and hanging displays, there’s an approach to fit every space and aesthetic.
By considering practical factors like watering, lighting, and security, you can design a beautiful, low-maintenance plant wall that’s both functional and visually stunning. With a little care, your statement plant wall will thrive, enhancing your indoor environment and inspiring everyone who enters your home.

Note: I have used AI to create some of the images above to help provide design inspiration.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.