Having a vertical garden is a fantastic way to maximize your space while enjoying the aesthetic and environmental benefits of plants. Vertical gardens are especially suited for urban dwellers who are short on horizontal area but big on vertical blank walls. One of the key secrets to creating an impressive vertical garden is choosing easy-to-grow plants that will flourish in this format. As a beginner, identifying which plants work best for a vertical garden can be a daunting task, but this guide aims to address that concern by providing specific detail about easy plants to grow for vertical gardens.
Love Ferns (Philodendron scandens)
Commonly referred to as the “Heart leaf Philodendron,” Love Ferns are comfortable both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile choice for your vertical garden. They thrive in indirect sunlight and can survive in darker corners if necessary. Despite their tropics-origin, they are hardy plants and can bounce back from dry air and cooler temperatures.
Goldfish Plant (Columnea gloriosa)
The Goldfish plant’s trailing habit, bright orange blossoms, and graceful green leaves make it an excellent choice for any vertical garden. It’s a perennial plant that grows best in indirect or filtered light. It dislikes heavy watering and prefers well-drained soil—a good thing for vertical gardens as overly wet soil can lead to spillage.
Maranta (Maranta leuconeura)
The Maranta, or the Prayer plant, is celebrated for its interesting foliage and preference for indirect light. With its dark green leaves decorated with feather-like red veins, it adds a vibrant touch to any vertical garden. The plant gets its name because its leaves fold upward like praying hands at night. It prefers warm indoor locations with high humidity.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are vibrant, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing, making them an ideal addition to your vertical garden. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and don’t need soil to grow, adding a unique dimension to your vertical garden. They only require a misting of water once or twice a week.
Succulents
Succulents are simply made for vertical gardening. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, bringing richness and diversity to your garden. They are adapted to arid environments and boast a low watering need – necessitating only occasional watering. Examples include echeveria, sedum, sempervivum, and agave.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
The Wandering Jew, with its variegated silver, green, and purple foliage, will add a cascade of color to your vertical garden. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate various lighting conditions and thrives in well-draining soil – ideal for the vertical garden where water drainage is crucial.
Pothos Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos Ivy, known for its heart-shaped green or variegated leaves, is a robust, trailing vine that is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. A bonus is that this plant is excellent at filtering air pollutants and toxins, enhancing your indoor air quality.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic choice for vertical gardens because of its vigorous growth and vining habit. It not only adds an old-world charm but also acts as a potent air purifier by removing toxins from the surrounding atmosphere.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
The Maidenhair Fern adds a graceful touch with its delicate, feathery fronds. This plant thrives in the humid climate and indirect light, making it a great option for vertical gardens installed in bathrooms or kitchens.
Flowering Plants
For a splash of color, consider introducing flowering plants to your vertical garden. Petunias and begonias can increase the visual appeal of your space with their bright and blossoming flowers.
Herbs
Adding herbs to your vertical garden is not only visually appealing but also practical. Most herbs grow quite well in vertical gardens and provide fresh seasoning for your meals. Basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are just a few examples.
Creating a vertical garden is a rewarding way to engage with nature, even when space is minimal. Incorporating these easy-to-care-for plants into your vertical garden will set you on the path to a thriving, verdant display. Remember to consider your garden’s light and watering conditions when selecting your plants, as fulfilling these needs is key to a successful vertical garden. With the right plant selection and care, you will enjoy a vibrant vertical paradise in no time!
