What is the Difference Between a Living Wall and a Moss Wall?

 

Both living walls and moss walls have unique visual appeal and provide health benefits for all. Research shows that green walls boost productivity, lower stress levels, and improve moods.

As green walls appear more and more in open spaces, it is important to distinguish the difference between living walls and moss walls to find out what is best for you. 

 

What is a living wall?

Living walls are composed of real, living plants which require irrigation and sunlight. Living walls typically require an integrated water delivery system and weekly maintenance to keep the plants bright and alive. Oftentimes you have to bring a plant maintenance company in a few times per month to remove dead leaves and plants, cut back growth, eliminate pests, and make sure the irrigation and lighting system is working.  While living walls require plumbing and electrical maintenance, they gather living plants in a condensed space, cleaning the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Who it’s for: Someone who absolutely loves plants, and has the budget and infrastructure to maintain it. 

 

What is a preserved moss wall?

Moss walls differ from living walls because they do not require the weekly or daily maintenance that living walls need. They are made of preserved and faux plants, meaning that some of the material was living, but has been preserved into a static state. Preserved moss walls are real, but not living, and do not require vast amounts of water, soil, or sunlight of any kind and should be kept away from high-intensity light. They do not attract bugs, and have a natural acoustical benefit. The only maintenance moss walls need is a little water mist if the humidity drops or to clean it every few months. In order to keep these moss walls as maintenance free as possible, there is a specific plant palette, which is mostly preserved mosses, lichen, ferns, and flowers. The best part about preserved moss walls is that they are easily moveable and can be designed in countless shapes and colors because of their flexible arrangement and material. If kept in the right environment, ferns and flowers should last 1-2 years, moss 3-5 years (although our european counterparts say 10+ years) and the faux succulents indefinitely before touch up is required. 

Who it’s for: The busy individual who wants the look of plants without the maintenance or someone looking for an artistic application of plants that cannot be achieved with living material. 

Where do people put a preserved moss wall?

Preserved moss walls are typically made for interior spaces because they are best kept inside. Preserved moss can be outside for short-term events, but they thrive best far from bright light, running water, and heating or cooling events. These walls are great for commercial offices, dental offices, spas, doctors offices, retail stores, and home use and can be tailored to your unique designs and needs. 

Where do people put a living wall? 

Living walls are made for both interior and exterior spaces, but must be attended to in order to keep the plants alive. Living walls must be installed with an irrigation, plumbing, or electrical system to sustain a long term green effect. These walls are great for inside a home or office where access to maintenance is planned and available. 

Is there a no-maintenance Green Wall application that Green Wallscapes offers?

Yes, we offer faux boxwood and succulent walls. They are made from 100% uv coated plastic material, and are a great alternative to preserved moss to brave extreme weather.