How to Make a Living Plant Wall (DIY)

Yo, what's up SerpaSquad!? In this one, I tackle a project that I've been wanting to make for a while now... a living plant wall! I tried to keep it as budget-friendly and cheap as I possibly could while making sure it's a quality piece of art. Do a quick google search and you'll see what I mean. This is a really good price for something like this. Pre-build pieces, with live plants, are typically VERY expensive.

Most of the plants and materials I used were found at big box home improvement stores. If you look around online or wait for things to go on sale, you can easily make something similar for much less. Be sure to check around your house and see what you already have. Let me know if you have questions on anything and I'll do my best to respond.

Here's a link to the fabric pockets I used in the video (NOT an affiliate link).

Plant List:
Bellus Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila 'Bellus')
Bronze Venus Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum 'Bronze Venus')
Compact Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Compacta')
English Ivy (Hendera helix)
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'; erroneously called Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Jade')
Holly Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum 'Holly'
Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
Mini White Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis 'Mini White')
Peperomia 'Napoli Nights'
Pink Nerve Plant (Fittonia argyroneura)
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Red Guzmania Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata)

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#livingwall #plantwall #serpadesign

[KittCatPhoto]

I have 2 living walls exactly like this. They are hell to water when you plant directly into the felt pockets. The felt dries out the soil super fast, and you end up watering every 2-3 days. It looks beautiful though. I highly recommend putting the plants in nursery pots and then hiding them in the pockets. That way you can just pull the plants out to water and then back in the pockets they go. Also watering in the felt is super messy as the water runs right though and drips everywhere. I ended up installing a trough underneath to catch the runoff and protect my floors. So worth it though! LOVE LOVE LOVE my living walls!

[phreeesubz]

You could also do this with edible herbs to have a hanging herb garden in the kitchen!

[kymberlysteiger]

Just curious 🧐 How is the Living Plant Wall doing today? Can you do an update? I must have missed this episode. Dang, you are so talented!

[SerpaDesign]

I had a great time on my week off, but it's good to be back! Enjoy the video and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

EDIT 1: Let me know if you thought the cost breakdown was helpful. I can do it for future DIY builds (when applicable) if you did.

EDIT 2: Also the plant I referred to as Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Jade') is actually a Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'. The plant card erroniously identified the plant and I didn't check it. My bad!

[Guacquin]

A watering hack for something like this: Place a small cutting of nopal or aloe within the root-ball of each plant, with the gel of the cactus exposed. This gel will naturally absorb and retain water within the soil for FAR LONGER periods of time than any pre-made mixture. Your plants can feed off of the gel, as it works to retain water. To ensure the cactus wont regrow itself, just mash it up a bit before adding it into the soil - they're pretty resilient and can re-root if you don't.

This hack is used in Mexican orchards when growing tree saplings in the hot/dry climate. It minimizes water expenses and just improves the overall vitality of the main plant.

[harrymc]

This guy deserves so much more attention I’ve been watching him for 2 years now and he is (in my opinion) the most creative YouTuber out there.

[onebackzach]

Thanks for doing the pricing the way that you did. I absolutely hate when people will say stuff like "I used stuff I had laying around so it was free" or "buy a 100 pack for $20 and use 5, so it only costs $1"

[aRoamingDuck]

The Jade pothos you got is actually a Philodendron Brasil

[-Tholos-]

If you do another one. Could you do a “high tech” version with lights and a drip watering system?

[stevestikihutable]

Use care cutting pallet wood on the table saw or Skill Saw, there is often hidden fasteners that can damage your blade as well as shower you with shrapnel, always wear eye protection. Good job on this planter, I will be making one also in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration.

[nefariousyawn]

I scoffed at the PVC board, but then I spent 2 seconds thinking about sanding and waterproofing plywood, and decided it is money well spent. Good video, thanks!

[marisaimbien]

YOU GOT A ONE YEAR UPDATE OF THIS BRO, THANKS FOR INSPIRING US KEEP IT UP

[Jartopia]

It looks really good! I'd be tempted to add tillandsias

[marthanewsome]

I think if you used hemp grow matting would have been better because you could place plants where ever you want and even crowd them in. Also it's cheaper than the ready made matting. I would have also placed a small water bottle reserviour at the bottom back and used a wicking method to draw water up through the hemp matting. That way it makes watering easy and that also means this wall could be placed safely inside and mounted on a wall, without having to be removed for watering. Just some of my ideas. But a good build.

[jorgearana]

I really like that you added the price and where to buy the stuff. It’s really helpful for people who want to try and do the same thing as you.

[gabrielafialova]

I have seen countless instructional videos on a very wide variety of subjects, and this has to be the best video ever! Kudos on your lovely wall and skills to make a perfect video. The production, the pricing, the info, the pacing... You're a fantastic educator and video producer! Thank you for the experience.

[dumoulin]

I love the way you planted it, with the large dramatic shapes in the middle.

[MrsFitzus]

I can't wait to see an update on this one! I love seeing the way everything grows in and matures.

[rizler]

12:17 Thank you for the disclaimer regarding pests ! This is a huge issue not so many people are aware of !

[thuydao]

Bringing home a piece of paradise well worth the cost. Especially you can really enjoy it as it's your own creation. Gorgeous!
👌🥰