What Plants to Use in a Living Wall System Set? | Species That Actually Thrive Vertically

Pothos, Philodendron, Dracaena, and Aglaonema are the top four plant types for indoor living wall systems, chosen for their shallow roots and tolerance of vertical growing conditions.

Picking the wrong plants for a living wall is the fastest way to kill the project. The weight of the system, the limited soil volume, and the vertical orientation all restrict what can grow successfully. The good news is that dozens of species handle these conditions well, and matching them to your light levels and climate keeps the wall looking full instead of patchy. This guide breaks down the best choices for indoor and outdoor walls, the exact soil mixes each group needs, and the installation steps that keep everything stable.

Why Plant Choice Matters in a Living Wall System

A living wall is fundamentally different from a potted garden. The growing medium is shallow — typically 4 to 6 inches deep in tray systems — so deep-rooted plants will struggle. The wall’s weight also increases dramatically when soil is saturated, meaning every pound of growing medium has to earn its keep. Plants with fibrous, shallow root systems and moderate water needs perform best because they can access nutrients in a small volume of soil without overwhelming the structure.

Light availability is another deciding factor. Indoor walls need plants that tolerate lower light or receive supplemental LED spots (at least 250 foot candles). Outdoor walls in warm climates can handle sun-loving species like succulents and sedums, but shade-tolerant selections like ferns and ivy are better for north-facing walls or covered patios.

Best Indoor Plants for Living Walls

Indoor living walls live with artificial light and stable temperatures, which opens the door to tropical houseplants that thrive in shallow soil.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Nearly unkillable. Tolerates low light and irregular watering. Trails downward naturally, creating a cascading green curtain.
• Philodendron (hardy varieties): The Philodendron family is the most hardy group for indoor green walls according to Florafelt’s testing data. Vining types drape down, while upright varieties like ‘Birkin’ stay compact.
• Dracaena: Upright growth adds height contrast against trailing plants. Prefers moderate indirect light. Shallow root system works well in tray pockets.
• Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen): Known for variegated leaves that handle low light better than almost any other option. Grows slowly, reducing the need for frequent pruning on the wall.
• Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily): Produces white blooms even under fluorescent lights. Needs consistent moisture but will droop dramatically when thirsty, giving a clear watering cue.

Best Outdoor Plants for Living Walls

Outdoor walls face wind, rain, and temperature swings. Hardy perennials and shallow-rooting groundcovers handle these conditions best.

• Ferns: Boston ferns and maidenhair ferns thrive in the humid microclimate of a green wall. They prefer shade and consistent moisture.
• Hedera English Ivy: Grows fast and clings to surfaces without damaging the wall structure. Be aggressive with pruning to prevent it from overwhelming neighboring plants.
• Sedum: The workhorse of outdoor green walls. These succulents store water in their leaves and tolerate drought, making them forgiving for beginner wall owners.
• Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant): Nearly indestructible in shade. Handles neglect, low light, and temperature swings better than almost any other foliage plant.
• Heuchera (Coral Bells): Adds color — lime green, deep purple, caramel — through its foliage. Prefers part shade and well-drained soil.

How to Match Soil to Plant Type

Soil weight is a structural concern in living walls. Heavy, dense potting soil can overload the mounting system. The three official formulas from Botanical Designs use lightweight amendments to keep the wall stable while meeting each plant’s nutrient needs.

All three mixes use coconut coir and perlite instead of heavy garden soil. Coir retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, and perlite creates air pockets that prevent root rot — a leading cause of wall plant death.

How to Install a Living Wall System Set

The installation process follows four steps, regardless of which system you choose — POD trays from Green Oasis, Varden panels from Verdtech, or a modular setup from LiveWall. Green Oasis’s POD living wall system is designed for irregular surfaces and priced between $115 and $175.

1. Prepare and waterproof the wall. Apply a waterproof membrane or paint-on sealant to the entire surface area the wall will cover. Seal all edges and corners completely. Let the waterproofing cure fully — rushing this step causes moisture damage to the wall behind the system.
2. Attach the panels or trays. Install the modular support structure using the mounting hardware that came with the system. Follow the manufacturer’s torque specs for screws. If the wall is drywall or plaster, use toggle bolts rated for the combined weight of wet soil and plants.
3. Install the irrigation system. Most living walls use drip irrigation tubing run along the top of the panels or within the tray channels. Connect the tubing to a water source and add a timer for automatic watering. Manual hand-watering works but requires daily attention in warm weather.
4. Add the plants. Remove plants from their nursery pots, loosen the root ball gently, and settle them into the tray pockets or planting holes. Fill gaps with the appropriate soil mix from the table above. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the medium.

Living Wall System Types Compared

The right system depends on whether you want a permanent outdoor installation, a no-plumbing indoor wall, or a lightweight rental-friendly option.

Common Mistakes That Kill Living Wall Plants

Even the best plant selection fails if the setup ignores these pitfalls.

• Skipping the weight calculation. A saturated living wall can weigh 20 to 30 pounds per square foot. Verify the wall structure can support that load before mounting anything.
• Using standard garden soil. It compacts in shallow trays and holds too much water. Lighten every mix with perlite and coir per the formulas above.
• Planting too densely. Overcrowding restricts airflow and spreads pests like spider mites and aphids rapidly through the vertical space. Give each plant room to mature.
• Overwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Roots sitting in constant moisture rot and turn brown within days.
• Ignoring light requirements. Indoor walls need at least 250 foot candles from LED or fluorescent grow lights. Walls near south-facing windows need 700 foot candles — if your wall is dim, stick with Pothos and Aglaonema.

Your Living Wall Checklist

Pick plants from the indoor or outdoor list based on your light and climate. Match each plant type to its soil formula from the table. Verify your wall’s load capacity, waterproof thoroughly, and install drip irrigation with a timer to automate watering. For a full comparison of ready-to-buy systems with pricing and sizing details, check our roundup of tested living wall sets.