Living wall or artificial wall?
A living wall suits a site with light, water and someone to look after it. An artificial wall suits a site without them.
Last reviewed
We only build living walls, so we aren't neutral. This page is written so you can check our reasoning, and it says plainly where an artificial wall is the better choice.
Side by side
Look
Living: Real plants grow, move and change through the year. No two weeks look exactly the same.
Artificial: Stays the same every day. Good ones look convincing from a distance, less so up close.
Light
Living: Needs enough daylight or planned lighting for the plants chosen.
Artificial: Needs none, so it works in dark corners and windowless rooms.
Water
Living: Needs a water source and somewhere for excess water to drain.
Artificial: Needs no water or drainage.
Upkeep
Living: Needs regular care: cutting, pruning, feeding and a check on the irrigation.
Artificial: Needs dusting or washing now and then. No gardener.
Outdoors
Living: Plants are chosen for the sun, heat and monsoon on that wall.
Artificial: Strong sun can fade and weaken plastic foliage, so check it's made for outdoor use.
Fire safety
Living: Dry, neglected plants are a risk, which is one more reason to keep up maintenance.
Artificial: Plastic foliage can burn. In a public building, ask for its fire rating before buying.
Over the years
Living: A tired plant can be replaced, so the wall is renewed a little at a time. It depends on continued care.
Artificial: Needs no care, but faded or brittle foliage eventually means replacing it.
When a living wall makes sense
- The wall gets enough light, or lighting can be added.
- There's a water point and somewhere for water to drain.
- You can pay for maintenance after the wall goes in.
- You want real plants, and you're happy for the wall to change over time.
When an artificial wall makes sense
- The space is dark and lighting can't be added.
- There's no water or drainage, and neither can be added.
- The wall is out of reach, so nobody can look after it.
- It's for a short event or a temporary fit-out.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, a living wall or an artificial wall?
It depends on the wall and how long you keep it. An artificial wall has no upkeep beyond cleaning. A living wall has a running cost for maintenance, but plants can be replaced as they tire. Compare real quotes for your wall, and count the upkeep as well as the install.
Can a living wall work where an artificial wall would go?
Often, if there's enough light or room for planned lighting, a water point, and drainage. Where those can't be provided, an artificial wall may be the honest answer.
Does Greenwall sell artificial walls?
No. We build living walls only, on a modular pot system, so keep that in mind as you read this page.
Not sure your wall can take real plants?
Size it online for a first figure, then we measure on site and send a written quote.
