Wall Planters: Add Green Without Taking Up Space

Wall Planters: Add Green Without Taking Up Space

If you’re short on space or just want something different, a wall planter is one of the easiest ways to bring plants into your home. You don’t need shelves or floor space, just use your walls! A wall hanging planter (or wall mounted planter) lets you add greenery in places that would otherwise stay empty. They work well in small apartments, home offices, patios, and even larger open spaces that have a blank wall that could use a bit more life.

Why Wall Planters Work So Well Indoors

A wall planter is perfect when you don’t have room for traditional plant pots. Traditionally plant pots sit on the ground, or on surfaces (such as shelving, kitchen islands or table tops), so don't beat yourself up if you feel you don't have the space.  You can easily turn a blank partition into an indoor plant wall without cluttering your space!  It also helps your space visually; when plants are at eye level, the whole room feels more styled and intentional.  Plant holders for the wall are great workaround for:

  • Home offices
  • Kitchens
  • Entryways
  • Bathrooms

You can keep it simple with one wall mounted planter or build out a full plant wall using a mix of sizes (my favourite option)!

Creating an Indoor Plant Wall

An indoor plant wall doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with a few wall planters and build from there.  Use a mix of hanging plants for planters such as pothos plants, philodendrons, or string of pearls. The trailing effect adds movement and softens the look of the wall.  But keep in mind that spacing matters more than anything. Leave a bit of room between each wall hanging planter so it doesn’t feel crowded and so the wall pots aren't placed too close together.  If you want it to feel more styled, stick to a consistent colour palette for your planters, choosing at least two pots with the same colour in your grouping.

Using Wall Planters Outdoors

Wall planters work just as well outside. An exterior plant wall can completely change how a patio, balcony, or backyard feels.  If you’re working with a smaller outdoor space, a wall mounted planter helps you bring in greenery without taking up space on the ground.  They work especially well in smaller backyards when you've got little kids running around - your plants will be up, and out of the way of the path of destruction.  They’re great for:

  • Balconies
  • Fences
  • Patio walls
  • Garden features

You can mix short hanging planters with taller wall mounted ones to create layers and depth.

Building an Exterior Plant Wall

An exterior plant wall works best when you think about sunlight and watering.  Choose plants that suit your climate and the amount of light your wall gets. Herbs, ferns, and trailing plants all work well depending on the conditions.  Make sure your wall planter setup allows for drainage, especially if the planters are hung where they will be exposed to the elements. 

The Aesthetic Impact of Wall Planters

Wall planters can change the overall feel of a space pretty quickly.  They draw your eye upward, which makes ceilings feel higher and rooms feel bigger. Even a small wall hanging planter can shift the look of a space, particularly with a trailing plant like a pothos or philodendron.  A full plant wall becomes a focal point without needing extra furniture, artwork or decor.  Indoors, it immediately adds warmth and texture. Outdoors, it helps soften hard surfaces like fences or brick.

Choosing the Right Wall Planter for You

A few things make a difference when choosing a wall planter:

  • Size of the plant and how much it will grow
  • Weight and how it will be mounted
  • Drainage, especially for outdoor use
  • Style that fits your space

A good wall mounted planter should feel secure and look like it belongs in the space, not like an afterthought.

Simple Ways to Get Started

If you’re new to wall planters, start small.  Start by adding one to a space that feels empty. Then build from there.  Once you get a feel for it, you can create a full indoor plant wall or even an exterior plant wall outside.  It doesn’t take much.  A few well-placed wall planters and the right hanging plants for planters can completely change the space.  Give it a try!