Why grow plants indoors?
Certain plants kick it up a notch by reducing these airborne toxins, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene from the air we breath in our homes and offices. This is important when you consider all the synthetic building components and furnishings found within a modern building emitting yucky chemicals into the air.
In fact, many household item such as carpets, drapes and stoves, contain pollutants, and lots of commonly used items like glue, detergent, grocery bags, toilet paper and facial wipes, emit toxic compounds. Plants do their part to reduce the bad side effects these toxins cause by acting as natural air purifiers.
And plants increase humidity in your home. In our heated and dry homes in winter, our space feels like a desert. Your nostrils and throat get dry, irritated, and scratchy, and we all become more susceptible to infections. Not to mention dry and itchy skin. Don't get me started. Plants help to reduce these problems by increasing humidity.
Did you know? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends a whopping 93 percent of their lives indoors!
Why vertical gardening?
Probably installing a humongous living green wall in your home isn't a viable option due to cost and time, but a vertical felt garden? Totally doable. Living green art on a smaller scale. What could be more soothing or aesthetic than plants climbing up your wall? Even apartment dwellers can get a part of the action. It's art that is alive. Nothing can make your home look richer, more exotic and chic than beautiful plants cascading over your space.
These green walls are driven by all the new technology that makes it possible to keep plants alive including LED lights and metal halide track lighting. But we'll get to that in a minute.
So what plants will thrive in my new Florafelt system?
Just keep in mind, before you decide on plants, you first need to decide whether you're using this product indoors or outdoors. If you choose to use this product exclusively outdoors, you'll have more plants to choose from. But I loved the idea of growing vertically inside my home.
So we picked the companies brain a bit and they suggested low light tropical plants for us. Houseplants. Who are we to disagree? Besides, philodendrons fall into this category and you won't find a much easier plant to handle. Not only are they tough, but their foliage comes in many colors with bold stems and roots. They droop down and create a nice overflowing effect or can even stretch upwards. Many can be transplanted from cuttings so if you have a few friends with a philly than you might be in luck.
Some other plants to consider are: English ivy, spider plant, rubber plant, golden pothos, peace lily, snake plant, ficus, bamboo palm, dracaena and lady palm. And any succulent would look stupendous!
Did you know? According to NASA, using certain houseplants and placing one every hundred square feet can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours! Not to shabby.
How do I deal with lighting for my Florafelt system?
And can I just admit that indoor plant lighting totally intimidates me? Fortunately, the company has a lighting guide link that details exactly how-to deal with the light issue. Very insightful.
I came to the conclusion that for my space, the best option was metal halide lighting. But I was unsure of how many. Plants On Walls to the rescue. They recommended to start with just one metal halide track light and go from there. Perfect. And if the plants seem wilty and sad after a few weeks, then I'll add another light. It will cost about $65 for the unit and extra for bulbs.
But it's so dark and dreary in my house this time of year. I savor the idea of plant lights adding a little warmth and comfort to my otherwise dark existence from December to April!
How does the unit get watered?
Your new living wall is watered from the top to the bottom using drip lines. The synthetic felt wicks the water to the plants. Any extra water drips from the bottom and is recirculated. No waste. Nice! The plant roots actually grow into the moisture filled felt to create a hydroponic environment when a mild plant food is added. Super nifty.
You could also just water by hand if that's easier for you!
Product specs
- A Florafelt 8-pocket Living Walls Planter
- 3 Gallon Water Bin
- Water Pump & Tubing
- Automatic timer
- Neatly folds into a 26 x 13 x 7 inch box
- Each Full sized pocket is 10" wide by 6" deep
- Felt stretches open to receive 4 to 6 inch potted plants
- Use included root wrappers to change and arrange plants easily
Florafelt Planters are hand made in the USA from 100% Recycled P.E.T. plastic water bottles.
Features
- Learn to create your own Living Wall Designs
- Automatic timer waters daily; Just add water weekly
- Cleans air and creates oxygen
- Explore many used indoors and outdoors
- Grows 8 plants (sold separately)
- Ready To Plant
- Lightweight - 1.5 lbs/sf (aprox. 5 lbs/sf planted)
- Made From Indestructible, Recycled Nylon Felt
- Easy-To-Mount Wall Gardening Solution
- Versatile - Move And Change Plants At Will
So what's the reality of the installation process?
Because to some extent...aren't we are visual learners? Once installed up on a wall or stand of some sort, I still think your biggest challenge and biggest decision involves light.
Final thoughts...
They are also marvelously helpful if you need assistance! But honestly, their website is a goldmine of information, I doubt you'll have many questions after you read the included instructions and view their how-to video's. My vertical growing system is a great product in a reasonable price range. I would recommended this system to my friends, family and also to you wonderful readers.
Last tip: Know the plants' needs and meet them. The rest is just details!
One Plants On Walls Florafelt vertical gardening kit valued at $200!
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