How to Create an Accent Wall with Plants

A living plant accent wall is the most dynamic and breathtaking wall treatment you can create. A wall covered in lush greenery brings nature indoors, improves air quality, reduces stress, and creates a stunning focal point unlike anything else. Whether you want a full vertical garden or a curated arrangement of wall-mounted planters, here's how to create your own plant accent wall.

What You'll Need

• Vertical wall garden planter: Ogrmar 36 Pockets Vertical Wall Garden Planter, Black
• Floating shelves: QEEIG Bathroom Floating Shelves 15.7"x6.7", Set of 2
• Stud finder: Stud Finder Wall Scanner 5-in-1
• Laser level: Laser Level Line Tool by AikTryee
• Power drill: BLACK+DECKER 12V Drill & Home Tool Kit
• Screwdriver set: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
• Double-sided tape: ZMUAXUAN Nano Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty
• Construction adhesive: Loctite PL Premium Construction Adhesive
• Painter's tape: ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape

Plant Wall Styles

• Vertical pocket planter: A fabric or felt panel with multiple pockets, each holding a small plant. The Ogrmar 36-pocket planter creates a lush, full wall of greenery quickly and affordably.
• Shelf plant display: Multiple floating shelves arranged on the wall, each holding potted plants at different heights.
• Hanging planters: Individual planters hung at varying heights from hooks or a horizontal rod.
• Mounted pot holders: Individual wall-mounted brackets holding single pots, arranged in a pattern.
• Moss wall: Preserved or living moss panels mounted to the wall for a lush, textural look with minimal maintenance.

Method 1: Vertical Pocket Planter (Easiest)

Step 1: Choose the Location

Select a wall with good natural light or plan to supplement with grow lights. South or east-facing walls get the most light. Avoid walls near heating vents — dry heat stresses plants.

Step 2: Mount the Planter

Use the stud finder to locate studs. The Ogrmar 36-pocket planter has hanging loops at the top — drive screws into studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors. Use the laser level to ensure it hangs straight. The planter is lightweight when empty but becomes heavier when filled with soil and plants — always mount into studs.

Step 3: Fill with Soil and Plants

Fill each pocket with a well-draining potting mix. Choose plants suited to your light conditions:

• Low light: Pothos, heartleaf philodendron, ZZ plant, snake plant
• Medium light: Spider plant, peace lily, ferns, tradescantia
• Bright light: Herbs (basil, mint, thyme), succulents, string of pearls

Step 4: Water Management

Watering a vertical planter requires care — water drains from top pockets to lower ones. Water slowly and evenly. Place a tray or waterproof mat at the base to catch drips. Self-watering inserts or a drip irrigation system make maintenance much easier for large planters.

Method 2: Shelf Plant Display

Install multiple rows of QEEIG floating shelves at varying heights using the laser level for perfect alignment. Style with a mix of trailing plants (pothos, string of pearls), upright plants (snake plant, fiddle leaf fig), and small accent plants (succulents, air plants). Vary pot sizes, materials, and heights for a dynamic, layered look.

Pro Tips

• Group plants with similar water and light needs together for easier care.
• Use lightweight pots (plastic or fabric) for wall-mounted planters to reduce wall stress.
• Add a grow light if your wall doesn't get enough natural light — plants will struggle without adequate light.
• Trailing plants like pothos and string of pearls look spectacular cascading down from upper shelves.
• A plant accent wall is a living thing — plan for regular watering, pruning, and occasional plant replacement.