How To Create A Stunning Vertical Succulent Wall In Your City Home

City life is great, but there are definitely downsides. The immediate environment can lack greenery and we can all feel rather cramped at times. Part of flourishing in urban areas is about creating a viable living space and brightening up your home – no matter how small. This website is mainly about how to survive – and thrive – in city spaces, but it’s also important to take pride in the beauty of your surroundings.

In this blog, I’m going to discuss how to create a vertical succulent wall in your living room, backyard, or balcony – wherever you’ve the space. I’ve already written quite a bit about vertical gardening, including vertical kitchen gardens the types of containers you’ll need for growing vertically, as well as how to build out a herb garden.

Create a Vertical Succulent Wall in Your Urban Space

For your vertical succulent wall, you’ll want to select a variety of different succulent species that have similar light and water requirements. It’s also important to choose plants that have a comparable growth rate so that one doesn’t outgrow the others.

Once you’ve selected your succulents, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials and tools, including a wall planter/frame, soil, and a watering can.

Designing your succulent wall is where the fun really begins! You can arrange your succulents in any pattern or design that you like, from a simple geometric shape to a more abstract arrangement.

And, once you’ve settled on a design, it’s time to assemble your wall. In this article, I’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure that your wall is sturdy and secure, as well as some tips on maintenance and care to keep your succulent wall looking healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Table of Contents

Vertical Succulent Wall: Choosing the Right Succulents

Creating a stunning vertical succulent wall starts with choosing the right plants. In this section, I’ll discuss how to assess sunlight and climate, and which succulent varieties are suitable for vertical growing.

Let’s get started!

Assessing Sunlight and Climate

Before choosing succulents for your vertical garden, assess the sunlight and climate conditions of the location.

Most succulents require plenty of sunlight to grow, while some can thrive in shaded areas such as echeveria, sedum, and aloe vera. So, it’s essential to choose a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Succulents are also adaptable to different climate conditions, but some varieties are more suitable for specific environments than others.

For example, if you live in a humid area, choose succulents that are native to tropical regions, such as haworthias and gasterias. On the other hand, if you live in a dry, arid climate, opt for succulent varieties that are drought-tolerant, such as cacti and agaves.

Succulent Varieties for Vertical Growing

When choosing succulent varieties for your vertical garden, consider selecting different plants to add visual interest and diversity to your display.

Here are some succulent varieties that are suitable for vertical growing…

• String of pearls (wenecio rowleyanus): this trailing succulent has round, bead-like leaves that resemble pearls and a nice choice for hanging baskets or wall planters.
• Hens and chicks (sempervivum tectorum): this hardy succulent forms rosettes of leaves that grow in a circular pattern. It’s ideal for planting in a vertical planter or a living wall.
• Echeveria: this rosette-forming succulent comes in a variety of colours and shapes, making it a popular choice for succulent lovers, perfect for planting in a planter box or a succulent frame.
• Burro’s tail (sedum morganianum): this trailing succulent has long, trailing stems that are covered in small, round leaves, good for a succulent wreath or a living wall.

Vertical Succulent Wall: Designing Your Succulent Wall

Ok, so you’ve chosen your plants. Now you’ll need to design your wall.

Let’s have a look at layout planning and aesthethic considerations…

Layout Planning

First, you’ll need to think about how to layout your garden.

You can arrange your plants in a pattern or randomly, depending on your preference.

You can also choose to create a succulent wreath or a living wall by attaching the plants to the edge of the frame.

Aesthetic Considerations

When designing your succulent wall, you should also think about the aesthetic aspect.

You can choose to create a monochromatic wall by using plants of the same colour or mix and match different colours and textures to create a vibrant and eye-catching display.

The most popular method tends to be a frame. Have a look at a variety, including those made from metal, wood, or plastic.

You can even make your own, using an old picture frame or a wire mesh grid as a base for your succulent wall to create your very own ‘wall art’ frame! Look for a frame that has a sturdy frame face and a solid back.

Your frame should be at least two inches deep to allow enough space for the succulent plants to grow.

You can choose a rectangular or square frame, or get creative with a circular or heart-shaped frame. Keep in mind that the size of your frame will determine how many succulent plants you can fit in your vertical planter.

Another popular option is a multi-tiered planter, but you’ll need a lot of tiers to create that dramatic ‘succulent effect’ so choose wisely!

Vertical Succulent Wall: Essential Supplies

Once you’ve chosen your frame/grid and planter, you’ll also need to gather the essential supplies to create your own succulent wall garden. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Succulent soil: choose a soil mix specifically designed for succulent plants.
2. Succulent cuttings: you can purchase these from a garden centre or take cuttings from your own succulent plants.
3. Wire mesh or chicken wire: this is used to cover the back of the wire grid or frame to prevent soil from falling out.
4. Wire cutters: you’ll need these to cut the wire mesh or chicken wire to fit the size of your frame.
5. Edge of the frame: you’ll need to attach the succulent frame to the edge of the planter box using wire or other materials.

Vertical Succulent Wall: Assembly Instructions

So, now you’re ready to assemble your garden. Here are some simple assembly instructions to get you started.

Preparing the Frame

If you’re using an old picture frame, remove the glass and backing, leaving only the frame face. If you’re using wire mesh, cut it to the size of your frame using wire cutters.

Next, attach chicken wire to the back of the frame using a staple gun.

Make sure the chicken wire is taut and covers the entire back of the frame. This will create a wire grid that will hold the succulent plants in place.

Planting the Succulents

Once you have your frame prepared, it’s time to plant your succulent cuttings.

Fill the bottom of the wire grid with succulent soil, making sure to spread it evenly. Then, insert your succulent cuttings into the soil, starting from the bottom of the wire grid and working your way up to the top.

Be sure to leave enough space between each cutting to allow them to grow.

Once you have planted all of your succulent cuttings, water them lightly and let them sit for a few days to allow the roots to take hold. After a few days, you can hang your succulent wall planter frame on the wall!

Mounting the Wall

Now for the fun part!

To mount your succulent wall frame, you will need to attach a wire or hook to the back of the frame. Choose a sturdy wall and use appropriate hardware to avoid any accidents.

This is quite a delicate operation so make sure you’re prepared and take your time.

Vertical Succulent Wall: Maintenance and Care

Taking care of your vertical succulent wall is essential to ensure its longevity and health. Let’s have a quick look at some top tips for your wall!

Watering Techniques

Watering is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy succulent wall.

Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to dehydration and wilting of the plants. So be sure to find the right balance!

One technique to ensure proper watering is to create a water reservoir at the bottom of the planter box. This reservoir will allow the plants to absorb water as needed, without the risk of overwatering.

Another technique is to use a watering can with a narrow spout to water the plants directly at the base, avoiding the leaves and stem.

It is also important to water your succulent wall less frequently during the winter months, as the plants go dormant and require less water.

Long-Term Succulent Health

To ensure the long-term health of your succulent wall, it is important to regularly trim and prune the plants. This will prevent overcrowding and allow the plants to grow properly.

Also, make sure your soil is well-draining, as succulent plants are susceptible to root rot. You can use a mixture of sand, perlite and potting soil to create the perfect succulent soil.

Finally, it is important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. This is important no matter how big your wall! Even if it’s indoors your wall won’t be immune to pests, so make sure you check regularly.

By following these maintenance and care tips, you can ensure that your vertical succulent garden remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.

How to Create a Vertical Succulent Wall: My Final Thoughts

Creating your own succulent wall planter is a fun and rewarding project that will impress your guests and add a touch of greenery to your urban space.

Whether you’re seasoned with vertical gardening or a beginner, you can easily create a stunning vertical succulent garden with just a few simple steps.

As long as you choose the right plants for your home and realistically consider the space you have to work with, you can succeed with your vertical succulent wall.

With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can create a stunning living wall and add a touch of nature to your home.

Vertical Succulent Wall: Frequently Asked Questions