21 Best Plants For Living Wall Indoors Ideas
Creating a living wall indoors is like turning your house into a secret indoor jungle—only this jungle doesn’t require machetes, just a watering can and some love.
If you’ve ever seen a living wall in a fancy café or spa and thought, “Wow, I want that,” you’re not alone. Indoor living walls are becoming a hot trend, with interior design studies showing that biophilic design (bringing natural elements indoors) can reduce stress by up to 15% and boost productivity by 20%.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If indoor plants had a “beginner-friendly” medal, pothos would win it. These trailing beauties grow like they’ve had three cups of coffee, and they don’t mind if you forget to water them now and then. Their lush green (sometimes variegated) leaves cascade down, making them ideal for vertical walls.
Why it works: Pothos thrive in low to medium light, adapt easily, and filter toxins like formaldehyde from the air. I once stuck a cutting in a jar of water on a kitchen shelf, and within weeks it turned into a mini jungle—no soil required.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Think of English Ivy as that elegant friend who looks good anywhere. With its trailing vines, it covers a living wall quickly and provides a timeless look.
Why it works: English Ivy is fast-growing, air-purifying, and tolerates a variety of conditions. Fun fact: NASA’s Clean Air Study found it particularly effective in reducing airborne fecal particles (yep, gross but true). If you want a classy, Victorian vibe indoors, this plant nails it.
3. Ferns (Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, etc.)
Ferns are like the fluffy pillows of the plant world. They soften any living wall with their feather-like fronds.
Why it works: Boston ferns and maidenhair ferns thrive in humid indoor conditions. If you have a living wall near a kitchen or bathroom, these plants practically sigh with happiness. Just don’t let them dry out—ferns are drama queens about water.
4. Philodendron
The philodendron is the plant equivalent of your dependable friend—easygoing, adaptable, and always making things look good.
Why it works: It’s excellent for vertical growth, has heart-shaped leaves that add texture, and tolerates low light. I once stuck mine on a bathroom wall, and it practically hugged the tiles.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are the overachievers of indoor greenery. They grow fast, send out “babies” (plantlets), and thrive in most conditions.
Why it works: Perfect for filling gaps in a living wall, they also act as natural air purifiers. Fun side note: I once had a spider plant that produced so many babies I ended up gifting them to half my friends.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you forget to water your plants often, the ZZ plant might become your best friend. Its glossy green leaves look like they belong in a high-end hotel lobby.
Why it works: ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, handle low light, and add bold greenery. They grow slowly, so they won’t take over your wall, but they’ll anchor it with structure.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This plant not only looks chic with its dark leaves and white blooms but also doubles as an air-cleaning machine.
Why it works: Peace lilies thrive in low to medium light and are excellent for vertical displays. Their flowers add elegance, and they’re particularly good at filtering benzene and carbon monoxide from the air.
8. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
When you think of tropical, bold vibes, monstera instantly comes to mind. Its dramatic split leaves scream “look at me!”
Why it works: Monsteras climb naturally, making them perfect for vertical walls. They need medium to bright indirect light, so place your living wall near a window. In my own home, I have one that insists on trying to crawl across the wall like it owns the place.
9. Succulents
Succulents are like the “cool kids” of the plant world—low maintenance, trendy, and stylish.
Why it works: With their variety of shapes and colors, succulents make for eye-catching wall designs. Just be sure the wall has good drainage and bright light. Mix in echeveria, haworthia, or jade for a stunning mosaic look.
10. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Imagine a cascade of tiny green beads draped across your wall. That’s string of pearls.
Why it works: It thrives in bright light and needs very little water. On a living wall, it adds a whimsical, cascading effect that feels like jewelry for your walls.
11. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If there were an award for indestructibility, the snake plant would take it.
Why it works: Snake plants thrive in almost any condition, including low light and neglect. Their upright leaves create a striking vertical contrast, adding structure to softer trailing plants. Plus, they’re champions at filtering indoor toxins.
12. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant is basically the plant version of good fortune. Feng Shui traditions even call it the “money plant.”
Why it works: Jade plants are sturdy, slow-growing succulents with fleshy leaves that hold water. Perfect for vertical arrangements that don’t need constant upkeep.
13. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These quirky little guys don’t even need soil. You just tuck them into pockets or mounts on your living wall.
Why it works: Air plants thrive on humidity and indirect light. A quick misting a couple of times a week keeps them happy. They’re also conversation starters—I once had a guest ask if mine were “fake” because they looked too perfect.
14. Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)
Think of creeping fig as the wallpaper of plants—it spreads quickly and covers surfaces beautifully.
Why it works: With small, delicate leaves, it clings to walls and creates a soft, textured look. It thrives in bright, indirect light and adds a romantic, cozy vibe to indoor spaces.
15. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Similar to pothos but with a softer look, the heartleaf philodendron is a classic trailing plant.
Why it works: It grows fast, tolerates low light, and looks stunning cascading down a living wall. Its heart-shaped leaves add a gentle, romantic feel to any indoor setup.
16. Bromeliads
If you want pops of color in your living wall, bromeliads are your best bet.
Why it works: Their bold, tropical flowers last for months, and they thrive in humid environments. They don’t need soil-heavy arrangements—just nestle them in pockets on your wall, and they’ll reward you with vibrant displays.
17. Golden Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
Also known as the wax plant, this beauty has thick, waxy leaves and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers.
Why it works: Hoyas are climbing plants, perfect for vertical displays. They love bright, indirect light and are drought-tolerant. Plus, their blooms are fragrant, giving your indoor wall a subtle perfume.
18. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
If you want a plant that dresses like it’s going to a carnival, pick a croton.
Why it works: With its vibrant red, yellow, and green leaves, croton brings instant color to your wall. It thrives in bright light and adds bold contrast to a sea of green.
19. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Don’t let the delicate name fool you—baby’s tears spread quickly and create lush mats of tiny green leaves.
Why it works: It’s perfect as a ground cover in vertical gardens, filling spaces between bigger plants. It thrives in moist conditions and adds a soft, cushiony look to your living wall.
20. Orchids (Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium)
Orchids are like the divas of the plant world—stunning, elegant, and always stealing the spotlight.
Why it works: On a living wall, orchids add pops of dramatic blooms. They thrive in humid environments and need bright, indirect light. They’re a little fussier than pothos or philodendrons, but their payoff is worth it.
21. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Thyme, etc.)
Why not make your living wall both pretty and practical? Herbs like basil, mint, thyme, and oregano grow well indoors and smell amazing.
Why it works: They thrive in sunny spots and can turn your living wall into a mini kitchen garden. Imagine plucking fresh basil right off your wall for pizza night—it’s next-level satisfying.
Conclusion On 21 Best Plants For Living Wall Indoors Ideas
Designing a living wall indoors isn’t just about making your home look stunning—it’s about creating an environment that boosts your mood, cleans your air, and makes you feel more connected to nature. The best part is you can mix and match plants to fit your personality. Want something low-maintenance? Go for pothos, ZZ plants, or snake plants. Crave drama? Add monstera, croton, or orchids. Prefer practicality? Herbs will have your back (and your pasta).
Statistics show that homes with indoor plants see up to 12% lower stress levels and even better sleep quality. I can personally vouch for this—after installing a small vertical garden in my living room, I found myself spending more time reading there, just soaking in the calm.
