When we first started fabricating moss walls for our clients, we never imagined they would become so popular. Photo: Good Earth Plant Company
We love enriching peoples’ lives with plants at Good Earth Plant Company. But sometimes, what really fires up our biophilic creativity with nature is working with moss, especially moss walls. When we first started fabricating moss walls for our clients, we never imagined they would become so popular.
Biotech and high-tech companies really love moss walls. So do creative people – we’ve worked on moss walls for famous names you’d know in fashion and music. Maybe these smart minds have a specific affinity for the intricate patterns and endless options in shape, color, and size moss walls offer.
When we post photos of our latest moss wall projects, we get a LOT of questions. We love answering them. We’ve picked out some of the top questions, and we’re answering them here for you in our blog.
Are moss walls really made of the stuff that grows on rocks?
A closer look at the variety of textures and colors used in this moss wall design. Photo: Good Earth Plant Company
Yes! We work with several types of preserved moss. Some are from a plant we call reindeer or caribou moss, but it’s actually lichen, one of the world’s most ancient plant forms. Good Earth Plant Company sources its moss products worldwide, but most come from the U.S. and Canada.
Some companies harvest wild moss or lichen, which can harm the local environment. That’s a nonstarter for us. We carefully choose our moss sources to be eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible.
Are moss walls alive like living walls?
No, but the moss material was once a living, growing plant carefully preserved using glycerin to create the beautiful textured panels we use to create a moss wall. The many, many colors we use are made from food dyes.
Do moss walls need to be watered? Or any other care?
Moss walls can be placed nearly anywhere, including places where maintenance might be difficult like this lobby.
No plumbing or irrigation needed at all. A moss wall requires the proper humidity and protection from direct sunlight or water. That’s about it. So there’s a big saving for you compared to the maintenance a living wall requires to look good.
Do moss walls need light?
None. In fact, sunlight will fade them. They are ideal for dark spaces. You can put decorative lighting on them to add drama.
Can moss walls be installed anywhere?
We can’t help showing off our moss walls in the Paladian complex restrooms.
NEARLY anywhere, but not everywhere.
- You can’t put a moss wall outside in direct sunlight, or it will get scorched.
- You can’t put a moss wall up in a dry area. Moss walls require a minimum level of humidity to look good, about 40 to 50 percent.
- Avoid placing a moss wall near heating or air conditioning vents. The blasts of hot or cold dry air will ruin it.
- You can’t put a moss wall where it might get wet (near running water, spigots, sinks, fountains, rain, etc.).
Can I put a moss wall in a dark space?
Moss walls thrive anywhere with enough humidity. This series brightens up a technology company corridor where there are no windows. Photo: Good Earth Plant Company
Yes. They don’t need light to grow. You don’t have to water them like a plant, either. If there is enough humidity in the air, you can leave a moss wall inside in the dark for a week while you’re on vacation, and it will be fine.
Can I put a moss wall outside?
Good Earth Plant Company embellished an existing mural with moss wall art for a one of a kind creation.
It is not advised. Sun and rain are their enemies. However, we used moss to bring an outdoor mural to life! It was temporary. I’m not sure how much longer than the two months it was up it would have lasted.
What interior design can I do with a moss wall?
One of our all time favorite moss wall projects – a simple company logo.
Moss walls are incredibly lightweight. Design options are unlimited. Moss walls can take on many different shapes, and the moss itself can be dyed virtually any color. Different types of moss and faux plants can be added for an exciting effect. Think of it more as choosing fabric to make into clothing. Your choices of colors and patterns are endless.
One of our most popular moss walls is one of our oldest. It’s the corporate name “Classy” hanging in the lobby of an office building. It’s a selfie magnet!
Are there any other benefits to moss walls?
Moss walls absorb sound and decrease noise pollution.
Noise reduction. Noise distraction is one of the top complaints from employees in workplace with open layouts. Reindeer moss walls have been tested and found to have a “Noise Reduction Coefficients” (NRC) rating of 0.5 on a zero to one scale, exceptionally efficient.
Are moss walls only good for large spaces or businesses?
Moss walls are ideal for small spaces, too. This new moss wall greets visitors entering the lobby. It is the first thing guests see in the building.
Moss walls are for everyone! Because of their flexibility, ease of installation and minimal maintenance, and lower cost, they’re ideal for any home or business where one can be accommodated. They only take two to three inches of clearance from the wall, not much more than a traditionally framed piece of artwork.
Are moss walls really, completely maintenance-free?
The moss walls Good Earth Plant Company created for Mission Federal Credit Union remain among our favorite all-time projects.
Moss walls don’t require traditional watering, pruning, or feeding, but they need just a little TLC. In addition to the right amount of humidity, you should schedule an annual “tune-up” for your moss wall.
Good Earth Plant Company’s horticulture technicians check to make sure installation is still secure and individual moss panels or pieces are all holding in place. Moss walls are cleaned to remove any dust or random spider webs. Occasionally we add a new layer of glycerin preservative or even some color refresher.
How do I get Good Earth Plant Company to design a moss wall for me?
We thought you’d never ask! Call us at 858-576-9300 or email us at info@goodearthplants.com ALL our moss walls are custom designed. Let us come out (or send us a picture), and we’ll assess the space and learn more about your ideas so we can provide you a plan including a conceptual design and an estimate.
