Moss walls are growing in popularity because they’re stunning, easy to care for, and offer real benefits to the function of your space. But although they are on the rise, many of our clients aren’t aware of exactly what an indoor moss wall is, how it works, or what to expect when exploring one for their commercial space. As horticultural experts who have been doing creative interior work with plants since 1979, we know a thing or two about a moss wall. In this piece, we’ll take you through all the basic considerations you need to know as you decide what is right for you.
The Basics: FAQs About Indoor Moss Walls
Before we get into all of the benefits and design possibilities, let’s go over what a moss wall actually is.
Moss walls are installations that can be the size of a framed poster all the way to a whole wall installation. They are made of real moss that has been harvested and specially treated to stand the test of time. They can contain different colors, patterns (even logos), and even specialty elements like stones, faux or preserved wood and other plants.
Are moss walls living?
No, moss walls are not living. They are real moss, but that moss is no longer alive, and has been preserved.
What is preserved moss?
Preserved moss refers to moss that has been harvested and treated to retain the texture, color and look of live moss. Plantscaping & Blooms works with reputable moss companies that provide a range of high-quality options to give artistic dimension to our work.
How do you care for an indoor moss wall?
The first step in caring for an indoor moss wall is placing it correctly, away from direct sunlight or heat and air conditioning blowers, and out of the way of high traffic. For general upkeep, since preserved moss is not living you don’t need to mist or water. We do recommend a gentle dusting when needed. Additionally, after a few years it may require some recoloring.
Do you have to water a moss wall?
No, preserved moss walls don’t require any water, soil or sun because they aren’t living. This makes them a great choice for low-light spaces and eliminates the risk of water damage. No plumbing or electrical is needed for moss walls as opposed to some living green walls.
How long does a moss wall last?
When created and installed properly, in the right location and with high-quality moss, an indoor moss wall can last for many years.
Can you DIY a moss wall?
We do not recommend that anyone looking to add a moss wall to a commercial space take the DIY route. Moss is delicate, and for professional results it is always best to work with experts. As with so many other artistic endeavors there is a process. Our team has been making moss walls for many years, and our company is at the forefront of our industry. We have commercial-grade moss suppliers and hundreds of hours of designing, choosing mosses, affixing them properly, and installing pieces behind us.
What is moss art?
Moss art is where preserved moss is used to create a piece of standalone artwork rather than a full wall installation.
Moss walls vs living walls?
Moss walls are green walls made from preserved moss. They can be small or take up a multi-story wall. If you want live plants growing vertically, living walls is what you’re looking for. They combine different types of living plants, and can also be any size from the dimensions of a poster to taking up an entire wall.
Does a moss wall contribute to LEED certification points?
Moss walls may help improve a building’s LEED points due to their innovation in the biophilic interior design space.
What Are the Benefits of a Moss Wall or Moss Art Indoors?
Biophilic design – interior design choices based around the inherent connection humans have with nature –– can bring numerous benefits to your space. For moss walls, you may find:
- Looking at plants and greenery can boost your mental health and mood
- Quieter spaces, as preserved moss is as effective as some conventional sound-dampening choices
- Higher spirits and productivity for those in office spaces
- Positive effects on health and wellbeing (including decreases of anxiety and stress), for those with and without chronic disease
These are just some of the advantages of using moss and other natural material in your design and décor choices. In our work around Cleveland, we witness firsthand that our clients enjoy their commercial spaces more and are more connected to their community through biophilic design.
How do you use moss installations in design?
Moss walls and moss art are very versatile and can fit in with almost any commercial space.
Moss art is typically smaller and can be more traditional in feel, as it is typically smaller than an installation.
Moss walls can cover as much or as little of a wall as a design calls for, and typically work more closely with the architecture of your building. They can also incorporate things like logos, signs and more. At Plantscaping & Blooms, we relish getting to do ambitious designs and can even create a moment of zen in the middle of your office.
Both can combine a variety of colors, textures and other design features like dried wood and faux plants like artificial succulents or flowers, and more. When Plantscaping & Blooms designs a moss installation, we always assess the use of a space as much as its look and feel – do you want to make an impression in a lobby, or bring calm and quiet to an office?
We also take into account placement. We aim to install moss away from high-traffic areas and direct sun. Color, shape and size also dictate placement: darker moss absorbs light and can create a contrast with lighter walls, but brighter mosses may bring lift to poorly-lit corridors.
Why should you choose a moss wall for your space?
A moss wall might be right for you if you want:
- A memorable space with a custom design
- The power of plants with lower maintenance and upkeep
- Maximum creativity or biophilic impact in minimal square footage
- An ambitious installation but a living wall isn’t a good fit
Even with their numerous upsides, moss walls aren’t right for every customer. They may not be a good fit for you if you want:
- Greenery in a high-traffic or busy space
- Plants for a short-term space. Moss wall installations can be very hard to move, if it is even possible. However moss art can be transported (with care!).
- The intangible benefit that comes from live plants growing and changing
- An emphasis on blooms, or a variation in types of greenery throughout your space
While these are general rules of thumb, it’s always worth scheduling a consultation with a moss wall designer like Plantscaping & Blooms to talk over your particular context will help you make the best choice.
Working with Plantscaping & Blooms
We are horticultural and design experts that can do amazing things with moss, and many other plants. The first step in our process is getting to know our customers and making a connection with them and their spaces. This is also a great time for you to ask any and all questions you may have at the start. (We can also direct you to additional options, including living walls, floral displays and even faux plants if a moss wall doesn’t end up being right for you.)
We then take our learnings and create a custom proposal for every space, from small pieces of moss art to ambitious, large-scale installations. Our experienced and dedicated team right here in Northeast Ohio can do almost anything, using the highest quality moss and other materials.
Then, we install your new moss piece(s). Given its delicate nature, moss can be tricky to handle, so we always take the care needed so that everything looks spectacular. That ensures we deliver on exactly what we promise when it comes to all of our projects, including moss creations.
If you are thinking of adding a moss wall to your space, connect with us today and we can start to make the extraordinary happen.