A Natural Wall Solution for Interiors

The main reason lies in neuroaesthetics. Our brain instantly and subconsciously recognises the difference between real biological structures and artificial materials. While real plants and preserved moss demonstrably lower stress hormone levels (cortisol) and promote the release of relaxation hormones, this essential effect is completely absent with plastic plants. Even if high-quality artificial plants are visually convincing, the human subconscious registers their synthetic nature. Anyone integrating a plant wall to noticeably improve wellbeing, concentration or indoor climate in the office will only achieve these biophilic effects with real botanics. Petroleum-based imitations often contradict the very goal of healthy room design. This is supported by neuroscientific research in the field of biophilic design, which shows that artificial materials cannot activate the positive neural pathways in the brain.

Plant walls come in three fundamentally different versions, each with its own strengths and compromises.

Artificial plant walls are made from synthetic materials such as polyethylene and are used purely for decoration. They require neither water nor light and are affordable to purchase (from CHF 330/m²). However, as petroleum-based products, they produce no biophilic effects on wellbeing or indoor climate and often appear artificial up close.

Preserved plant walls consist of real plants and mosses made permanently durable through a gentle glycerine-based process. The result: real botanics with zero maintenance — no water, no light, no service contract. The natural material structure, especially when ball moss forms the base, additionally provides measurably high sound absorption. Investment costs from CHF 780/m², with zero ongoing operating costs.

Living plant walls are biologically active: they produce oxygen, increase air humidity and filter pollutants from the air. This maximum indoor climate benefit comes at a price, both in terms of acquisition (from CHF 2,000/m²) and ongoing maintenance (CHF 250–350/m²/year) through automatic irrigation, specialist lighting and regular care.

The choice depends on three factors: the desired benefit (purely decorative vs. functional), the available budget and the willingness to commit to ongoing maintenance.

Yes, though with one decisive difference depending on the type.

Preserved plant walls with ball moss achieve the best acoustic performance of all three variants. The three-dimensional, porous structure of the moss absorbs sound waves particularly effectively, noticeably reducing reverberation and noise levels without additional acoustic panels. This makes them the preferred solution in open-plan offices, conference rooms and reception areas where hard surfaces such as concrete, glass and screed reflect sound.

Living plant walls also achieve good sound absorption depending on the system design and planting, but are more dependent on the chosen plant species and substrate depth.

Artificial plant walls, on the other hand, provide only marginal acoustic performance without a special insulation structure, as the plastic surfaces tend to reflect rather than absorb sound.

For companies seeking to combine room aesthetics with measurable acoustic improvement, the preserved plant wall with ball moss is the most efficient solution: no maintenance required and long-term effectiveness.

This depends entirely on the type chosen.

Preserved and artificial plant walls require neither a water connection nor specialist lighting. They can be installed on any interior wall, including windowless rooms, corridors, stairwells or server rooms. Lighting here serves solely for ambiance, not for the survival of the plants.

Living plant walls, on the other hand, require an automated irrigation system with a fresh water supply and drainage, as well as dedicated plant lighting (full-spectrum LED) in most indoor spaces. Where there is insufficient natural light — which is the case in many offices, hotels and public buildings — artificial lighting becomes a technical necessity, not an option. This increases both the installation complexity and ongoing electricity costs.

Anyone wishing to integrate a plant wall into an existing building without pre-installed pipework will save considerable structural effort, and therefore time and planning costs, by choosing a preserved solution.

No, at least not with preserved plant walls. Since the moss and plants are biologically inactive, there is no soil, no moisture and no organic decomposition — none of the conditions that attract insects. Preserved plant walls are hypoallergenic, non-toxic and entirely suitable for offices, hotels and public buildings.

With living plant walls, the risk is fundamentally present, but very low with professional installation and regular maintenance. Three factors are decisive: a closed, hygienic substrate without open soil areas, an optimised irrigation system that prevents waterlogging, and regular inspection by a specialist. Problems arise almost exclusively from inadequate maintenance or incorrectly dimensioned irrigation systems, not from the plant wall itself.

Artificial plastic plant walls naturally attract no insects, but equally provide none of the functional or biophilic benefits of real botanics.

Anyone wanting to be on the safe side in a commercial environment — in gastronomy, healthcare or representative reception areas — is ideally served by a preserved plant wall: full natural aesthetics, zero biological risk.