Business Idea: Creating and Maintaining Living Plant Walls

In one of our previous articles, we discussed how to make money greening up an office. This business idea is relevant on its own, but there has been a new trend in the business world for several years now, connected with planting and caring for plants in office spaces – phyto walls. These are also known as vertical gardens and green walls.

What is a Phyto Wall?

A phyto wall is a decorative interior element (usually a vertical surface) made up of live plants. The foundation of a phyto wall is a metal frame that can be of any shape and size, allowing for these structures to be placed in any room, on any wall.

The frame is necessary for holding special containers where the plants are placed. These containers are small in size, but their quantity is large enough to create a continuous carpet of vegetation on the wall. The appearance of such a carpet is simply impressive. Naturally, achieving this effect with any other inanimate decorative elements is impossible since humans have always strived to surround themselves with a piece of nature.

How Does It Work?

Various types of plants can be used to create phyto walls, depending on the placement area. Apart from decorative species, medicinal and even culinary plants can also be used. As mentioned earlier, the foundation of a phyto wall is a metal (or plastic) frame; other necessary components include containers, plants, substrate, pumps, timers, and a tubular system for nutrient solution delivery.

This system can have different appearances: stationary, wall-mounted, column, single-sided modular, double-sided modular. Modular systems are further divided into room dividers, columns, or pictures. Typically, an automatic watering system is installed on top of phyto walls, simplifying plant care. Additional lighting is also often used.

Often, people interested in having a phyto wall in their office or apartment are concerned about the possibility of mold developing on the walls due to the high moisture level in close proximity to the wall. Developers of ready-made systems have already addressed this issue: a special air cushion between the wall and vegetation prevents mold growth.

Advantages of Vertical Gardens

Among the advantages of phyto walls are:

1. Air purification from dust, harmful substances, and oxygen saturation of the room. Essentially, having a live green wall at home or in the office helps maintain your health and that of those around you.
2. Effective sound insulation. The plant leaves, air between them, and the substrate excellently insulate (reflect and absorb) the room from noise.
3. Aesthetic appeal. Appearance is always important, especially in rooms where negotiations take place, as it creates a comfortable environment conducive to productive work and communication.
4. Stress relief through visual images of flowers and plants, promoting a relaxed and calm state, enhancing the well-being of those present.
5. Space savings due to the vertical positioning of plants. Elimination of traditional pots, soil, and repotting. For example, a wall measuring 130 by 200 cm can replace 170 pots with a diameter of 14 cm. Just imagine how much time, space, and effort it would take to care for such a number of plants when traditionally placed in pots.

How Much Can You Earn with Phyto Walls?

Phyto walls are completely individualized, and their cost depends on size, plant types, composition complexity, and other factors. For instance, a standard structure measuring one meter by two meters can cost up to $5000, including installation. The minimum cost is likely around $500 per square meter. In addition to design and installation, maintenance costs should also be considered, which are also not cheap: 10% of the wall's cost per month. For entrepreneurs looking to start a new business, these figures should spark an idea. A new business idea related to phyto walls could be a very promising business with high returns.

Business Opportunities

There are at least three ways to make money with the idea of phyto walls:

1. If you have a small budget, you can focus on servicing such structures. This involves periodic visits to the client, inspecting (if necessary, photographing) the plants, keeping an observation diary, fertilizing the plants, measuring acidity and light level, watering, conducting preventative maintenance, checking equipment and automation. Plant replacement and repotting may also be necessary.
2. The second option requires more investment but offers higher returns. Selling vertical gardens, installation, and ongoing servicing. You will need to find a supplier of ready-made phyto wall components and enter into an agreement with them. You will also need your own or rented office space to showcase finished products, hire service staff, and invest in website development and advertising.
3. The most expensive but most profitable type of business is owning a phyto system manufacturing, wholesale sales, and installation. This approach requires significant financial investment.

As a suggestion, if you decide to venture into this business, start by purchasing two or three phyto walls and try to sell them. Afterwards, begin servicing them, and if things go well, continue with this line of work.