Vertical Gardens: Plants That Thrive in Florida

Living walls displayed in Florida showcase the vibrant plant life that thrives in the region’s subtropical to tropical climate. Florida’s diverse range of plants allows for dynamic, lush, and visually appealing living walls that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to environmental sustainability. When choosing plants for living walls in Florida, consider factors like heat tolerance, humidity, and light exposure. Here’s a guide to some excellent plant choices that work well in Florida’s vertical gardens.

• Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
  Bird’s Nest Ferns are a fantastic choice for Florida living walls due to their adaptability to high humidity and indirect light. Their large, glossy leaves add a tropical touch to any vertical garden. These ferns are low-maintenance and can thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas, making them suitable for various wall orientations.
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
  Philodendrons are well-suited for Florida’s living walls because of their ability to tolerate different light conditions, from bright indirect light to low light. Varieties such as Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ or ‘Monstera Deliciosa’ are particularly popular due to their dramatic foliage and fast growth. They also provide excellent coverage, which is ideal for creating a lush green wall.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
  English Ivy is known for its vigorous growth and adaptability. It performs well in Florida’s warm climate and can cover large areas quickly. This plant prefers partial to full shade and provides a classic look with its trailing vines and distinctive lobed leaves. It’s a great choice for adding texture and greenery to living walls.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
  Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow in vertical gardens. It thrives in Florida’s humid environment and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, though it prefers indirect light. Pothos vines are known for their trailing habit and heart-shaped leaves, which can create a lush, cascading effect on living walls.
• Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae family)
  Bromeliads are excellent for adding pops of color to living walls. They are adapted to Florida’s climate and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their rosette formation and unique flower spikes can provide visual interest and contrast in a living wall design. They prefer bright, indirect light and are relatively low-maintenance.
• Ferns (Various species)
  In addition to Bird’s Nest Ferns, other ferns like the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and the Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) are great choices for living walls. These ferns enjoy the humidity prevalent in Florida and can thrive in the right light conditions. Their feathery foliage adds a delicate, textural element to living walls.
• Liriope (Liriope muscari)
  Liriope, or Monkey Grass, is a hardy ground cover that adapts well to vertical installations. It’s known for its grass-like foliage and small, spike-like flowers that appear in late summer to fall. Liriope can handle both sun and shade, making it a versatile choice for various wall orientations.
• Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
  Sweet Potato Vines are popular for their vibrant foliage and rapid growth. They come in various colors, including green, purple, and bronze, which can add dynamic visual interest to living walls. They prefer full sun to partial shade and are excellent for creating a cascading effect with their trailing vines.
• Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
  For a splash of color and a tropical vibe, Hibiscus plants can be a striking addition to living walls. They thrive in Florida’s climate and offer beautiful, large blooms in a range of colors. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. Their large, vibrant flowers provide eye-catching features in vertical gardens.
• Succulents (Various species)
  While not all succulents are suited for living walls in Florida, certain species like the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and the Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) can do well in the warm climate. They add interesting textures and shapes and are perfect for creating a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant section of your living wall.

By choosing from hardy and attractive plants, you can create a stunning living wall that enhances your space while thriving in Florida’s unique climate.

Tropex plant leasing is a professional service that specializes in installing living walls in Florida homes and businesses. If you wish to gain the benefits of a vertical garden and don’t know where to begin, give us a call.