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Tags: Biophilic design, Facilities Management, FAQ, Nature & Environment

UK Grown Plants

UK Grown Plants

Supporting British horticulture

UK Grown PLANTS: LOCAL ROOTS

For decades, almost every interior plant used in UK offices has come from European growers, mainly the Netherlands. But that’s changing.

Planteria now offers a wide selection of 100% UK-grown interior plants, cultivated within 100 miles of London. It’s a breakthrough that supports British growers, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens supply chain resilience for our clients.

WHY CHOOSE UK GROWN?

  • Support Local Communities: Every plant helps sustain skilled horticultural jobs right here in the UK.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Grown closer to your project site, our plants avoid thousands of transport miles.
  • More Resilient Supply: UK-grown plants give us more control over availability and quality.
  • Cleaner Growing Methods: Our UK plants are cultivated using rainwater harvesting, solar or biomass heating, closed-loop irrigation, and 100% peat-free substrate.

A Carefully Selected Range

Choose locally grown plants

We’ve worked hard to bring together a range of striking, hardy species that are ideal for office environments.   Whether you’re sourcing for a workplace refurbishment or an ongoing plant maintenance contract, UK-grown options are now available across a wide range of Planteria’s services.  

Areca palm plant

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens

A go-to plant for brightening office spaces, the Areca Palm softens interiors with its graceful, arching fronds. It performs well in open-plan areas with natural light and contributes to a healthier indoor environment through its air-purifying qualities.

Golden serpent fern

blue star fern

phlebodium aureum

This low-maintenance fern brings soft texture and a subtle blue-green tone to corporate interiors. Ideal for shelves, meeting rooms or relaxed breakout zones, it thrives in lower light and adds a calming biophilic touch.

Boston fern

boston fern

nephrolepis exaltata

The Boston Fern adds lush, trailing greenery to reception desks, communal spaces, or plant displays. It prefers moderate humidity and indirect light, making it a smart choice for well-used office environments looking to reduce stress and improve air quality.

Croton mrs iceton

croton

codiaeum variegatum

Crotons offer bold, multicoloured foliage that can mirror brand colours or energise workspaces. Best placed in well-lit areas like client zones or collaborative hubs, they bring impact and personality to business interiors.

Dracaena marginata

dragon tree

dracaena marginata

With its upright form and sleek, striped leaves, the Dragon Tree suits modern commercial settings. It copes well with lower light and occasional neglect, making it ideal for boardrooms, corridors or multi-use areas.

Dieffenbachia plant

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia spp.

Known for its striking leaf patterns, Dumb Cane brings contrast and structure to office planting schemes. It performs well in controlled environments like lobbies or executive offices but should be handled with care due to its toxic sap.

Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

A classic indoor tree for corporate interiors, the Weeping Fig offers elegant, arching branches with glossy foliage. It’s well-suited to lobbies, quiet zones or atriums, and helps reduce airborne toxins in enclosed spaces.

Rubber plant

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

With broad, sculptural leaves and a strong vertical presence, the Rubber Plant adds structure and drama to office interiors. It’s low-maintenance, resilient, and performs well in both meeting rooms and open-plan spaces.

Ficus lyrata

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

A favourite in modern design schemes, the Fiddle Leaf Fig delivers height and impact with its large, fiddle-shaped leaves. It’s best used in bright, open areas such as reception lounges or communal break zones.

Peperomia or happy bean plant

Radiator Plant

Peperomia spp.

Compact and tidy, Radiator Plants are perfect for desks, shelves, or collaborative spaces. They handle lower light well and bring subtle texture and colour without overwhelming the design.

Philiodendron plant

Philodendron

Philodendron

This adaptable plant suits a wide range of interior settings, from relaxed breakout areas to smart executive zones. With its lush, trailing or upright growth forms, it’s ideal for bringing calm and greenery to busy environments.

Epipremum aureum, also called devils iby

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Pothos is a go-to for trailing greenery in commercial spaces. Easy to care for and fast-growing, it works well in hanging displays, top shelves, or green walls.  Instantly softening harder architectural lines.

Sansevieria, or snake plant

Snake Plant

Sansevieria spp.

With upright, architectural leaves, the Snake Plant delivers strong visual structure and suits high-traffic areas or minimal interiors. It thrives on neglect, tolerates low light, and helps filter airborne pollutants. Ideal for modern office environments.

Chlorophytum comosum, also known as the spider plant

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

This easy-care plant is perfect for desks, shelves, or suspended planters. Its arching green-and-white striped leaves bring movement and freshness to any space. It’s also known for improving indoor air quality.

Monstera deliciosa, cheese plant

Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera deliciosa

A bold, tropical statement plant with distinctive split leaves. The Swiss Cheese Plant brings visual interest to creative workspaces or client-facing areas. It works best in bright but indirect light.

Schefflara, umbrella plant

Umbrella Plant

Schefflera spp.

The Umbrella Plant features glossy, radiating leaf clusters that bring soft structure to meeting rooms or collaborative zones. It’s versatile, easy to manage, and adapts well to a range of office light conditions.

Yukka plant

Yucca

Yucca spp

With its sharp, sword-like leaves and strong vertical form, Yucca suits bold, clean-lined interiors. It prefers bright light and is ideal for entranceways, reception areas, or spots that need a low-maintenance focal point.

Zamioculcas zamifolia plant, also called the zz plant

zz Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ Plant is a top performer in low-light spaces. With waxy, upright leaves and strong resilience to neglect, it’s perfect for offices with limited natural light or for staff who want greenery without the upkeep.

Sustainable Design. Grown Close to Home.

As the UK’s leading office planting specialist, Planteria is proud to help bring local growing back into the workplace. We combine best-in-class biophilic design with more sustainable plant sourcing.

New Office Plans?

Talk to us about planting. We'll help you create a world leading workspace.
Contact Us

UK Grown Plants FAQ's

These are indoor plants cultivated within 100 miles of London, supporting British horticulture and reducing environmental impact.

  • Support Local Communities: Each plant helps sustain skilled horticultural jobs in the UK.

  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Grown closer to your project site, reducing transport emissions.

  • More Resilient Supply: Greater control over availability and quality.

  • Cleaner Growing Methods: Utilise rainwater harvesting, solar or biomass heating, closed-loop irrigation, and 100% peat-free substrate.

Planteria offers a carefully selected range of UK-grown plants, including:

  • Areca Palm: Brightens spaces with graceful, arching fronds.

  • Blue Star Fern: Low-maintenance with a subtle blue-green tone.

  • Boston Fern: Adds lush greenery to reception desks and communal spaces.

  • Croton: Features bold, multicoloured foliage.

  • Dragon Tree: Suits modern commercial settings with its upright form.

  • Dumb Cane: Known for its striking leaf patterns.

  • Weeping Fig: Offers elegant, arching branches with glossy foliage.

  • Rubber Plant: Adds structure and drama to interiors.

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: Provides a bold statement with its large, glossy leaves.

Yes, many UK-grown plants are ideal for office settings, offering benefits like improved air quality, reduced stress, and enhanced productivity.

By sourcing locally, these plants reduce transportation emissions and support sustainable horticultural practices, aligning with eco-friendly initiatives.

Contact Planteria Group to explore options tailored to your needs, whether for a single office or a large corporate setting.
Tags: Advice, Biophilia, Biophilic design, FAQ, green walls, Office

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

Green walls (also called living walls or vertical gardens) are installations of plants on vertical surfaces. They appear indoors or outdoors, from office feature walls to full building facades.

Green walls bring several benefits. They improve air quality, reduce noise and add visual interest. 

Inside, they can soften acoustics and lift staff mood. Research links greenery with lower stress and faster recovery.

On exteriors, they help cool buildings by shading and evaporative cooling – cutting wall temperatures by up to 14°C (25°F). 

This guide covers every type of green wall: indoor and outdoor, living and artificial. 

It includes design tips, light level advice, maintenance needs, costs and common questions.

Interior Green Wall Systems

Interior green walls add vegetation to indoor spaces like lobbies, conference rooms and offices. Below are the main categories of interior walls, each with its features, uses, pros, cons and care notes.

Exterior Green Wall Systems​​

Exterior green walls and facades bring plant life to the outside of buildings. They must withstand weather and often provide building insulation and habitat.

Lighting Requirements

Interior living walls need adequate light. Most wall plants require at least 1000 lux at the leaf surface to thrive. In practical terms, this often means installing full-spectrum LED grow lights above the wall. The lights should provide both blue (∼430–440 nm) and red (∼640–660 nm) wavelengths for photosynthesis, though the lighting can be tuned to emit a pleasing white light (for good colour rendering and aesthetics). Light uniformity is important: designers aim for a ratio of minimum/maximum illuminance ≥0.33 so that all plants receive some light.

In technical terms, lighting is measured by Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD). A target PPFD of about 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ on the foliage is recommended for green walls. Over a full day, plants often need a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of roughly 1.5–4 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (the exact need depends on the plant species). In many offices, natural daylight (even from windows) falls short of this, so supplemental LEDs are used. Work with a lighting engineer or horticultural lighting specialist to calculate lamp power and placement.

Lighting Checklist:
  • Provide LED fixtures rated for plant growth (or use high-CRI white LEDs).
  • Mount lights 1–2 m from the wall for even coverage.
  • Avoid UV-heavy lighting indoors (green wall plants don’t need UV and extra UV can cause fast, ungainly growth).
  • Use timers to give plants ~10–14 hours of light per day (mimicking natural days).
  • In daylight zones, choose plants suited to the light level (shade-loving ferns versus sun-loving bromeliads)
Green wall in an office setting. Ans living green wall with lights and office chairs and table

Planning and Installation Considerations

Before installing any green wall, careful planning is crucial. Key considerations include:

  • Structural Support: Assess the load-bearing capacity of the wall or support structure. A fully saturated green wall can weigh at least 50–100 kg/m² . A structural engineer should verify that the wall and anchorage can handle this weight plus wind or seismic loads. For light planters, ground-anchored frames may suffice; for heavy cladding systems, special hangers and infill panels are used.
  • Waterproofing and Drainage: Any irrigation leaks can damage the building. Install a waterproof membrane or gutter behind the green wall to collect overflow. Provide proper drainage lines to carry excess water safely away. In exterior walls, plan for stormwater connection or soakaway (for interior, a drip tray and drain to plumbing).
  • Irrigation System: Most living walls require an irrigation pump and control unit. The pump, pipes, and possibly a nutrient reservoir often live in a nearby cabinet or “plant room”. Ensure you have space and access for this equipment. Plan piping routes from a water source and to the wall, and include backflow prevention as needed. In cold climates, winterize exposed pipes.
  • Orientation and Environment: Consider sunlight, wind, and heat. South/west walls receive intense sun and can support more sun-loving plants, whereas north walls need shade-tolerant species. Also note any heat sources (e.g. windows, HVAC vents) that might stress plants. Plan for microclimate: walls under eaves get rain, exposed facades dry out quickly. 
  • Access for Maintenance: Life safety is key – plan how gardeners will reach the wall. Include scaffolding anchors, permanent catwalks, or ensure space for lifts. Design for occasional removal of panels or trimming from a platform.
  • Safety and Codes: Check fire codes (some panels must meet Class B-s3,d2 ratings for cladding). Use materials rated for interior use if inside, or UV/weather-resistant products outside. In some jurisdictions, green facades or certain heights may require permits or consultations.
  • Electrical and Other Services: Indoor green walls may need lighting or pumps – plan electrical circuits. Ensure any electrical equipment is rated for the damp environment of a green wall.
  • Integration: Coordinate with other building systems. For example, make sure irrigation water can connect to building plumbing. Avoid routing irrigation over electrical fixtures. Incorporate the green wall into the architectural design (e.g. make irrigation controls accessible, integrate base planters as furniture).

By addressing these factors up front, you ensure the green wall will perform reliably.

Planteria group

Maintenance and Aftercare

Ongoing care is essential for long-term success. Living walls require routine inspections and horticultural upkeep similar to a garden or greenhouse. Below are the typical maintenance tasks:

  • Regular Watering/Irrigation Checks: Verify that drip tubes or hydroponic lines are flowing. Check timers and sensors. In hydroponic systems, replenish nutrient solution and monitor pH. In soil systems, ensure the medium remains moist (but not waterlogged). If the wall is outdoors, adjust watering for season (more in summer, less in winter).
  • Pruning and Trimming: Trim back any overgrown plants to maintain design shape and light exposure. Remove dead or diseased foliage promptly. In high-growth species, monthly pruning is common.
  • Plant Replacement: Replace plants that die or fail to thrive. A good plant company will include free plants replacement in their maintenance contract.
  • Cleaning Filters and Drippers: Clean or replace filters, flush lines to prevent algae or mineral buildup (especially in hydroponic or hard-water areas). This prevents clogs and root rot.
  • Fertilization: Depending on the system, add fertilizer to the irrigation water or apply to soil periodically. Many green wall plants are light feeders, but replenishing nutrients ensures vigor.
  • Inspect Structure: Check that panels and supports remain securely attached. Look for leaks, eroded support brackets, or corrosion. Repair any membrane damage immediately to prevent water ingress.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Watch for insects (aphids, scale) and fungal issues.  Since plant density is high, infestations can spread rapidly if unchecked.
  • Seasonal Tasks: In climates with cold winters, plants may need some protection (e.g. remove sensitive species or use temporary covers). In summer heat, increase irrigation frequency. Remove leaf litter or debris that accumulates on the wall.

Overall, consistency is key. The long-term success of a living wall is dependent upon a robust maintenance and care program. Neglecting maintenance will quickly lead to plant loss and system problems.

Inspiration and Gallery

Explore what’s possible with green walls – real projects, real impact.

Some Frequently asked Questions

A green wall (also called a living wall or vertical garden) is a vertical surface covered with plants. It can be inside or outside, and may use live, artificial, or preserved greenery.

Green walls improve air quality, reduce noise, boost wellbeing, and enhance building aesthetics. Outdoors, they also cool buildings and support biodiversity.

A living wall is a type of green wall that uses real plants, water, and nutrients. “Green wall” is a broader term that can also include artificial and preserved moss systems.

Living walls, artificial walls, preserved moss walls, living pictures, and mobile green dividers are all popular in office spaces. The best type depends on light levels, budget, and maintenance capacity.

Yes. Most living walls need at least 1000 lux at plant level. In darker areas, full-spectrum LED grow lights are usually installed.

Living walls require regular watering, pruning, plant replacement, and irrigation checks. A maintenance contract is recommended for consistent care.

Yes. You can use artificial green walls or preserved moss walls, both of which need no light. Living walls can work too, if fitted with grow lights.

These are freestanding plant panels on wheels or stable bases. They divide space while adding greenery and can be moved or reconfigured easily.

Outdoor living walls use robust frames and irrigation systems. They attach to buildings or freestanding structures and use climate-suited plants to create living facades.

Yes. Studies show green walls can reduce exterior wall temperatures by up to 14°C. This can lower internal cooling demand and improve energy efficiency.

Yes. Artificial green walls and ivy screens require little upkeep. Wildflower walls need seasonal care but are designed for biodiversity rather than appearance.

Saturated living walls can weigh 50–100 kg per square metre. Always check structural capacity with an engineer before installation.

Key requirements include a load-bearing surface, waterproofing, drainage, irrigation system, and adequate lighting. Maintenance access must also be considered.

Costs vary by size, system type, and complexity. Living walls have higher upfront and maintenance costs. Artificial and moss walls are cheaper long-term.

Exterior installations might, depending on size, height, and local regulations. Interior walls generally don’t. Always check with your local planning authority.

Typical contracts include watering, fertilisation, pruning, plant replacement, pest checks, irrigation system checks, and structural inspections.

It's possible, but professional maintenance is recommended to ensure irrigation, lighting, and plant health are managed properly.

Yes, when designed well. Living walls can reduce heat gain, capture rainwater, and support biodiversity. Using UK-grown plants and peat-free media can further reduce environmental impact.

It’s a real moss installation treated with natural preservatives. It stays soft and green without growing, and doesn’t need water, light, or soil.

High-quality panels can be very realistic, especially from a short distance. However, up close, it is almost always possible to tell they are not real.  They’re best for low-light or low-maintenance settings where a real wall wouldn't be practical.

 A living picture is a framed arrangement of live plants, hung like artwork. It’s a compact green wall suited to small or decorative spaces.
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