Fitostena: What It Is and How to Care for It

Great idea: instead of numerous houseplants that require regular watering and care, decorate your interior with a whole «green» wall that will live on its own. Or won't it? We tell you the details and answer questions.

What is a fitostena?

This is a structure of vertical greening that uses live plants, dried flowers, preserved moss and stabilized plants.

Design: Daria El'nikova
What material requires the least maintenance?

The least care is required for dried flowers and preserved moss and plants: they only need dusting. Therefore, such structures can be used almost in any room.

What soil should live plants be planted in?

Peat, moss, coconut fiber and mineral fillers can be used for planting.

How often do I need to water the fitostena? What if I go on vacation?

Most fitostenas are equipped with an automatic irrigation system to keep the structure fresh for a long time. There are economical systems that require watering once a week, others need more frequent watering.

Still, you must monitor the watering in case of system failures. Once a week after watering, check by hand how moist the substrate in the wall is. If it is dry or not sufficiently moist after watering, something might have gone wrong with the pump or just the filter needs rinsing or replacement. Also, drip emitters may get clogged and should be replaced every two years.

Is that all?

No, live plants also need leaf misting once a week and fertilizing — a greening specialist can help select the right fertilizer. Fertilizers should be added during watering using special dosers or poured manually. Additionally, a quarterly preventive check for insects and parasites is necessary.

What about lighting?

Most fitostenas are installed at a distance from windows, so special lighting systems with timers are needed — at least 6–10 hours per day (depending on the season). The distance from lamps (if they are not LED) to the «green» wall should be no less than two meters. Equal light distribution is important, otherwise your wall will grow unevenly rather than fully.

Design: Anna Ignatenko
What if something goes wrong?

At the beginning, don’t cut corners on quality work: fitostenas should be installed by specialists who guarantee their work. If problems arise in the irrigation or lighting system, contact a technician. If you notice any film on leaves or holes in them and other signs of disease, contact a plant specialist immediately.

How to use fitostena in interior design?

Fitosystems are suitable for decorating entire walls or niches. They make an excellent accent in eco-style, loft and minimalism interiors.