Fitostena: What It Is and How to Care for It

Great idea: instead of numerous indoor plants 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 the 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

Which material requires the least care?

Dried flowers and preserved moss and plants require the least maintenance: only dusting is needed. Therefore, such structures can be used in almost any room.

What kind of soil should live plants be planted in?

Peat, moss, coconut husk, and mineral fillers are suitable for planting.

How often should I water the fitostena? What if I go on vacation?

Most fitostenas are equipped with an automatic irrigation system to keep the structure looking 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 may have gone wrong with the pump or the filter needs cleaning or replacement. Also, drip emitters should be replaced every two years.

Is that all?

No, live plants also need weekly leaf misting and fertilization — a greening specialist can help select the right ones. Fertilizers should be added during watering using special dosers or poured manually. Additionally, a quarterly preventive treatment against insects and parasites is necessary.

What about lighting?

Often, fitostenas are installed at a distance from windows, so special lighting systems with timers are required — 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 at least two meters. Even lighting is important so that your wall develops fully rather than in patches.

Design: Anna Ignatenko

What if something goes wrong?

In the beginning, don't skimp on the quality of work: fitostenas should be installed by specialists who guarantee their work. If any problems arise in the irrigation or lighting systems, contact a technician. If you notice any coating, holes on leaves, or 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.