Artificial vertical gardens have become a key feature in many projects in Costa Rica: restaurants, cafes, offices, terraces, and even homes that want a striking green wall without the hassle of complex irrigation and maintenance systems.
Unlike artificial vines, which cover walls more uniformly, artificial vertical gardens play with:
– Different textures.
– Different shades of green.
– Depths and volumes.
– Pops of color according to the design.
When well chosen and installed, they can completely transform the perception of a space, making it more inviting and photogenic, and reinforcing brand identity in commercial establishments.
In this article, we'll tell you:
– Where it makes the most sense to use artificial vertical gardens.
– How to combine them with lighting, furniture, and other materials.
– What you should check to avoid ending up with a wall that looks plastic or poorly executed.
– What are the most common mistakes to avoid.
WHAT IS AN ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDEN AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A VINE?
Within the world of artificial foliage, we can simplify by talking about two main uses on walls:
– Artificial vines:
They create a uniform and continuous green wall.
They are ideal for covering fences, walls, and long walls.
They function as a clean "green backdrop."
– Artificial vertical gardens:
They combine different types of leaves, sizes, and depths.
They aim to be a focal point, not just a covering.
They function as a design element, almost like a living painting.
If you want to soften the look of a long wall, an artificial vine will probably suffice. If you want to create a focal point on a terrace, in a lobby, or behind a bar, what you need is a well-designed artificial vertical garden.
WHERE IT MAKES THE MOST SENSE TO USE ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDENS
In Costa Rica, artificial vertical gardens work very well in these contexts:
In houses and apartments
– Main wall of a terrace.
– Backdrop of a BBQ area.
– Wall of a balcony with a limited view.
– Focal points in living rooms or dining rooms.
Advantage: They allow you to have a "garden" where there is no soil, ideal sunlight, or desire to maintain live plants, but you do want a green and inviting atmosphere.
In restaurants, cafes, and bars
– Backdrop of a bar or "Instagrammable" photo area.
– Walls on terraces or interior patios.
– Walls behind key furniture (sofas, benches, communal tables).
Here, the vertical garden isn't just decoration; it's part of the brand experience: people take photos, share them on social media, and associate the space with a pleasant atmosphere.
In offices and corporate projects
– Lobbies and reception areas.
– Meeting rooms.
– Break areas and internal cafeterias.
In these cases, the artificial vertical garden helps break the rigidity of the corporate environment, bringing together concepts of biophilia and well-being, but with a system that doesn't depend on constant maintenance.
In hotels, gyms, and spas
– Relaxation areas.
– Corridors leading to spas, pools, or common areas.
– Backdrops for branding.
DESIGN IDEAS FOR ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDENS
A well-executed artificial vertical garden isn't just about "filling" a wall. Several design decisions make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Wall
Instead of covering all the walls with greenery, it's usually better to:
– Choose a single focal wall and work on it carefully.
– Leave the rest with contrasting materials (exposed concrete, wood, flexible stone, decorative panels, etc.).
The idea is for the vertical garden to have a context and be perceived as an intentional element, not just an afterthought.
Playing with Framing
A trick that works very well is to "frame" the vertical garden:
– Between two walls of a different material.
– Inside a niche or wood/WPC frame.
– Accompanied by a bench, armchairs, or bar that justify its presence.
This helps the eye identify the vertical garden as the centerpiece of the space.
Combining with Lighting
Lighting can take an artificial vertical garden from "pretty" to "wow":
– Wall washers from above or below.
– Warm light sources that highlight textures.
– Indirect LED strips integrated into frames or furniture.
In nighttime projects (restaurants, bars, hotel terraces), lighting is almost as important as the foliage.
Integrating other materials
Vertical gardens work very well combined with:
– Grooved wood or MDF panels indoors.
– WPC cladding outdoors.
– Flexible stone on adjacent walls.
– Branding elements (logos, 3D lettering, neon signs).
The contrast between the greenery and the "solid" reinforces the feeling of professional design.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER IN ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDENS
Even though we are talking about something "decorative," there are basic technical aspects that should be respected to avoid problems.
Support and fixing
– There must always be a firm base: block wall, concrete, metal structure, or similar.
– It is recommended to use mesh or lightweight structures to attach the vertical garden.
– The attachment points should be hidden from view.
Outdoors, especially in windy areas, it is important that the system withstands the elements without detaching or deforming.
UV Protection and Outdoor Resistance
If the vertical garden will be exposed to the elements:
– The product must be designed for outdoor use, with UV protection.
– It is important to assume that it will be exposed to rain, intense sun, and possibly strong winds.
– Low-quality materials can change color, fade, or break very quickly.
Indoors or under a roof, the requirements are less stringent, but it is still advisable to use products of a certain quality to avoid a plastic look.
Height and Design Proportions
On very high walls, it is sometimes advisable to:
– Combine the vertical garden with other materials.
– Divide it into sections, niches, or squares.
– Use frames to avoid it looking like a meaningless green block.
On smaller walls, a very dense design can overwhelm the space. It's best to adjust the density and types of foliage according to the wall size and the intended use of the space.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
There are some common mistakes in artificial vertical garden projects. Some of the most frequent are:
Buying based on price alone without seeing the product installed
Seeing a photo online or a small sample isn't enough. It's advisable to:
– See panels installed in their actual size.
– Check how the transition between pieces looks.
– Ask about projects that have been in the sun for several years.
Installing generic panels without a design
When generic panels are used without any design criteria, the result can look:
– Repetitive.
Unnatural.
– “Too perfect” and therefore artificial.
A good artificial vertical garden plays with controlled variations, areas of greater density and others of lesser density, just as it would in nature.
Disregarding Architectural Context
Placing a vertical garden on any wall without considering:
– Foot traffic.
– Furniture.
– Viewing height.
This makes the element feel tacked on “just because” and not part of the project.
Working without guidance on complex projects
In commercial, corporate, or institutional projects, the ideal approach is:
– Integrating the vertical garden into the architectural design from the outset.
– Coordinating with lighting, signage, panels, coverings, and furniture.
– Defining mounting systems and construction details from the blueprint stage.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDENS
One of the great advantages of artificial vertical gardens over natural ones is maintenance:
– They don't require watering or fertilization.
– They don't require constant pruning or plant replacement.
– They don't generate soil or moisture on the wall.
However, it is advisable to:
– Perform regular cleaning to remove dust.
– In high-traffic commercial projects, schedule light maintenance (dust blowing, checking fasteners) periodically.
– Check for loose or damaged elements after severe weather events.
ARTIFICIAL FOLIAGE AND VERTICAL GARDENS AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT
Vertical gardens are much more effective when they are part of a comprehensive design concept:
– Combined with synthetic turf on the ground.
– Associated with WPC decking or cladding outdoors.
– Complemented with interior panels in enclosed areas.
– Used in conjunction with lighting designed to highlight textures.
By working with a supplier who is an expert in all these areas, it is easier to achieve a cohesive and well-executed result from start to finish.
WHAT TO ASK OF AN ARTIFICIAL VERTICAL GARDEN SUPPLIER IN COSTA RICA
Before making a decision, it's a good idea to ask for:
– Advice on whether a vertical garden or a climbing plant is best for your needs.
– Concrete design proposals (reference photos, photomontages, material combination ideas).
– Product specifications and warranties.
– Examples of similar projects already installed.
If the project is commercial, corporate, or institutional, it's also advisable to ask:
– How you will coordinate with architects or designers.
– What mounting system and base will be used.
– How long-term lighting and maintenance will be handled.
WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO WORK WITH INSTAGREEN?
It makes perfect sense to work with a specialized team when:
– You want your artificial vertical garden to look professional, not like a "green patch."
– You want the design to blend seamlessly with your existing materials: wood, stone, panels, lighting, branding.
– You need the project to be perfect from the very first installation, without any last-minute changes.
InstaGreen has been working with artificial foliage, vertical gardens, climbing plants, hanging plants, and complementary solutions since 2013, with experience in residential, commercial, office, hotel, and institutional projects in Costa Rica.
