This is a series of blogs to create awareness about the benefits of plants, and greenery in general. We’ll introduce three species at a time, and highlight interesting facts about each plant. All of these plants are part of the more than 600 species we grow at Greenology, and use successfully in our Vertical Greenery panels.
If you grow any of these plants at home, or are thinking of doing so, we have this handy guide for plant care that you can refer to:
Anthurium genus
As visitors stroll along our nursery, a certain plant species would often turn heads and make them go, ‘Oh no, insects have eaten through the leaves of this plant!’ But do not be mistaken. Naturally formed and part of healthy development, the holes in the leaves of the Monstera obliqua prevent the plant from being ripped by strong winds in the upper canopies. They also let rain pass through more quickly while allowing more light to reach foliage below. Relatively easy to maintain with partial sunlight, the Monstera obliqua is a popular choice that lends our green walls an exotic touch.
Begonia genus
Have you ever wondered why the begonia is variegated? Foliar variegation is recognized as arising from two major mechanisms: leaf structure and pigment related variegation. Variegation in Begonias can be of these two types. Light areas in leaves are created by internal reflection between air spaces and cells. Pink, red or purple colour in leaves is caused by the presence of pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments can mask the chlorophyll and other pigments present in the leaf. Nevertheless, the plant undergoes the usual photosynthesis process.
The genus name is derived from the Greek word adiantos which means unwetted, in reference to the water-repelling properties of the fern’s fan-like foliage. In the wild, the A. peruvianum is native to some parts of South America so like most ferns of tropical origin, it grows most splendidly under cool, shady surroundings with evenly-moist media.
Philodendron genus
The Philodendron scandens is a beauty to behold for its simplicity and matte leafy appearance, and is also known as the heart-shaped Philodendron. Often mistaken for the Epipremnum aureum (or money plant) due to their similar appearance and climbing growth pattern, the Philodendron scandens has a more elongated drip tip that allows rain water to flow smoothly off its leaves, an adaptation common to rainforest species.
LET’S CREATE LIVING ART!
The choice and combination of plant species matter to the sustainability of your green wall. Greenology will recommend plant species that are suitable to site conditions while considering your preferences for the aesthetics of a green wall. We have tested more than 600 species on our substrate-panel system which was designed and engineered to support plant health and growth. Speak to us to find out if we carry a certain plant species, or if you have questions about the Greenology Vertical Greenery (GVG) system!