How To Install a Florafelt Pockets Living Wall

Before you begin, it's crucial to select the right location and prepare the surface. The Florafelt system works by wicking water, and some water will drip from the bottom of the installation. For indoor applications, you must use a waterproof backing to protect your wall. For outdoor installations, this may not be necessary if the wall can get wet.

Waterproofing (for indoor use): Cover the wall area with a waterproof barrier, such as a thick plastic sheet or EPDM rubber pond liner. This is a critical step to prevent moisture damage.

Layout: Plan where each Florafelt Pocket Panel will be placed. You can arrange them side-by-side or stacked vertically. If stacking, the bottom flap of the upper panel must be tucked behind the top flap of the one below to ensure proper water flow from one panel to the next.

The installation process involves physically attaching the panels to your prepared wall surface and then preparing the pockets to receive plants.

Attach Panels: Mount the panels to the wall using your chosen method. If screwing them in, use rust-resistant screws and place one at each corner of the panel. For stacked panels, make sure they are level and the flaps are properly tucked in as planned in the previous step.

Stretch the Pockets: Once the panels are secure, manually stretch open each pocket. The pockets are shipped flat, and stretching them with your hands or a tool handle creates the space for the plants and soil. Pull firmly to create a deep, open pocket that can hold the plant and allow water to wick through the felt.

Proper watering is essential for a healthy living wall. The Florafelt system is designed to be watered from the top, with water wicking down to all the plants below. A drip irrigation system is the most efficient and hands-free way to do this.

Install the Drip Line: Run the drip irrigation tubing along the top of the entire wall.

Add Drip Emitters: Use a punch tool to insert a drip emitter into the tubing directly above the top-most pocket of each vertical column of plants. The emitter will direct water into the pocket.

Connect to Water Source: Connect the drip tubing to a water source, such as a faucet. For an automatic system, connect it to a timer that is programmed to run at specific intervals.

Test the System: Before planting, turn on the water and run the system for a few minutes. Check for leaks and ensure that water is flowing evenly into each of the top pockets.

The unique Florafelt Root Wrap system allows you to plant with a handful of soil and rearrange plants easily. The wraps hold the soil and roots together, preventing soil from falling out while letting roots grow through the felt into the surrounding planter.

Select Plants: Choose plants that thrive in the light and environmental conditions of your chosen location. The system works with a wide variety of plants, from herbs and vegetables to succulents and flowers.

Wrap the Roots: Gently remove the plant from its pot. Place the root ball and soil onto a Florafelt Root Wrap. Fold the felt around the root ball like a small pouch or "burrito," then secure it with a rubber band.

Now comes the most creative and final step: placing your wrapped plants into the pockets.

Position the Plants: Carefully slide each wrapped plant into a prepared pocket on the Florafelt panel.

NOTE: It’s important to plant the smooth side of the Root Wrapper flush against the wall.