Green walls reduce NO2 by ~40% and PM10 by ~60% indoors.

Green walls lower indoor PM2.5 by ~10% and ozone by ~30%.

Green walls lower indoor temperature by ~1.8°C.

Green walls improve air quality by filtering pollutants.

Green walls require minimal watering and low maintenance.

Automatic watering systems extend plant life by ~6 months.

Green walls can last up to 25 years.

Green walls increase fire resistance.

Green walls reduce energy waste and aid temperature regulation.

Green walls minimize ambient noise, enhancing acoustic comfort.

Green walls can be built with recycled pallets, crates, plastic bottles.

Green walls can be built with wooden containers, grid frames, soil or moss, succulents.

Succulents, snake plant, peace lily, and other drought-tolerant species are ideal for low-maintenance green walls.

Low-light tolerant plants like cast iron plant, peace lily, and snake plant suit indoor walls.

High-humidity tropical plants are less suitable for indoor green walls.

Herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, ginger, asparagus grow indoors.

Climbing plants such as ivy, spider plant, and silver dollar vine suit vertical gardens.

Installation cost ranges $200-$1200 per square meter.

Modular system allows quick installation and easy disassembly.

Indoor green walls calm occupants and improve sleep quality.

Green walls reduce NO2 by ~40% and PM10 by ~60% indoors.

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Content: Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Chiayi
The school received an environmental subsidy of NT $220,000 two years ago to plant large Dumbo flowers to form a green wall, which helps to cool down the temperature and purify the air, and also to install an automatic sprinkler system to maintain the ecology of the green wall.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau of Chiayi City Government, since 2019, the Environmental Protection Department has promoted the vertical air green wall project. Since 2019, three schools, including Xingjia, Jiabei Elementary School and Jiabei Elementary School, have installed climbing plants on the school's daughter wall and the balcony of the classroom.
The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Chiayi Municipal Government said that this year, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded the target of subsidies, in addition to the original subsidies of public middle school, public elementary school, public preschool institutions, public welfare groups, public facilities, environmental protection night market, civic activity center and other venues, air green wall subsidies of 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, single subsidy ceiling of 400,000 yuan.
According to the Municipal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the results of the study, vertical green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates (PM10) by about 40% and 60%, but also reduce the concentration of indoor fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) by about 10%, ozone by about 30%, and indoor temperature reduction by about 1.8 ℃.
According to the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, the appropriate plant types are lily bamboo, firecracker red, Yunnan yellow carnation, turtle, Boston kidney fern, hydrangea, African pansy or panthera, and can be selected according to the space planning and installation requirements, so that the space is more beautiful.
# Green Wall # Cooling # EPB # EPD # Planting

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Content: In order to improve the environmental air quality and let children learn with peace of mind, the Taichung Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has continued to build a clean air green wall in the school. This year, 12 schools in Jianping Elementary School, Juren Elementary School and Chongde Elementary School have received subsidies from the Environmental Protection Department.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, through the installation of clean air green walls, indoor air quality can be improved. At present, space such as classroom corridors and flower stands outside the daughter wall in Taichung City can be planted, which can achieve the benefits of dust retention, air pollution absorption and temperature regulation.
In order to strengthen the protection of the school environment for children, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau expanded the subsidy for the construction of a clean air green wall on the campus, and the current subsidy amount to 1.76 million yuan, with an area of 358 square meters.
The Environmental Protection Bureau stressed that currently selected plants that can purify the air and do not need to spend too much money and time to maintain include the Dragon Tubeh, the Junzi and Wu Bamboo, the Turtle, the Cannonflower or the Honeysuckle.
How good is the effect of clean air green wall?
According to international research, vertical clean air green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) by about 40% and 60%. In addition, green walls can also reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in classrooms by about 10% and the concentration of ozone (O3) by about 30%.
Green wall is the most natural and energy efficient air purification facilities, no need to plug in electricity, self-circulation, to achieve the purpose of air purification, can be called the "most environmentally friendly air purifier".
Chen Hongyi, director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said that in addition to blocking outdoor pollutants and improving indoor air, the air green wall can also adjust the temperature and drive energy conservation and carbon reduction. Next year, Taichung City is expected to expand the subsidy target, including community activity centers, public kindergartens and environmental night markets.
# Green Wall # Air # Cleanliness # Campus # Environment

Green walls lower indoor PM2.5 by ~10% and ozone by ~30%.

Green walls lower indoor temperature by ~1.8°C.

Green walls improve air quality by filtering pollutants.

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Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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Green walls require minimal watering and low maintenance.

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35 Easiest Houseplants To Care For

24/7 Wall St.
 7 days ago

Perhaps you’re an aspiring indoor gardener - or one who’s tried to nurture houseplants but killed dozens in the past, despite your best efforts. In either case, don’t fear. Raising healthy, vibrant houseplants doesn’t have to be a mystery - and with the right plant, it may only require a few minutes of your time each month.

The key to successful indoor gardening is choosing a plant that can survive in the lighting conditions of your home, and then learning its watering requirements.

To compile a list of  the 35 easiest houseplants to care for, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous gardening sites and encyclopedia articles, paying particular attention to the basic lighting and watering needs of each plant.

Some plants require bright, direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours per day and will not thrive in a dark room no matter what. These plants will most likely need to be placed near a window with southern exposure. Other plants will suffer from direct sunlight, and should be kept away from windows. Once you’ve determined the lighting conditions of your home, you’re halfway there.

The next step is proper watering. Virtually no houseplant wants soggy roots, so be sure to pick a pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Additionally, the soil in the pot may hold too much moisture - which will cause a plant’s roots to rot - so pick the right soil for the plant. Succulents and other drought tolerant species will thrive in a sandy, cactus soil blend.

The key to watering any houseplant is to avoid overwatering. Pour in just enough water so that it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot. In general, plants either need consistent water (meaning never let the soil dry out), moderate water (meaning only water once the top inch of soil is dry), or are drought tolerant and prefer only to be watered once their soil is halfway or mostly dried out. If you tend to be forgetful, be sure to choose a drought tolerant variety.

Most indoor plants go through a dormant period in the winter, when they need much less water, so a good rule of thumb is to cut waterings in half in the cooler months. Other factors that can affect plant health are temperature and humidity. The plants we chose can generally thrive in average house temperatures and humidity.

Click here to see the 35 easiest houseplants to care for

Certain tropical plants that need very high humidity were eliminated from our list, as it can be difficult to maintain a humid environment indoors. (And we certainly don’t recommend that you try growing any of these - 35 of the weirdest plants on earth.)

We also eliminated air plants. Anyone who tells you that air plants are easy to care for is probably trying to sell you an air plant.

If you’re just beginning to raise houseplants, start slow, with one or two plants and learn their needs before acquiring more. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, so be sure to do research if you have a young child or a pet. (Here are the most common reasons people take their dog to the vet.)

Aloe
>Latin Name: Aloe vera
>Light Conditions: bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

This attractive, spiky succulent - whose gel and latex are used to make a variety of topical medications - is popular for another reason: It's incredibly resilient and low-maintenance. It can grow for years in the same container without needing repotting, and prefers to dry out between scant waterings.

Amagris
>Latin Name: Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris'
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

The Amagris variety of the fishbone prayer plant is not to be confused with the prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura), which is a complicated beauty that needs attentive care and high humidity. Amagris is a great substitute, as its delicate herringbone stripes and purple undersides are a handsome addition to any collection, and it can handle most lighting situations. Its leaves will indicate when it is getting too dry, as they curl slightly inward.

ALSO READ: 50 Best Cities for Urban Gardening

Angel wing begonia
>Latin Name: Begonia x coralline
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: consistent

The most upright of the indoor begonias, angel wings are robust growers and can thrive without the high humidity needed by Rex begonias. Because of their vigorous cane growth - which can reach six feet tall in some varieties - they may require consistent pruning or stabilization.

Arrowhead vine
>Latin Name: Syngonium podophyllum
>Light Conditions: low to medium light
>Watering Needs: consistent

Arrowhead vines are notable for their tolerance of low lighting conditions, and can even thrive in artificial light. Their intricately variegated, arrow-shaped leaves will retain their color no matter how little light they get; just don't place them in direct sunlight.

Baby rubber plant
>Latin Name: Peperomia obtusifolia
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate/drought tolerant

There are a wide variety of colorful and attractive houseplants in the Peperomia genus. The baby rubber plant is one of the easiest Peperomias to care for, as this succulent variety stores water in its glossy leaves, making it relatively drought tolerant. Native to tropical areas as an understory plant, it can handle low lighting conditions.

Beefsteak begonia
>Latin Name: Begonia erythrophylla
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: consistent

The easiest of all indoor begonias, this wax variety has shiny, dark green leaves with contrasting veins and iridescent burgundy undersides. Beefsteaks grow quickly and heartily in the right conditions. They are simple to propagate and a smart choice for novice indoor gardeners, as they are hard to kill. Fans of frequent watering and humidity, their leaves will start to droop if they're drying out, but will bounce back up after being watered.

Burro's tail
>Latin Name: Sedum morganianum
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

This trailing succulent loves bright direct light and is a top choice for hanging window baskets and high shelves, where its branches can drape down freely and out of the way. The key to a successful burro's tail is to handle it as little as possible, as its leaves have a tendency to fall when jostled.

ALSO READ: Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the World

Cast iron plant
>Latin Name: Aspidistra elatior
>Light Conditions: low light
>Watering Needs: moderate

This nearly indestructible plant can handle low light, low humidity, and temperatures down to 50 degrees, which makes it great for offices as well as dark corners. It prefers to be underwatered rather than overwatered, and its green leaves stay deeply colored as long as it is never placed in direct sunlight. Although the cast iron plant can reach one to two feet high, it is a slow grower, so start with a large plant rather than a cutting.

Chinese evergreen
>Latin Name: Aglaonema commutatum
>Light Conditions: low to medium light
>Watering Needs: moderate

The deeply variegated, lance-shaped leaves of the Chinese evergreen can range from dark green to seafoam to frosty silver. These hardy plants will tolerate low light, low humidity, and drought, although higher temperatures and humidity will keep them happier. When they become overgrown, trimmed leaves can be easily rooted in water to start new plants.

Chinese money plant
>Latin Name: Pilea Peperomioides
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

This compact cutie is native to southern China and grows along the foothills of the Himalayas, but has been popular in Scandinavia since it was brought there by a missionary. It prefers indirect light and weekly waterings with time to dry out in between. This Pilea often produces shoots which are easy to cut off and root in water or soil to start new plants.

Christmas cactus
>Latin Name: Schlumbergera x buckleyi
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

This tropical cactus is known for flowering in December, with blooms that can come in shades of white, peach, fuschia, red, or purple, depending on the variety. It makes a great hanging basket or windowsill plant, where its long branches have room to drape. While Christmas cacti need more consistent watering than desert cacti, they still prefer for their soil to dry out between waterings.

Dragon tree
>Latin Name: Dracaena marginata
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

With tall, skinny trunks and leaves edged in red, dragon trees are ideal for adding interest and depth to plant arrangements. They also stand alone well in corners and behind sofas, as they can reach a height of as much as seven feet. Low maintenance and drought tolerant, dragon trees don't require regular fertilization. They do prefer warm, humid environments but can survive in a variety of settings.

ALSO READ: 30 Easy Ways to Be More Environmentally Friendly

Dumbcane
>Latin Name: Dieffenbachia amoena
>Light Conditions: low to medium light
>Watering Needs: consistent

This lush, tropical houseplant can grow from one to six feet high and can handle lower light and artificial light conditions. It gets its name from its poisonous sap, which can cause tongue swelling and temporary speechlessness if ingested. Dumbcane likes consistently wet, but not soggy, soil.

English ivy
>Latin Name: Hedera helix
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: consistent

The key to growing this trailing vine is simply light. Ivy needs medium or bright light to thrive, and to keep its leaves bright and vibrant. It is perfect for sunny window sills and hanging baskets, and its long tendrils can be trained around windows or pruned to maintain a bushier shape.

Flamingo flower
>Latin Name: Anthurium andraeanum
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Also known as laceleaf or painter's palette, the flamingo flower plant has extremely long lasting red flowers, while hybrid varieties can bear blooms in pink, white, purple, and green. A great air purifier, this plant is known to remove ammonia and formaldehyde from indoor spaces.

Golden pothos
>Latin Name: Epipremnum aureum
>Light Conditions: any light
>Watering Needs: moderate/drought tolerant

Nearly impossible to kill, golden pothos, or Devil's ivy, can survive in extremely low light conditions and is drought tolerant. It will, however, thrive with more frequent waterings and will drop its oldest leaves if underwatered. A quick-growing vine, pothos is ideal for training over doorways or along bookshelves.

Heartleaf philodendron
>Latin Name: Philodendron hederaceum
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

This low maintenance vining plant adapts well to low light conditions and loves humidity, making it a great choice for bathrooms. The more indirect light it receives, however, the faster it will grow. It can be trained to climb up a trellis or allowed to cascade down over shelves or from hanging baskets.

ALSO READ: 35 of the Weirdest Plants on Earth

Inch plant
>Latin Name: Tradescantia zebrina
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Also known as spiderwort, this vigorous vining plant has silver and green variegated leaves with deep purple undersides. Well suited for windows, spiderwort needs bright light to maintain its color, and moderate watering to stay full and bushy. When treated right, it will grow quickly and need occasional pruning. Luckily, the cuttings root easily in water and are perfect for sharing with friends.

Jade plant
>Latin Name: Crassula ovata
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Popular for their ease of care, jade plants need only a sunny room and the right amount of water to stay happy. While soggy soil will rot their roots, extended dry conditions will harm the leaves. Allow their soil to dry out about halfway before rewatering, and they will stay plump and verdant.

Lucky bamboo
>Latin Name: Dracaena sanderiana
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: consistent

Not actually related to bamboo, this cane plant, native to Africa, is in the asparagus family. It can grow in water without soil and is commonly grown in clear glass containers with or without pebbles in the bottom. Use filtered or distilled water to keep the leaves from browning, and clean the container once a week, refilling it with fresh water to keep algae at bay.

Parlor palm
>Latin Name: Chamaedorea elegans
>Light Conditions: low to medium light
>Watering Needs: moderate

This popular, stand-alone house plant has been cultivated since the Victorian era. It thrives in indirect light and is able to survive in lower light conditions than most palms. Parlor palms only need repotting every two to three years, and can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet.

Peace lily
>Latin Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate/drought tolerant

Tolerant of low humidity and low light, the peace lily is an exceptionally easy indoor plant to care for. Peace lilies prefer to be underwatered, so rather than watering on a schedule, check on them once a week and only water if the top of the soil feels dry. The leaves will also droop if the plant is getting too dry, but will perk up after a watering. In order to generate blooms, ensure that the plant is in a bright room.

ALSO READ: US Cities With the Most Dog Parks

Purple shamrock
>Latin Name: Oxalis triangularis
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: consistent

This dramatic and lively plant features variegated purple leaves on tender stems that grow from bulbs. The three-lobed leaves open wide during the day and close up at night. Although the leaves may wilt and die back if the plant dries out, the bulbs will sprout new leaves to replace them, making oxalis a particularly forgiving plant for inexperienced owners.

Rubber tree
>Latin Name: Ficus elastica
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Rubber trees aren't fussy but they do need medium or bright indirect light, and may grow spindly and leggy in low light rooms. With large, waxy leaves in deep shades of green and red, these showy plants are hearty growers and can reach the ceiling if not pruned. To keep the leaves glossy, wipe them down with a wet cloth if you notice dust accumulating.

Silver dollar vine
>Latin Name: Xerosicyos danguyi
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

This climbing succulent shrub is a native desert plant and loves bright, direct light. Placing it on a sunny patio in the summer is a great way to keep it healthy and growing. Giving it a trellis or support to climb on will encourage its upward growth, but it will also grow well in a hanging basket.

Snake plant
>Latin Name: Dracaena trifasciata
>Light Conditions: any light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

One of the most popular plants in homes, offices, and businesses, snake plants are virtually indestructible. They can thrive in bright light as well as in dark corners, and appreciate very scant watering. With upright, lance-shaped leaves in shades of green, yellow, and white, these hardy house plants can grow up to four feet high.

Spider plant
>Latin Name: Chlorophytum comosum
>Light Conditions: low to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

These prolific growers are especially suited for hanging baskets, where their "babies'' will have space to trail down around the pot. Considered incredibly adaptable, spider plants can live in a wide range of conditions with few problems, and enjoy cooler temperatures. Their offshoots are easy to propagate into new plants.

ALSO READ: 50 Best Cities for Urban Gardening

String of pearls
>Latin Name: Senecio rowleyanus
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

This unusual succulent is a vigorous grower, with long stems that cascade down around the pot. Although it may need pruning once in a while to keep the stems attractive, this drought tolerant beauty rarely needs to be repotted, and even produces clusters of white flowers with colorful stamens.

Swedish ivy
>Latin Name: Plectranthus verticillatus
>Light Conditions: medium light
>Watering Needs: consistent

Despite its name, Swedish ivy is native to southern Africa and is not a true ivy. Its vining branches are well suited for cascading down from hanging baskets, and will need periodic pruning. Although primarily grown for its scalloped foliage, Swedish ivy will bloom once a year with small, attractive clusters of white to mauve blossoms.

Swiss cheese plant
>Latin Name: Monstera deliciosa
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Monsteras are sought after for their large, iconic split leaves. Although these tropical plants prefer bright light and warm, humid conditions, they can tolerate low light situations. They are natural climbers, and will grow upright if given stakes or supports to climb, often developing large aerial roots that act as extra supports.

Umbrella tree
>Latin Name: Schefflera actinophylla
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: moderate

Reaching heights of eight to 10 feet indoors, umbrella trees are suitable for large, bright rooms with high ceilings. Their leaves form radial clusters and are usually solid green, although variegated varieties exist. Although they don't like soggy soil, they do prefer humidity. Place an umbrella tree pot on a tray of rocks with water in it to keep the air around the plant moist.

Velvet plant
>Latin Name: Gynura aurantiaca
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: consistent

Also known as the purple passion plant, this unusual house plant has bright purple hairs over its serrated green leaves. Problems with the plant often stem from water issues. To prevent root rot, let about a quarter of the soil dry before rewatering. Avoid getting water on the foliage, as it can become trapped in the hairs and cause the leaves to rot.

ALSO READ: Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the World

Wax plant
>Latin Name: Hoya carnosa
>Light Conditions: medium to bright light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

Also known as hoyas or porcelain flowers, these hardy vines feature thick, shiny foliage and will occasionally produce fragrant blooms. They can live for decades if treated well and will snake around an entire room if given wall supports or trellises. Hoyas prefer drier soil but high humidity and take well to occasional misting.

Weeping fig
>Latin Name: Ficus benjamina
>Light Conditions: medium to bright indirect light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

Weeping figs are incredibly easy to care for as long as you follow one rule: after you've placed your ficus in an ideally bright location, never move it again. Weeping figs are very sensitive to changes in their environment and may drop their leaves if they are moved. These trees will stay green and healthy with occasional waterings and warm rooms that are free of drafts.

Zanzibar gem
>Latin Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
>Light Conditions: any indirect light
>Watering Needs: drought tolerant

Thriving in most light settings except for direct sunlight, Zanzibar gems, or z-z plants, are a forgetful gardener's dream. They are incredibly low maintenance and drought tolerant, only needing water if their soil has completely dried out - possibly as infrequently as once a month. Occasional dusting with a wet rag will keep their waxy leaves shiny.

Automatic watering systems extend plant life by ~6 months.

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Content: CityU Start-up Team Launches Animal Testing in Six Months for Painless Diabetes Treatment
Author: Hu Jiaxin
Published: Updated:
At present, patients with severe diabetes are required to inject insulin to control their blood sugar levels. The “Huagang Long Biotechnology ” funded by CityU ’ s“ HK Tech 300 ” program uses insulin delivery based on CityU ’ s “frozen microneedle ” technology research.
The team said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, it is expected that human testing will be conducted as soon as possible in two years, and it is expected that the earliest four to five years will be able to apply to the Mainland Drug Administration for registration and take the lead in treating patients with diabetes in the Mainland.
CityU ’ s “HK Tech 300 ” start-up team, HuagongLong Biotechnology Research, used CityU ’ s“ Frozen Microneedle ” technology to provide painless treatment for diabetics.
According to the team, “frozen microneedles ” can carry insulin, put the microneedles on the skin, and after lightly applying pressure, the microneedles shorter than one millimeter can penetrate the skin surface, melt in the skin and release the drug.
Wu Zilong, a graduate student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at CityU, said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, human testing will be conducted within two years at the earliest.
He said that the team originally wanted to develop the Hong Kong market, but because the listing in Hong Kong requires the registration of medical devices, but the local medical devices have no relevant legal system, so it advanced the mainland market.
He did not disclose the cost of the product, but the target is high-end medical "will not compete", but it is believed to be an affordable price.
Research and development of Internet of Things system to help maintain green wall plants
As for the other start-up team, “Ketop Production ”, it developed an IoT vertical gardening system, each smart flower pot equipped with a microcontroller, responsible for automatic irrigation and fertilization.
Chen Wei-heng, a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Department of CityU, said that unlike the products in the workshop, the system is equipped with sensors, which can collect data on a regular basis to analyze the growth status of plants and do a better job of gardening maintenance.
He said that the system had been adopted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and was being tested in the EMSD building.
Lin Xiaofeng, tutor and special professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering at CityU, said that in the past, some indoor green wall plants only survived for half a year, and the system can extend the life of indoor plants for half a year, making the use of green walls more environmentally friendly.
He added that during the mentoring process, he helped the team think about long-term business models, such as how to reduce the bottom cost on hardware, and promote the school to have a green wall and apply its horticultural system to promote STEM education.
CityU announced in March this year the launch of a large-scale innovation and entrepreneurship programme, “HK Tech 300 ”, to assist students and alumni to set up start-ups. The selected team will receive $100,000 in initial funding and professional guidance from mentors.
In a speech at the ceremony, the President of CityU, Mr Kwok, said that the university had invested $500 million to launch the "HK Tech 300" project, and had recruited about 180 start-ups in just eight months, hoping that the project would give young people innovation opportunities.

Green walls can last up to 25 years.

Green walls increase fire resistance.

Green walls reduce energy waste and aid temperature regulation.

Green walls minimize ambient noise, enhancing acoustic comfort.

Green walls can be built with recycled pallets, crates, plastic bottles.

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Content: Categories: Articles, Crop productionPublished On: 13th October 2023

Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

By 7 min read

aquaculture-5990470_1280

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers, in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too:

Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year – depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems.with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance. Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space. You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where it has ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is your choice, take note the for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine  your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens

Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers. These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens

Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens

Hanging gardens are an excellent option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system

As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system. But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research:

  1. Herbs:

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

  1. Salad greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

  1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer’s markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

  1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

  1. Gourmet mushrooms

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm’s profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

For emerging farmers in sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming represents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-africa-can-develop-its-own-version-vertical-farming

Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy. Available at: https://agrotonomy.com/vertical-farming-in-africa-with-tower-farms/

Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer.com/vertical-farming-south-africa/#:~:text=Vertical%20farming%20in%20South%20Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAKc9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

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Green walls can be built with wooden containers, grid frames, soil or moss, succulents.

Title:

Content: We tell you how home plants will help you to decorate the surrounding space, without cluttering the usual window sill.
1.
Vertical and container gardens of succulents
The composition of succulents has long been in demand among decorators and florists.
They can often be seen as part of wedding bouquets.
Plants do not need special care and beautifully compile among themselves.
To create a mini-garden, you will need a small aquarium, pots and an ordinary fruit box.
To decorate the wall with a vertical composition, you need to take a wooden container and impose a grid with a frame on it.
After that, it is necessary to fill the soil or moss in the container and plant succulents.
2.
Spring primroses
In the spring, bulbous plants appear in the shops in pots, which refresh and complement the inconspicuous interior.
Fresh compositions of hyacinths, daffodils and tulips will add tenderness and comfort to the room.
Flowers can decorate a dining table, chest of drawers or a newspaper table.
Already sprouted bulbs are enough to buy in advance in a hypermarket or self-plant in a vase, pots, glasses or bucket.
The plants will look graceful even in an ordinary Ikea plate.
3.
Mini garden
Rosemary and basil are both fragrant seasonings and wonderful houseplants at the same time.
If you decide to create an herbal composition, it is better to combine all the greens included in it with a general concept.
For example, take the same pots and paint them with paint for school boards, and then on each small specify the name of the plant.
Herbs in iron pots and wooden boxes also look stylish.
In fact, at home you can grow a lot of edible greens:
- oregano;
- parsley;
- dill;
- onions;
- mint;
- spinach;
- ginger;
- asparagus.
4.
Original pots
Planters will give your plants a completely different look than simple clay pots.
Orchids, spicy herbs, bindles and succulents look elegant if you hang them up from the ceiling with roots.
Several pots inverted in this way can be combined with a ceiling lamp.
5.
Glass vases and aquariums
For landscaping of the interior, it is important to correctly choose the shape of the flower pot.
The most non-standard solution would be to take an aquarium or a glass vase instead of a classic pot.
A bright and non-trivial accent in any room will be a microecosystem inside a glass form.
It is especially emphasized by ferns, mosses, plants of climbing and creeping types, as well as primroses and succulents.
An auxiliary element of the decor are sawdust, shavings and sea stones.
In addition, a beautiful effect will help to achieve a colored aquarium soil.
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Succulents, snake plant, peace lily, and other drought-tolerant species are ideal for low-maintenance green walls.

Low-light tolerant plants like cast iron plant, peace lily, and snake plant suit indoor walls.

High-humidity tropical plants are less suitable for indoor green walls.

Herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, ginger, asparagus grow indoors.

Climbing plants such as ivy, spider plant, and silver dollar vine suit vertical gardens.

Installation cost ranges $200-$1200 per square meter.

Modular system allows quick installation and easy disassembly.

Indoor green walls calm occupants and improve sleep quality.

Title:

Content: Flower decor in the house
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Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
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