A plant wall in office settings can instantly uplift the workspace, improve employee well-being, and enhance brand image. But the big question remains: Should you choose a real living wall or an artificial green panel? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, costs, and best-use scenarios to help you make the right decision for your Singapore office.

The Growing Trend of Green Walls in Singapore Offices

From coworking hubs to boutique creative studios, green walls have become the new design language of modern workspaces. Companies are embracing biophilic design because employees simply feel better around greenery. A 2023 Forbes workplace study found that employees surrounded by indoor plants reported a 15% increase in well-being and 6% rise in productivity.
Whether it’s a lush, oxygen-rich living wall or a beautifully textured faux green panel, both options add visual impact. But the choice between live and artificial greenery depends on maintenance commitment, budget, design goals, and sustainability considerations.

Live vs Faux Plant Walls: Which One Fits Your Office?

Live Plant Walls – Natural, Cooling, and Full of Life

Pros

• Air purification: Live green walls act as natural air filters. Some plants can remove VOCs and airborne toxins, contributing to fresher indoor air.
• Cooling effect: Living plants reduce heat through evapotranspiration, helping lower indoor temperatures.
• Supports biodiversity: Encourages micro-ecosystems in urban office environments.
• Well-being benefits: Numerous studies show greenery reduces stress and improves creativity.

Cons

• Maintenance requirements: Watering, fertilising, and even plant pruning are essential to keep the wall healthy.
• Higher long-term costs: You’ll need a maintenance contract for watering systems, pruning, and plant replacement.
• Light dependency: Plants need sufficient natural or artificial grow lights. 

Artificial Plant Walls – Low Maintenance, High Visual Impact

Pros

• Zero watering or pruning: Perfect for offices without the time or resources for regular upkeep.
• No pests or diseases: Artificial plants remove the worry of fungus, insects, or dead leaves.
• Flexible placement: Great for dark hallways or low-light corners where live plants can’t survive.
• Lower long-term cost: After installation, maintenance is minimal—just occasional dusting.

Cons

• No air-purifying function: Faux greenery doesn’t contribute to indoor air quality.
• No ecological value: They don’t support biodiversity or environmental benefits.
• May look less dynamic: High-quality faux panels look great, but they don’t grow or change, unlike living greenery. 

Live vs Faux Plant Walls

Cost & Long-Term ROI

A real plant wall involves a more substantial upfront investment: irrigation systems, plant varieties, lighting setups, and regular upkeep. But it offers ESG benefits and may support green-building certifications like BCA Green Mark.
Artificial walls cost less upfront and almost nothing to maintain. If you’re looking for visual enhancement without ongoing costs, faux greenery wins.

Sustainability & ESG Considerations

Live plant walls:

• Support green-building initiatives
• Improve indoor air quality
• Promote wellness and productivity
• Reduce the heat island effect in urban spaces

Artificial plant walls:

• Offer longer product lifespan
• Reduce water usage
• Provide sustainable design aesthetics
• But they do not contribute to ecological or biodiversity benefits. 

Design Considerations: When to Choose What?

Choose Live Plant Walls If:

• Your office has natural light or is willing to install grow lights.
• You want the wellness and air-quality benefits.
• You’re building an ESG-focused workplace.

Choose Artificial Green Panels If:

• Your space has low or inconsistent light.
• You want a stylish feature wall with zero maintenance.
• You’re designing a reception, corridor, pantry, or event space. 

The Hybrid Approach

Many Singapore offices adopt a mixed strategy—live plant wall in office areas where employees spend time, and faux greenery in display or low-light zones.
Even artificial walls need some basic care like dusting, while living walls require professional maintenance and plant pruning to remain lush.

FAQs

1. Do plant walls attract pests?

Live walls can attract pests if not maintained properly. Artificial walls do not attract pests at all.

2. Are artificial plant walls realistic?

High-quality faux walls used in Singapore offices today are extremely convincing and often indistinguishable from real plants.

3. Can plant walls survive air-conditioned environments?

Yes—many tropical indoor plants thrive indoors, provided they receive proper lighting and regular pruning.

4. Are living walls worth the cost?

If you’re aiming for sustainability, employee wellness, and green-building points, the ROI is typically worth it. 

Conclusion

Whether you choose a living plant wall full of vibrant greenery or a fuss-free artificial green panel, both options can transform your office atmosphere instantly. Think about your space, maintenance capacity, sustainability goals, and budget. If you need expert guidance on installation, design, or plant pruning services, reach out to our green-wall specialists today—we’ll help you build a workspace that feels fresh, inspiring, and uniquely yours.