Green wall experimental design used for Expt. 1. The six blocks of treatments with the three spiderwort selections of zebra plant, ‘Burgundy’ zebra plant, and inch plant are denoted with red squares, placement of light/temperature sensors (one per block) are shown with magenta circles, sentinel pots used to determine need for irrigation are shown with blue triangles (eight dispersed throughout the green wall), and average light levels (µmol·m−2·s−1) per block are reported in white boxes. Average light levels were determined by averaging the light reading at each pot location in each block.
As more businesses recognize the many benefits of having plants in the workplace, interior green walls, also known as living walls, have gained popularity in recent years for their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. However, managing plant growth within these structures presents unique challenges, particularly regarding stem elongation, which can impact the overall appearance and health of the green wall.
In most cases, professional interiorscaping firms are hired to maintain these systems. Most green walls cover a large area, making maintenance a significant expense. Plants in interior environments tend to develop unattractive growth with elongated internodes in response to low light levels, as well as low-quality light, leading to a less aesthetically pleasing plant display. To maintain a green wall appearance, an interiorscaper must trim specific plants or replace them altogether. This frequent labor activity by the interiorscaping firm increases maintenance costs that must be passed on to clients.
A recent Kansas State University study focused on the application of antigibberellin plant growth regulators (PGRs to) potted Zebra plant and Inch plant, two common household plants in the spiderwort genus, used in interior green walls. The results demonstrated that treatment with antigibberellin PGRs effectively slowed stem elongation in both species, leading to more compact and easier to maintain growth patterns.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia sp.) plants are commonly used in interior plantscaping, including zebra plant, purple heart (Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’), and oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea). Spiderworts can tolerate light levels as low as 30 to 50 µmol·m−2·s−1, but more light is preferred. Plants need to be maintained at a temperature between 65 and 80 °F and be allowed to dry down between watering events. To maintain an attractive plant, vining species must be pinched regularly.
Antigibberellin application slowed growth in internode length of spiderwort selections during the first month after installation in a green wall. Antigibberellins were more effective in zebra plants at reducing overall stem growth rate and less so on inch plants. Paclobutrazol, applied both as a foliar spray and drench, resulted in similar reduction in stem elongation. The authors recommend a pre-installation foliar spray of 80 ppm or 4 ppm drench for controlling stem growth across spiderwort selections
The results of this research indicate that administering antigibberellin plant growth regulators (PGRs) to plants prior to their placement in green walls effectively retards stem elongation. This method aids in preserving the visual appeal of green walls, while simultaneously promoting the health and durability of the plants, potentially leading to decreased maintenance expenses.
According to Professor Williams, she and graduate student Lane Wiens became interested in evaluating their effectiveness in the green wall In Kansas State’s Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center after experiencing first hand the challenges of maintaining the wall.
Her areas of emphasis in Horticulture focus on topics related to crop production in protected environments, water and nutrient management during greenhouse production, and floriculture crops.
