The secret to a happy, healthy living wall starts with having the right foundation—one that’s strong, flexible, and resistant to the elements. These properties provide the right environment for plants to not only survive, but thrive, for years to come.
So what constitutes the “right” foundation for a living wall? When it comes to living wall systems, carbonized cork from Cortiça Garden is the best option on the market. Carbonized cork is an all-natural product that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber L.) and is comprised fully of natural plant tissue. It consists of a honeycomb of microscopic cells filled with an air-like gas and coated mainly with suberin and lignin, which are types of macromolecules found in specialized plant cell walls that protect and insulate.
These properties ensure that our carbonized cork living wall systems are durable, lightweight, and easy to install—but that’s not all! Here are five reasons why our carbonized cork living wall systems are a must-have for every living wall project.
- Carbonized cork living wall systems are flexible yet strong.
Outdoor living wall systems need to be strong and durable in order to withstand the elements. At the same time, they also need to be soft and flexible to allow plants to grow. Some of the cork’s greatest qualities are its elasticity and compressibility. Plastic and steel are hard, which makes it difficult for plants to take root. But the elasticity of the cork helps the root settle down. Ultimately, carbonized cork living wall systems provide a comfortable yet long-lasting environment for plants.
- The biodegradable material is good for the environment.
Our carbonized cork is natural, environmental-friendly, free of harmful additives, and manufactured with 100% recyclable materials. In fact, 90% of production uses strictly biomass, an organic and renewable source of energy. At Cortiça, our mission is to improve the health of people and the environment by providing the best eco-friendly living wall systems on the market.
- Our carbonized cork is moisture-resistant, heat-resistant and flame retardant.
Fluctuations in temperature and atmosphere can cause damage to traditional living wall systems. Carbonized cork, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to moisture, heat, and flames. It is also impermeable to liquids and gases, preventing over-hydration that can harm plants.
- Edge-to-edge installation is possible with our carbonized cork living wall systems.
Create beautiful, seamless works of art with the edge-to-edge installation that our living wall systems allow for. Additionally, our carbonized cork systems are lightweight, which makes them easy to install no matter how large the project is.
- Antibacterial properties help protect and preserve plant health.
One study found that cork’s anti-bacterial properties reduced the bacterial rate by 99.9%, making it less likely that plants will be affected by bacteria growth. Furthermore, the cork systems offer one of the best environments for plant growth as they help with ventilation, hydration, and drainage.
Are you ready to give carbonized cork living wall systems a try? At Cortiça, we’re proud to offer these systems for the first time in North America to living wall installers across the country. Contact us today for more information or to get started with a Cortiça system of your own.
