Unlike other systems that use organic substrates, Ecotelhado's Vertical Gardens are based on hydroponics, utilizing expanded clay or coconut fiber. These materials have high porosity and excellent aeration, and they do not compact over time, avoiding the need to replace the substrate. Nutrients are supplied through fertigation, allowing for better control of plant growth.
We recommend using young seedlings that suffer less from transplant shock. Remember that vertical gardens are usually perennial, so plant adaptation is crucial. It's a mistake to think that using super-fertile substrates is beneficial, as this can cause excessive growth, requiring frequent pruning. The ideal approach is to control fertility through the fertigation of your vertical garden.
Plant types
Plants should be compatible with the local light conditions. Shade plants require a minimum of 800 lux, while sun plants need between 5,000 and 10,000 lux (lumens per square meter). We recommend using a light meter to determine the appropriate light levels. The better the care, the better your vertical garden will perform. Often, light is reduced by blinds or curtains. Using artificial grow lights is a good way to compensate.
Assembly
All Ecotelhado systems are designed to be assembled by anyone with basic skills, even if they have never done it before. The support racks are available in different heights, such as 1m, 1.5m, 2m, and 2.5m, and it only takes 1 or 2 screws to install 1m² of wall. Planting is done by transferring the plant with its root ball to the planter and filling it with coconut fiber. Many of our customers assemble their gardens without any difficulties. It is very easy to install a vertical garden.
Indoors and outdoors
To be installed indoors, light requirements of the chosen plants must be considered. A minimum amount of light is necessary for photosynthesis, and not all plants can survive with low light. A sign of insufficient light is etiolation or elongated growth. Using artificial grow lights is recommended.
Water reservoir
Each planter in our systems has a water reservoir, providing a longer period of inertia than other systems on the market. Small green walls can be manually irrigated once a week (depending on sun and wind exposure), or more frequently. For larger installations, it is essential to use an automatic irrigation system with a timer connected to a solenoid, which can be programmed accordingly. The system can also be integrated with aquaponics, providing natural water and nutrients for the plants and can serve as a filter for a pool or biological pond.
Installation
Ecotelhado's Vertical Gardens do not require wall waterproofing, as the modules are made of recycled plastic that automatically waterproofs the wall. Water flows from the top container to the bottom one, protected by the plastic planters. They are very practical and easy to maintain.
Irrigation
Excessive irrigation can lead to root rot in some plants, especially indoor plants that require less light and are generally more sensitive to overwatering. Keep in mind that water needs vary with the seasons, requiring more water in the summer and less in the winter. The gardener's sensitivity is crucial in determining the watering frequency. Do not overdo it, and remember that the vertical garden has small reserves in its planters that are passed on to the plants.
Local plants
Plants can be purchased from any local nursery and used directly in your vertical garden.
Recyclable
The plastic used in Ecotelhado's green walls is entirely recycled and recyclable. The system isolates water from the wall, retains a large amount of substrate, and allows root communication between containers. It stores water in each planter, enabling less frequent watering. Another advantage is the ease of disassembling and reassembling the garden in other locations without material loss.
Ecotelhado
Founded in 2005, Ecotelhado is a company dedicated to reintroducing greenery and promoting sustainable initiatives in urban centers.
The company began by providing a lightweight and easy-to-install green roof system, pioneering this concept in Brazil. To date, Ecotelhado has supplied over 1,000,000 square meters of green roofing across Brazil and other Latin American countries.
Since its inception, Ecotelhado has developed and supplied creative and sustainable products and services aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of population growth, poor planning, and urban pollution.
The company's main products include green roofs, vertical gardens, permeable pavements, retention basins, underground cisterns, natural ponds and pools, and biological effluent treatment systems.
Ecotelhado also has a specialized team in biophilic design and sustainable architecture, with technical oversight from civil and agronomic engineers. The company offers consulting services to end customers, architects, and builders interested in biophilic technology.
Recognized as the most recalled brand in green roofs and vertical gardens by Green Building for two consecutive years, Ecotelhado is headquartered in São Paulo and Porto Alegre, with partners in major Brazilian capitals. Additionally, it exports its products to Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile, and Peru.
