Changes in Growth Characteristics of Seven Foliage Plants Grown in an Indoor Bio-Wall System Depending on Irrigation Cycle

In order to increase the indoor air purification effect of plants, plants need to be placed on 5-10% of indoor spaces. To increase the density and utilization of plants in indoor spaces, studies on bio-wall, a vertical green wall system, have been recently conducted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics of 7 indoor plants introduced to the system and their rooting zones at different irrigation cycles. This study was conducted to investigate a proper irrigation cycle for the continuous maintenance of bio-wall systems. The conditions of their growth environment were maintained as follows: light intensity, 20-50 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD; and temperature, 20 - 25℃. For fertilization, Hyponex diluted with water at the ratio of 1:1,000 was supplied to plants. Irrigation was treated at intervals of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days for 1 hour at a time. As a result, there was no significant difference in the growth of plants between different irrigation cycles. Dieffenbachia ‘Marianne’ showed a significant decrease in the number of leaves at the irrigation cycle of 7 days. In addition, the chlorophyll content was relatively low at the irrigation cycle of 7 days. In terms of the color of leaves, a decrease in L value and b value and an increase in a value were observed, resulting in changes in brightness and color. Ardisia pusilla Variegata showed a slightly higher photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductance when it was watered every day and once per 5 days, while Epipremnum aureum showed a relatively higher photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductance at the irrigation cycle of 3 days. In the case of root activity, it was found that the longer irrigation cycle, the higher root activity compared to daily irrigation. The development of roots of Peperomia clusiifolia was promoted by watering at long intervals. However, in the case of Aglaonema ‘Siam-Aurora’, the total number of roots decreased at the interval of 7 days. In conclusion, a proper irrigation cycle for the sustainable maintenance of vertical bio-wall systems seems to be 3 days.