Kokedama

Kokedama. What are they and how can you make one?

Kokedama is a centuries old form of Japanese garden art similar to bonsai. Translated it means: Koke – Moss, Dama – Ball

It is a great way to simply display a favorite plant specimen.

The moss ball is usually affixed to driftwood or bark or suspended by a string. A hanging collection of Kokedama is referred to as a ‘String Garden’

You want to choose pants that can tolerate moist soil. Plants such as ferns, ivies, peace lilies, pothos or begonias.

To water kokedamas simply soak the entire ball in a bowl of water for 15 – 20 minutes once a week.

To create your own kokedama follow these easy directions:

What you will need

1. Plant of your choice. Keep in mind where your kokedama will be located and choose your plant accordingly.
2. Peat moss
3. Potting soil
4. Sphagnum moss
5. Waxed string
6. Scissors
7. Gloves

How to create

1. To make a 4″ ball you  will need 2 cups of soil. Slowly add water until the soil begins to stick together. Ultimately you should have a ball you can comfortably toss in the air without it falling apart.
2. Remove your selected plant from its container. Gently shake off as much soil as you can.
3. Split your soil ball in half.
4. Place your plant’s roots in the center of the ball and gently press it back together.
5. Dampen your sphagnum moss in warm water to make it pliable so you can wrap it around the soil ball. Lay the sheet moss face down, set the soil ball in the center and gather the moss around the soil and up to the plant.
6.  Gently wrap your entire moss ball with your string. Hold the ball in one hand while wrapping with the other. Be sure to leave a longer strand to tie up at the end. You can either hang your Kokedama, attach it to a board or  bark or place in a dish.
7. Let your kokedama soak in a bowl of water for 15 – 20 minutes. Occasionally add a fertilizer to the water. If it begins to look stressed it may be time to upsize to a larger ball.