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Kokedama is a traditional Japanese garden method where moss is used as a container for plants and bound by string. It is an interesting and attractive type of gardening that is easy to make at home. Kokedama, which means moss ball in Japanese, is perfect for small spaces like verandas or patios or even larger gardens. To make a kokedama, you will need soil rich in clay, moss, twine, a basin, scissors, and hardy plants. First, prepare the chosen plant by gently freeing its roots from the soil. Then, wrap the roots with moss and secure it with twine. Finally, encase the ball with more moss and hang it up!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Meaning | Moss pot |
| Materials | Soil, moss, twine, plants, water |
| Soil | Clay-rich soil, preferably Akadama soil |
| Moss | Sphagnum or peat moss |
| Twine | Nylon cord, natural twine, coloured twine |
| Plants | Mondo grass, ferns, bamboo, devil's ivy, orchids, succulents |
| Steps | Soak coir-peat and moss in water, wrap roots in moss, secure with twine, encase in soil, reshape, mist |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plant
Firstly, it is important to choose a plant that is slow-growing. This is because slow-growing plants will not outgrow the kokedama too quickly, meaning you won't have to keep changing the size of the moss ball or the location of the plant.
Secondly, choose a plant that has a compact root system and thrives in a humid environment. The roots of the plant will be exposed to the air, so they must be able to cope with this and not dry out too quickly. Misting the kokedama once or twice a week can help to prevent this, but the plant must be suited to higher humidity. Plants such as ferns, mosses, and small houseplants like snake plants are good choices.
Thirdly, choose a plant that is tough and hardy. Kokedama are like hanging baskets, swinging in the wind, so they need a plant that can withstand these conditions. Mini mondo grass, dichondra, devil's ivy, and bamboo are all good options.
Finally, consider the light requirements of your chosen plant and the location in which you intend to place your kokedama. Some plants require more light than others, so be sure to choose a plant that will thrive in the location you have in mind. For example, if you intend to place your kokedama in bright, indirect light, avoid plants that require shade as they will not cope with these conditions.
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Preparing the soil
To prepare the soil, start by choosing a plant that is hardy and suitable for kokedama, such as ferns, bamboo, grasses, weeds, orchids, or ivy. Then, gather the necessary materials: soil rich in clay (Akadama soil is ideal but expensive), peat moss, sphagnum moss, twine, a basin for mixing, and scissors. If you cannot find Akadama soil, create your own soil mix with a 7:3 ratio of clay to peat moss.
Once you have your materials, begin by soaking the coir-peat and sphagnum moss in two separate buckets of water. Soak the coir-peat until it takes on the consistency of soil or coffee grounds, making it easy to mould. The sphagnum moss only needs to be soaked until it is slightly damp. After soaking, break apart the moss and squeeze out the excess water.
Now you are ready to mix your soil. In a basin, combine equal parts of your soil mix with the prepared sphagnum moss. Add just enough water to the mixture so that it holds its shape when handled but is not dripping wet. You want the soil to be moist enough to stick together when formed into a ball.
With your soil ready, you can move on to the next step of creating your kokedama!
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Wrapping the roots
Kokedama is a traditional Japanese garden method where moss is used as a container for the plants and bound by string. It is an interesting and attractive type of gardening that is easy to make at home.
To wrap the roots, first, prepare the chosen plant by gently freeing up its roots from the soil it was potted in. Then, take some dried-out moss and soak it in water until it becomes damp. Now, wrap the damp moss around the roots of the plant. Make sure to wrap it tightly and secure it with twine. You can use nylon cord for binding the ball as it is less noticeable since it is transparent. However, it is recommended to use natural twine as it has a more soothing natural look.
Next, you will need a mixture of soil and water. The soil should be rich in clay and the mixture should be such that it sticks together but is not dripping wet. You can use a stocking sock and fill it with this soil mixture. Place the plant inside the stocking, soil and all, and then open the stocking as wide as you can. Now, squeeze the sides of the pot to release the soil pressure and shake the sock up and down to get it all in one big lump. You want a round ball shape and not a sausage shape. The stocking will be covered up at the top so don't worry if there is excess stocking where it meets the plant.
Finally, place the plant's roots on one half of the soil ball and close them with the other half. Reshape the ball as needed. Encase the ball with the moss and then wrap twine around it to secure it. As the moss grows, it will attach itself to the soil. You can keep the twine for an artistic effect.
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Shaping the ball
Prepare the Soil Mixture:
Start by preparing a growing mixture of soil rich in clay. Akadama soil is the most suitable, but you can create your own mix by combining seven parts clay with three parts peat moss. This mixture will serve as the base for your kokedama ball.
Soak the Coir-Peat and Sphagnum Moss:
Place the coir-peat and sphagnum moss in two separate buckets of water and let them soak. The coir-peat should be soaked until it takes on a soil-like consistency, making it easy to mould. Meanwhile, the sphagnum moss only needs to be soaked until it becomes slightly damp. This step ensures that your ball will hold its shape while providing moisture for your plant.
Wrap the Plant Roots:
Choose a hardy plant such as ferns, bamboo, grasses, or even weeds. Gently remove the plant from its pot and free its roots from the soil. Wrap the roots with a thin layer of damp moss, securing it with twine. This step ensures that the moss will attach to the soil as it grows.
Form the Ball:
Create a ball of soil around the plant roots. Use your hands to mould the soil mixture into a round ball shape, ensuring it is compact and holds together. You can use a stocking sock to help shape the soil, placing the plant inside the sock and filling it with soil. Squeeze and shake the sock to form a ball, avoiding a sausage shape.
Encase in Moss:
Build up the sphagnum moss from the bottom to the sides, encasing the ball of soil. Use your hands to squish the moss back into a ball shape as you wind the twine around it. This step may be tricky, but slowly work the twine under and around the ball, securing the moss in place.
Reshape and Adjust:
If needed, reshape the ball of soil and moss to ensure a uniform shape. Adjust the plant's position if necessary, ensuring it is secure and centred within the ball.
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Adding the hanger
Now that you have your kokedama ball ready, it's time to add the hanger so you can display your creation. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on adding the hanger to your kokedama:
Prepare the String or Twine:
Cut 2 to 3 pieces of string or twine to equal lengths. You can use natural twine or add a pop of colour to your kokedama by using colourful twine or string. Ensure the string is long enough to hang your kokedama at your desired height.
Attach the String to the Ball:
Tie one end of each string securely to the kokedama ball. Space the attachment points evenly around the ball. You can tie the string to the loops or side knots of the twine wrapped around the ball.
Create the Hanger:
Once all the strings are attached, tie them together at the top, forming a loop. You can now hang your kokedama by placing this loop over a hook or any suitable hanging structure.
Customise and Care:
Feel free to jazz up your kokedama hanger with decorative twine or cute labels, especially if you're giving it as a gift. To care for your kokedama, simply hold it by the hanger and dip it into a bucket of water periodically, ensuring it gets adequate hydration.
Your kokedama is now complete and ready to be displayed! Hang it in your desired location, whether that's in your home, office, garden, or anywhere you wish to enjoy the beauty of nature.
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Frequently asked questions
Kokedama is a traditional Japanese garden method where moss is used as a container for plants and bound by string. It is an ancient art form of wrapping a plant in soil, moss, and twine.
You can use hardy plants such as ferns, bamboo, grasses, weeds, ivy, orchids, succulents, and bromeliads.
You will need soil rich in clay, moss (sphagnum or peat), twine, a basin for mixing the soil, and scissors. You can also use coloured twine or string to add colour.
To create the growing mixture, combine equal parts peat moss and seed-raising mix in a tub. Add enough water so the mixture holds its shape when handled. Squeeze out the excess water before using it.
Kokedama are easy to care for. Simply dip it into a bucket of water every so often or pour water on top. Mist your kokedama a few times a week to increase humidity.
