A Step-by-Step Guide To The Japanese Art of Moss Balls

If you’re bored of growing your plants in traditional pots, then you should think about making a Kokedama. Kokedama is a moss-covered ball of soil where a plant can grow without needing a pot. In Japanese culture, it was believed to soak up all the devil spirits and bring a sense of peace and tranquillity to the room where it’s placed. In terms of scientific evidence, Kokedama has the ability to absorb harmful chemicals from the air and convert them into pure oxygen.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make an easy and simple version of Kokedama. Then, you can use it to decorate walls, fences, balconies, or indoors.

What you need to make a Kokedama

Materials needed:

• Small plants (e.g., ferns, succulents, small flowering plants)
• Potting mix (Bonsai soil or a mix of peat moss and akadama or bonsai soil)
• Sphagnum moss (for wrapping)
• Sheet moss (for covering)
• Twine or string
• Scissors
• Waterproof tray or saucer

Steps to Make Kokedama

1. Choose Your Plant: First, you should select a plant that is suitable for Kokedama and well-suited to the growing conditions in your space. Ferns, pothos, small orchids, and succulents are go-to options.

2. Prepare the Soil: Next, mix your potting soil according to the needs of your chosen plant. Make sure it has good drainage properties.

3. Remove Excess Soil: Gently remove excess soil from the plant’s root ball, leaving some soil intact to help the plant establish in the Kokedama.

4. Form the Soil Ball: Moisten the potting mix slightly. Take a handful of moist soil and gently shape it around the plant’s roots, forming a ball. The size of the ball depends on the size of your plant.

5. Wrap in Sphagnum Moss: Gently wrap the soil ball with damp sphagnum moss, ensuring that the moss holds the soil together.

6. Secure with Twine: Wrap twine or string around the moss-covered ball, crisscrossing in various directions to hold the moss in place. Leave a long length of twine for hanging.

7. Cover with Sheet Moss: Wrap a layer of sheet moss around the sphagnum moss-covered ball. This will give the Kokedama a neat and finished appearance.

8. Secure and Shape: Use more twine to wrap around the sheet moss, securing it tightly. Shape the Kokedama into a spherical form.

9. Hang or Place in a Tray: If you plan to hang your Kokedama, attach a hanging hook to the twine. Another way is to place the Kokedama in a waterproof tray or saucer.

Tips to Care for Kokedama

1. Watering: To water, submerge the Kokedama in a bowl of water for a few minutes or until it feels heavy. Allow excess water to drain before hanging or placing it back in its tray.

2. Light: Place the Kokedama in appropriate light conditions for the chosen plant. Adjust the location based on the plant’s light requirements.

3. Misting: Mist the moss periodically to maintain humidity levels and prevent it from drying out.

4. Feeding: Fertilize the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer according to the plant’s needs during the growing season.

5. Trimming: Prune and trim the plant as needed to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth.

6. Rejuvenation: Every few years, Kokedama may need refreshing by carefully removing the old moss, repotting the plant, and wrapping it with new moss.

Notes to Remember:

• Choose plants that have similar care requirements and adapt well to the Kokedama environment.
• Monitor the moisture level of the Kokedama regularly to prevent overwatering or underwatering.
• Rotate the Kokedama occasionally to ensure even growth.
• Kokedama can be displayed indoors or outdoors, but be mindful of temperature and light conditions.

We hope that the above tutorial helps you create your own beautiful Kokedama, adding an elegant touch to indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re excited to receive your comments about unique Kokedama balls with different plant varieties and arrangements.