Akin to thepractice of bonsai, it offers a small yet treasured home for a beloved shady specimen.
What is a Kokedama?
This living art form is centuries old, and it’s now making another pass in the gardening realm.
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It will last for a year or two before it needs to be rewrapped.
Here’s how to make homemade kokedama step by step.
Before Getting Started
Choose a plant for your kokedama wisely.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
The plants that are best for a kokedama are slow-growing and have small root systems.
Consider, too, where it will sit or hang.
Overall, the plant should be easy to care for and be able to tolerate sodden soil.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
AvoidAfrican violetsandorchids, too, because their roots require better air circulation from a porous soil mix.
This soil is called “akadama.”
Slowly add water and mix.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Firmly pack the soil ball to the size of a grapefruit.
Throw it in the air to verify it stays intact.
Prepare the Plant
Take your plant out of its pot.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
With your hands, lightly dust off as much soil as possible from the root ball.
Then gently break apart the root ball to free the roots.
Gently lay the roots of the specimen inside the hole.
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The soil ball will become the plant’s new pot.
For added moisture and malleability while working, spray the soil with water.
Nudge the soil around the roots and compact the soil around the stem’s base.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Set the sheet moss face down and place the soil ball in the center.
Wrap the moss around the soil and up to the plant so that all the soil surfaces are covered.
Tip
Dry floral moss can be used as an alternative if soaked first.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Properly harvested moss also works well.
Avoid tools made of metal, which may harmthe health of the moss.
Remove only small portions to ensure the colony will continue to thrive in the wild.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Wrap in every direction.
End the wrapping at the top and leave another long tail of string, twine, or line.
Tie the two ends securely together if you plan to hang the kokedama.
you’re free to be creative with how you choose to display your art.
