Kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in moss-covered balls of soil, is taking the interior design world by storm. It’s a beautiful and eco-friendly way to showcase your plants while removing the need for traditional pots. But how did this unique plant trend originate, and how can you try it at home?
The History of Kokedama
Kokedama, which translates to “moss ball” in Japanese, has roots in the centuries-old practice of bonsai. Over time, it evolved from a technique for displaying trees to one that embraced the beauty of various plants. Kokedama creates a stunning, minimalist aesthetic and allows the plants to thrive in a natural, earth-bound form.
Why Has Kokedama Become Popular Recently?
Kokedama has seen a resurgence in popularity due to several factors:
1. Simplicity and Minimalism: In a world where minimalism is a growing trend, kokedama provides a sleek, pot-free alternative to traditional potted plants, offering a clean, natural aesthetic.
2. Eco-Conscious Living: As people become more eco-conscious, kokedama fits into the sustainability trend. It uses fewer resources than conventional planters, and its self-watering feature reduces waste.
3. Indoor Plant Popularity: The rise in indoor plants, fuelled by the wellness movement and the desire for biophilic design, makes kokedama an attractive choice for those looking to add greenery to their homes.
4. Customisation and Creativity: With the freedom to choose your plants and decorative moss, kokedama allows for greater creativity in plant display, making it popular among those who enjoy DIY projects.
How to Create Your Own Kokedama
Here’s a simple guide to creating your own moss ball planter:
Materials Needed:
• A small plant (See suggestions below)
• Mesh Net Bag (To hold the substrate)
• Akadama (The Substrate)
• Sphagnum Moss
• Live Sheet Moss OR Cushion Moss (for wrapping the soil ball)
• Slow-Release Fertiliser Pellets
• Green fishing line (to hold everything together)
• Scissors
• Water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1. Prepare the Plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot and rinse off most of the soil from its roots, ensuring not to damage them. It’s okay if some soil remains attached.
- 2. Prepare the Mesh Bag: Check that your plant fits comfortably inside the mesh bag. Add a handful of akadama soil and slow-release fertiliser pellets, as live moss doesn’t respond well to liquid fertilisers.
- 3. Position the Plant: Place the plant inside the bag, adjusting the roots as necessary. Fill the bag with more akadama until it is packed tightly and secure the top with string.
- 4. Rinse the Akadama: Rinse the akadama in water until it runs clear, removing any dust.
- 5. Add Sphagnum Moss: Wet the dried sphagnum moss slightly, then wrap it tightly around the akadama-covered bag, securing it with string. Make sure the moss is snug against the bag.
- 6. Shape the Moss: As you add more moss, shape it to the desired kokedama form. Secure the moss tightly by wrapping the string around multiple times to keep it in place.
- 7. Finishing Touches: Tie off the string, tucking in any loose ends with tweezers, and double knot it. Trim any excess string.
- 8. Cover with Live Moss: Add live moss around the sphagnum moss, securing it in place with string (Same process with the sphagnum moss). The live moss holds its shape well, so you won’t need to tie it as much. Cover any exposed areas.
- 9. Trim for Neatness: Optionally, use scissors to trim the moss, encouraging it to spread as it grows. Be careful not to cut the string.
- 10. Allow Time to Settle: Kokedama takes 1-2 months to fully settle and look its best, so be patient!
Caring for Your Kokedama
Proper care for your kokedama involves ensuring it stays moist, receives the right amount of light, and is displayed correctly. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Watering: Tap water can be used, but it may dull the moss over time. If that happens, use dechlorinated water or, ideally, reverse osmosis water (pure H2O with no minerals). For the first 1-2 months, mist your kokedama daily, both day and night. Submerge the moss ball for a minute each week, ensuring it’s fully saturated. After soaking, allow it to drain to avoid standing water, which can harm the moss. Regularly wipe any excess water from the dish.
2. Light: Place your kokedama in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can harm the moss. An east-facing window is ideal, offering gentle morning sun. For optimal care, consider using a grow light to provide consistent light without the risk of burning the moss.
3. Humidity: Kokedama plants thrive in humidity. If your home is dry, mist the moss ball occasionally to keep it moist and happy.
4. How to Display Your Kokedama: Set your kokedama on a dish with small stones at the bottom to prevent water accumulation. You can also add fertiliser pellets to encourage root growth and support healthy plant development.
With these steps, your kokedama will thrive and become a beautiful, living piece of art in your home.
Plants Suitable for Kokedama
When choosing plants for your kokedama, it’s important to select varieties that thrive in the conditions created by the moss ball setup.
Here are some excellent plant options:
Abutilon, African violet, Begonia, Bellflower, Blue-eyed grass, Creeping fig, Cyperus papyrus, Dracaenas, Ferns, Ficus elastica, Ficus retusa, Grape ivy, Horsetail rush, Nandina bamboo, Peperomia, Philodendron, Prayer plant, Pothos, Rabbit’s foot fern, Schefflera, Serissa foetida, Tiger bark ficus, and White star grass.
These plants thrive in the humidity and self-watering system of kokedama, making them perfect candidates for your moss ball planters.
Why Kokedama Works
Kokedama is not only visually stunning but also functional. The moss ball retains moisture, creating a self-watering system that ensures your plant gets just the right amount of hydration. It’s a perfect fit for modern interiors, offering a minimalist look that blends seamlessly into any space.
Kokedama is a fun and eco-friendly way to bring nature into your home without the hassle of traditional pots. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to try something new, creating your own kokedama allows you to experience the beauty of Japanese gardening tradition in a modern way. So grab some moss, a plant, and start crafting your own unique green art piece today!
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