Are you looking for a unique and easy-to-care-for plant to liven up your home?
Look no further than Kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss ball.
Kokedama is a simple yet striking way to showcase your green thumb and bring a touch of nature into your living space.
The origins of Kokedama can be traced back to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai. Bonsai involves growing small trees in containers and shaping and pruning them to create miniature works of art.
Kokedama, on the other hand, simplifies the process by eliminating the need for a container altogether. Instead, the plant is wrapped in a ball of moss and soil, which serves as a decorative element and a natural way to retain moisture.
Kokedama can be made with various plants, from small herbs like mint and basil to larger ferns and even small trees like the bonsai. Some popular options include pothos, ferns, and spider plants, all of which are easy to care for and make beautiful additions to any home.
Displaying Kokedama at home
So, how can you display your Kokedama in your home? The possibilities are endless!
Kokedama can inject a powerful dose of green into your home, office, or even a covered outdoor space like a patio. They make great focal points and are the perfect plant solution for those lacking in space.
You can hang your Kokedama from the ceiling using string or twine, place it on a decorative plate or tray, or even create a Kokedama garden by grouping several together on a shelf or windowsill.
One popular way to display Kokedama is to create a "string garden." To do this, simply tie a length of string or twine around the moss ball, making sure it's secure. Then, tie the other end of the string to a hook or nail in the ceiling, and voila! You have a beautiful floating plant that adds a touch of whimsy to any room.
When choosing a spot for your moss ball, remember to ensure that you don’t place it in an area with too much direct sunlight or next to a source of extreme heat.
Caring for Kokedma
The maintenance of Kokedama is very different from that of a classic indoor plant. This is because it is exposed to the air on all sides, especially when hanging, which makes it prone to drying out quickly.
Generally, a moss ball can survive up to 2-3 years. However, the period can be shorter or longer, depending on the plant you use and the level of TLC it receives. To keep your Kokedama looking and feeling its’ best, we recommend the following key care tips:
💧Water: Watering frequencies vary greatly depending on the size of the ball, the size of the plant, the season, and the humidity, among other factors. Generally, it’s best to water once your Kokedama is dry to the touch or once the moss turns paler. To water, place your Kokedama into the bowl of water. Let it soak for a few minutes until thoroughly soaked. Remove from water and let drip dry or place on a saucer for about 20 minutes before returning to its home. Repeat every 2-3 weeks.
☀️Light: Kokedama does not like direct sunlight because it only makes them dry out quickly. It is best to place your Kokedama near windows but in a place where they get a partial shade or are protected from direct sunlight.
🌡️Temperature: Keep your Kokedama away from any extreme heat source, such as a radiator, because high temperatures also make them dry out quickly. It is best to make sure that you keep your moss balls in areas with the most humidity. If your indoor environment highly lacks humidity, you can spray your plants with water once weekly.
✂️Pruning: To promote growth and maintain their shape, we recommend pruning your Kokedama by half occasionally. Watch for dead leaves and clip them off as soon as you spot them.
Interested in creating Kokedama for your home?
You can purchase one of our DIY kits.
Each kit contains everything you need to transform a simple plant into a work of art, including;
- 2x House Plants - Asparagus Fern and Indoor Ivy
- Indoor House Plant Compost
- Brown string for wrapping
- Nylon Thread for wrapping
- A layer of Irish moss
Not for you? You can also purchase a pre-made Kokedama ready to showcase in your home from just €20 on our online plant store.
