Kokedama is the name given to the ornamental plants that are grown inside a ball of moss and that have become so fashionable in the world of gardening. The name, like the technique, has its origin in Japan: 'koke' means moss and 'lady' could be translated as ball. This botanical technique is very old in its country of origin, where they have managed to turn some indoor plants into a visual spectacle, as simple as exotic.
This variant of bonsai emerged when the most humble population began to look for simple ways to grow their favorite plants, since the options are many and kokedamas are easy to make and also to take care of. These simple and beautiful moss spheres have become a trend. If you want to make one, the most important thing is to choose the most appropriate plant well, depending on the place where you want to place it and the light you have.
Group of people learning ornamental gardening with the Japanese Kokedama technique
That the plant develops in optimal conditions of light and humidity inside the moss ball is important. Some of the most common options are ferns, pots, philodendrons, anthuriums or bromeliads, although you can even plant aromatic herbs, such as mint, basil, parsley or coriander.
How to make a kokedama
The process is simple and requires a few steps. First of all, you have to remove the excess soil from the plant and wrap the roots in wet moss. They should be secured with a string, to keep the roots moist and healthy. Afterwards, the peat or substrate and bonsai soil should be mixed with water until a somewhat squirky consistency is achieved. With this mixture you should cover the base of the root, forming a ball, for which you will need a little patience and care.
Finally, the ball should be covered with a moss leaf. The simplest thing is to place the extended leaf at the base of the plant and wrap it well. Finally, the moss ball is surrounded with a new string until it is well secured and the desired shape is achieved. Also this step requires a little patience, but working with nature in your hands is relaxing and, done the first, the others will cost you less, if you want to achieve a small set of kokedamas.
Before making it, choose the place where you will place it. The most common is to place them on wood or ceramic. If you create a small set, you can place them hanging at different heights, creating a unique decorative effect.
Kokedama peace lily with LED lights around
Care of kokedamas
To water it, you can fill a container of the right size with water and submerge the ball of moss for about twenty minutes. Then you have to take it out and let it drain or dry for another twenty minutes, and then put it back in place. The frequency of watering will depend on the plant you have chosen to form the kokedama. You can keep an eye on the plant and water it again when the ball is already dry. You'll know because it will be lighter.
If you keep an eye on your plant, here are some signs that can help you: If the leaves start to dry out or are less soft and flexible, it will probably be short of water. If, on the other hand, they become soft and begin to yellow or darken, they may have excess water. They are simple signs that will help you adjust the irrigation.
Another thing you should know is that it is not convenient to squeeze the moss sphere to drain the water, just let out all the envelope, draining naturally through the moss. In the warmer months you can spray the plant and the ball with water, using a sprayer. If you use organic fertilizer, always do it by mixing it with the irrigation water, so that the plant absorbs it easily.
It is advisable to rotate the plant and not always place it in the same place, so that it does not grow decompensated. You can perform small pruning from time to time, removing the dried leaves. All this care will help you take care of the kokedamas that, without a doubt, will give a very special touch to the space where you place them.
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