Marypause50 ~10 years later still a blog about gardens, simplicity, friendships, gratitude, health,

Kokedama ~ Moss Ball for Plants

   Kokedama (pronounced coke-eh-dah-mah), is a Japanese term for a moss ball, and is the technique of planting in a pouch of moss and soil or oasis. It is a fun and different way to 'plant' a favorite plant. Once complete, the balls can be used to hang plants like succulents, orchids, ivy & herbs or placed on a lovely dish on a tabletop or windowsill. Be creative and watch each plant suddenly transforms into a beautiful specimen plant!
    The traditional kokedama uses sheet moss to surround a bonsai-type soil. The most cost effective way to do this is to use round oasis in place of the soil. You then take a knife like a pumpkin carving knife to carve out a pouch at the top of the ball to accommodate your plant. (If you trim away a small flat bit at the bottom of your oasis, you can keep it steady & standing if you don't plan to hang). 


Take your sheet moss and cut into pieces that you can wrap and pin (with heavy gauge (green) garden wire cut and bent like large bobby pins). Work your way around to cover your kokedama. [Another less traditional option is to use coconut liner in the same manner] 
Then, using your plant of choice from a 3-4 inch pot, shake off the majority of the soil and place securely into the pouch. You may then like to wrap in twine for decoration or function (to create a hanging option). To water, submerge in a small bucket to saturate the oasis. To keep moist use a spray bottle to mist. Keep in mind the watering needs of your plants. A succulent or begonia would need less watering. Kokedamas hung outside would dry out more quickly & need more frequent water.
    I love this project, because the sky is the limit. Just use your imagination! I imagine three fragrant herb kokedamas on beautiful tray as a centerpiece for your dining table. Family or guests can then pick fresh herbs for their meals! This is also a fun Mother's Day project with your kids or the other Moms in your life. It would also make a great stay in girls night out project. Have a (kokedama) ball & have a Happy Mother's Day!

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