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.
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