KOKEDAMA —PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES!
BY KAT TONDRE Galveston County Master Gardener
Welcome to a new way of gardening! This art form of gardening, Kokedama, was created in Japan in the early 1600s. Kokedama translates “moss ball”, basically a plant surrounded by soil.
It’s a very similar technique to bonsai in binding the roots of a plant. This technique is often referred to as the “poor man’s” bonsai, giving any area in a home a little bit of greenery. In modern times, “string garden” is associated with this art form, Kokedama.
Materials needed:
- plant of choice – schefflera, ivy’s, pothos
- One part potting soil
- One part peat moss
- Moss — (Amazon, Home Depot)
- Twine, jute, string — poly twine is best (Amazon)
- Scissors
- Containers – 3
- Water
STEP 1: PREPARE SOIL One part potting soil, one part peat poss, mix well. Start adding water, you are making a mud paste. Continue to add water until soil mixture can hold its shape in a ball.
STEP 2: PREPARE CHOICE OF PLANT. Start by removing most of the soil, exposing most or all of the roots.
STEP 3: MAKING YOUR SOIL BALL. Use mud paste and add little by little covering the roots. This is where you create a ball around roots. Making large enough for roots to grow and aesthetically pleasing to the size of plant.
STEP 4: ADDING THE MOSS. Soak moss before using. Sheet moss or shredded moss works great. Squeeze out excess water and start placing moss around soil ball, covering completely. Avoid covering too much of the plants lower stem.
STEP 5: BINDING YOUR KOKEDAMA Take your string, start near the top of moss ball, holding it down with your thumb, and let the wrapping begin! Keep the string taut to bind the ball together. Once done, create your loop to hang on a hook or chain.
STEP 6: WATER. Ensuring the success for your kokedama depends entirely on your plant’s water requirements. Once dried, the weight of the kokedama will decrease significantly giving you a indication that a good watering is needed. Use a bowl, place kokedama in and add water. Start with half a cup of water. Add more water if your kokedama soaked it up quickly.
NOTE: Never leave kokedama in standing water. Remove, drain, and hang in your desired location. Allowing a good airflow for your kokedama will ensure success for your new string garden!
