Kokedama: how to make and care for them at home

Kokedama is a Japanese technique that combines gardening and craft: a ball of substrate covered in moss, in which the plant grows, without a pot. JardineriaOn publishes a guide to making one at home.

For choosing a plant, it advises slow-growing species, which avoid frequent repotting, and ones that prefer shade or partial shade so the sun does not burn the moss. Among the recommended options are ferns, succulents, orchids and bonsai.

The materials are universal substrate, peat or worm castings, akadama (a Japanese volcanic soil that retains moisture and can be replaced with soaked crushed tiles or bricks left for 24 hours), moss such as sphagnum, fishing line or string, scissors, a sprayer and a large bowl.

The process starts by mixing substrate and akadama with water until you get a compact mass. Form a ball with a hollow in the center, place the plant with its roots well covered, and finish by wrapping it in moss. The article notes that even if the ball isn't perfectly round, that wild look is part of its charm. I find it an accessible project for getting into the world of moss and bonsai.

Source: JardineriaOn