Kokedama are very easy to make yourself and are particularly decorative. The Asian window decoration also saves planters and floor space. The following guide shows what to look out for with the moss ball.

In a nutshell

  • Easy to make and you can plant yourself
  • simple care
  • many design options
  • is usually hung
  • numerous suitable plants

Kokedama: Definition

Kokedama is a ball of moss that is planted directly with a plant. It comes from Japan and is usually used here as a window decoration.
It consists of moss and substrate as well as a houseplant that stays as small as possible.

Materials needed

Only a few materials and utensils are required for the production. These are:

  • wire or cord
  • suitable substrate
  • filter bag if necessary
  • moss panels
  • Scissors or pliers if necessary
  • water

Notice: Suitable soil must on the one hand suit the respective plant and on the other hand be as malleable as possible. A mixture of equal parts sandy and loamy soil is usually ideal. In addition, peat or a suitable substitute should be used.

Instructions for making

If you want to make a Kokedama, you just have to follow a few simple steps. These are:

  1. Prepare substrate: The soil for the selected plant is mixed with enough water to form a ball. If it is orchid soil, it is moistened and filled into a coffee filter.
  2. Plant yourself: There are two options for this. Alternatively, the ball can be formed directly around the root ball, or it can be cut in half and then the roots inserted between the two halves. In any case, it is important that the old soil is thoroughly removed and rinsed off if necessary. If the root ball is already very large, it should be carefully reduced. This requires clean and sharp scissors.
  3. Attach moss: The moss plate is wrapped around the globe and attached with string or wire. Green thread is virtually invisible on the moss, as is fishing line. On the other hand, silver or gold wire, raffia and different colored cord can act as a decorative contrast. Of course, combinations thereof are also possible.
  4. Hanging: Traditionally, the moss balls are hung up. For this purpose, two to four cords are attached to the wrapped Kokedama. Alternatively, you can use a mesh.

Notice: Moss panels are also commercially available under the names flat moss or moss mats.

maintenance

A planted moss ball is decorative, regardless of whether you hang it up or place it on a glass bowl, for example. But how do you water and fertilize the plant in it?
The culture is easier than expected. Because only one measure is required for both watering and fertilizing: dipping. Place the moss ball in a bowl of water for a few minutes until no more air bubbles rise. Then squeeze out the kokedama lightly and place it on a grid or in a sieve to drain, if necessary, so that excess water drains off. It can then return to the specified location. If fertilization is necessary, you should give the liquid fertilizer directly into the irrigation water when diving.

location

The location depends on the respective plant. The following criteria are generally recommended:

  • protected
  • bright but no direct sunlight
  • warm

Earth change

Since the plant only has a little substrate available at a time, it may be necessary to change the soil every year or at least every two years. The procedure here is the same as for the original production.

  • Thoroughly remove soil
  • Shape fresh substrate into a ball
  • wrap with moss

It is also good to choose small plants or plants with a small root ball.

Suitable plants

ivy

Ivy is a hardy, undemanding and easy-care plant. Small-leaved varieties are therefore ideal for Kokedama. If you hang the unusual planters on fishing line, it is particularly decorative. Because then they seem almost floating. In addition, the ivy climbs and has overhanging shoots.

ivy

The ivy has larger leaves than the ivy, but also tendrils. In addition, it is easy to care for and undemanding. Due to the different colors it can represent a wonderful contrast to the moss ball.

A leaf

The plant, also known as the aroid, is easy to cultivate and requires little effort despite its relatively rapid growth. The white flowers are decorative and unusual due to their shape.

ferns

Ferns are also suitable plants for the moss ball. While they shouldn't dry out completely, they still don't require much maintenance. In addition, the combination of the shape of fern and moss ball is very decorative.

spider plant

You can even cultivate spider plants if you don't have a green thumb. They can withstand a lot and have extremely low demands. They adapt easily to small planters and form offshoots hanging from long shoots.

orchids

There is now a very large selection of orchids on the market. Different colors and flower shapes provide variety. In addition, the roots are strong but not particularly long and voluminous. As a result, they fit easily into a small moss ball for a long time.

However, there is one special feature: you may only use orchid substrate. Since you can hardly enclose this with the moss, you should fill it in a coffee filter. This means that moisture and nutrients can still penetrate both the moss and the roots of the orchid, but the loose substrate is still well fixed.

succulents

Succulents such as fat hens, cacti or aloes are ideal for growing in moss balls. They require little water, grow slowly and do not have high demands when it comes to nutrients.

If you don't like the moss that much, you can also wrap the kokedama completely with thread.

bulb flowers

Suitable variants include:

  • hyacinths
  • daffodils
  • tulips

Making the kokedama is particularly easy with onions since they are already round themselves. This makes shaping much easier. In addition, onion flowers develop comparatively short roots, so that they only need a small amount of substrate. Although they only flower for a short time, this also makes it possible to change the planting more frequently.

frequently asked Questions

Which moss is suitable for the production?

Moss panels from the trade are the simplest variant. However, any other moss that can be collected in the garden, for example, is also suitable.

Does Kokedama always have to be hung?

No. Once the ball is laced, it can also be placed on a mat or positioned on a glass. This makes it an interesting decoration for the desk or sideboard, for example.

Must peaty soil be used?

No, substitutes are also suitable. In addition, the substrate should of course match the respective plant and be tailored to its requirements.

Category:

Indoor plants