What is a "Kokedama"?

Hint: it has something to do with plants

"Kokedama" is a Japanese word that literally translates to "moss ball." And it's basically just that. In this Japanese gardening art, a plant's roots are suspended in a mud ball that is wrapped in moss, essentially creating a living planter. Not only is it a beautiful display piece, it can be a fun project for novice and advanced gardeners alike. You'll need soil mix, sphagnum moss, twine, scissors and most importantly, your plant!

How to Make Your Own Mud Ball

The first step is to craft your soil ball. Traditionally, akadama soil or bonsai soil would be mixed with peat moss to create a delicate balance of minerals, moisture retention and drainage. For a more cost effective option, you can use a cactus mix and water more frequently. Your ball should be about the size of a grapefruit. Take your soil mixture and slowly add water until it's slightly sticky. Press together firmly to create your ball. Give it a gentle toss in the air to see if it stays together, adding more water if it's still crumbly. Gently use your fingers to create a hole in the center of the mud ball. That's where you'll put your plant!

Now that you have your base made, it's time to prepare your plant. Remove your plant from it's pot and clean as much soil as possible from the roots. Place it in the hole you created in your mud ball and firmly mold the soil around it.

Lastly, you need something to keep your mud ball from falling apart. This is where the "living" part of living planter comes in. Soak your sphagnum moss in warm water to make it pliable. Take your damp moss and wrap it around your mud ball, taking care to go all the way up to the plant's base. Secure it with twine, ensuring it's tight enough to keep the moss in place.

And now you have a beautiful kokedama!

What Plants Can I Use?

Not every plant is suitable for this type of planter. Since the soil is kept consistently moist, plants that are prone to overwatering should be avoided, such as cacti. Kokedama should never be placed in direct sunlight as it will burn the moss surrounding your plant. Therefore, plants that do well in low to bright indirect light would be great options.

Some plant suggestions are:

-Ferns

-Ivy

-Philodendron

-Pothos

-Begonias

-Money Tree

-Lucky Bamboo

-African Violet

-Peperomia

How to Take Care of Your Kokedama

Remember your living planter is sensitive to light and temperature. Don't leave it in direct sunlight or outside in cold weather. The easiest way to determine if your kokedama needs watering is to feel how heavy it is. If it's light or the moss feels dry, submerge the ball in water for 10 minutes. Gently squeeze any extra moisture and let drip dry before putting it back on display.

Too busy to make your own kokedama?

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Stop by the store and pick up your very own living planter!