How to create a kokedama: the Japanese art of hanging moss balls
In short: Transform your indoor space with kokedama, beautiful Japanese moss balls that defy gravity. This delightful weekend project turns simple plants into striking hanging art. By wrapping root systems in a specialized clay-and-soil mixture, you can create a living sculpture that brings a touch of nature to any room.
Kokedama, which translates directly to "moss ball" in Japanese, offers a minimalist alternative to traditional ceramic pots. To begin, select hardy species such as ferns, ivy, dichondra, or mondo grass. It is best to start with small pot sizes or tubestock to ensure the resulting soil sphere remains a manageable and proportional size for the plant.
The core of a kokedama is a specialized potting medium. You must mix equal parts garden clay and bonsai mix, adding enough water to create a texture that is wet and sticky without becoming sloshy. Once the plant is removed from its original pot and its soil cleared, the roots are squeezed into this mixture to form a firm, spherical shape.
To secure the ball, use two circles of hessian or paperbark bark, roughly 25cm in diameter. By cutting 3cm slices into the edges of these circles, you can fold the material tightly around the soil. Using a double layer of hessian is a practical way to prevent soil from escaping through the folds. Finally, wrap the sphere tightly with twine, leaving about 50cm of slack to tie off the ends.
Maintenance is key to the longevity of these living sculptures. After construction, soak the ball in water until bubbles cease to rise. Because they lack traditional drainage, you should mist them a few times a week in the morning to maintain humidity and prevent the ball from drying out. When the ball feels light to the touch, it is time for another soak.
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