The art of kokedama, whose name comes from moss (“koke”) and ball (“dama”), allows a plant to grow on a ball of clay substrate, covered with plant moss.
This technique from Japan, which appeared in the 90s, offers a touch of zen to your interior.
This composition can last if you maintain it properly.
To discover
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Making a kokedama: the 5 steps to success
First, gather everything you need to create
kokedama
.
The necessary equipment :
A salad bowl
Clear water or rain
Clay soil suitable for a kokedama and the chosen plant
A suitable plant with its roots
Foam
Transparent string
Prepare the plant
Ficus ginseng, asparagus
plumosus
, grass-leaved acore, succulent, cactus, aloe… depending on the plant, remove the soil from the roots.
Create the ball
In a salad bowl, pour the soil then water to form a compact moist ball ready to accommodate the future plant.
Place the latter in the heart of the ball cut in two then tighten with light pressure.
But do it delicately so as not to damage the roots, the three parts of the block must adhere and the excess water must be able to drain.
Hold the whole thing for a few seconds in your hands.
Cover the ball
Once the base is held, cover it with the foam.
Hold the whole thing together with the string, positioned all around, so that the ball is compact.
A watering to start
If you used little water to create the soil ball, you can pour some with a funnel into the center of the ball so that the roots have their ration.
Also read: In Yasugi, a Japanese garden designed like a living painting
How to maintain a kokedama?
You don't need to have a green thumb for kokedama to last.
You just need to water it regularly: about twice a week in spring and summer and once a week in fall and winter.
Use a funnel so that the water, preferably at room temperature and without limescale or rainwater, reaches the center of the sphere to reach the roots.
Be careful to avoid getting the foam wet as well, so it doesn't turn brown over time.
Advice
To know if watering is necessary, check the condition of the moss.
If it is dry, water.
If not, wait before pouring water again.
To keep it fresh, you can add a little orchid fertilizer once or twice a month.
As with any other plant, regularly cut off yellowed or wilted leaves with scissors.
Where to place my kokedama in my interior?
Like any plant, kokedama needs light.
It must be indirect or position it in partial shade.
Therefore prefer a location near a window with a curtain or about one meter from the opening.
Avoid drafts and proximity to radiators which risk drying out the ball quickly.
Do not hesitate to prune the moss and the plant if they grow too quickly.