Kokedama instructions
Kokedama, an ancient Japanese gardening art form dating back to the 17th century, brings a sense of tranquility and harmony to our modern world.
Originating from bonsai cultivation, kokedama involves creating moss-covered balls that cradle plants, embracing nature's essence without the need for conventional pots.
In today's bustling society, this mindful practice offers a serene escape, inviting us to reconnect with the soothing simplicity of nature.
The resurgence of kokedama in contemporary culture can be attributed to its ability to adapt gracefully to urban living.
In our fast-paced lives, the compact and versatile nature of kokedama harmonises with limited spaces, allowing us to invite the calming presence of greenery into our homes and work spaces.
With an eco-conscious approach, the use of moss and twine fosters a sense of environmental responsibility, aligning with the growing desire to nurture our planet.
Embracing kokedama is more than just a gardening trend; it is an artistic and mindful journey that lets us cultivate not only plants but also a sense of inner peace and connectedness with nature.
E xx
Gather your supplies
large bowl
250 mls water
coconut fiber
sphagnum moss
scissors
plant
twine
gloves
special potting mix
cloth
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The best and most popular plants are those that do not need a lot of attention. You can research your plant, read the labels at the nursery or ask a staff member at the garden centre for advice .
my plant picks include:
Ferns, Peace Lily, Snake plant, Spider plants, Ivy
I keep experimenting too! Its so much fun
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Soil mix should include a good potting mix , peat moss and perlite to help with aeration as the root balls will be quite compact. Always use a good quality potty mix and be in an open area when preparing the soil, wear gloves avoid inhaling any dry dust particles, always wet soil as soon as possible and read up on dangers of potting mixes, I always buy an Australian standard potting mix )one with all the ticks on the packaging)
Expose the root ball of the plant, mix a couple scoops of the special mix with water ti it becomes "sticky" but not too wet. Should be able to make a ball and divide in half easily. Cover the root ball with soil mix.
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In a bowl place 4 strings in the bowl so they cross over in the middle. Place Coconut fibre in the bowl to line it.
With dampened moss, cover over base and up sides. Place a little soil mix on the base. Once the plants roots are covered in soil, place the plant into the bowl. Try forming the soil into a ball, then using string, criss cross over the moss by tying each opposing sides of string. This prevents the contents from falling apart. Use a longer string to tie around the belly of the moss ball.
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With 2 hands squeeze the moss ball so excess water drains out. Carefully lift this onto your tray. Using your ball of string, start twining the moss ball around to secure. Use a little pressure and gentle firmness on twine as once the moss ball starts to dry out, the string will loosen. Keep twining until no moss falls off.
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You can twine away in any way or fashion at all. The Japanese embrace the "Perfectly imperfect" motto. and we can too. It doesn't need to look perfect.
If you want a more stylish and uniform,look twine in the same direction going from the bottom to the top and crossing at the mouth of the Kokedama. Keep going in the same direction at the same pattern. Keep going until you are happy with the pattern and moss is covered.
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Congratulations... thats it
You have now created your own stylish Kokedama and looking after this is easy with the care tips below.
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GENERAL CARE
While all care has been taken to ensure you receive a healthy and happy plant, the information provided here should be used as a guide only. Every home is different, and nobody knows your home as well as you do. Each home environment will vary in sunlight, humidity, temperature and air quality. All of these factors will have an impact on the health and growth of your plant.
We recommend doing some research to learn the needs of your plant and follow those recommendations as best as you can in your home.
Peace Lily will droop when dry Allow the kokedama to dry out a little, feel the weight, if its lightweight soak in water 1/2 to 2/3rds way up for 10-20 mins til feels heavier (don't submerge plant itself) if you generally tend to over water, spray with water instead! Ideally rain rainwater without chlorine!
it is important to gently squeeze out excess water from the kokedama by pressing between two hands, on the sides towards the base. This will ensure your kokedama does not stay waterlogged which will prevent conditions such as root rot, fungus gnats and mold.
A liquid fertilizer in the water will boost your plant, or spray foliage fertilizer as per your plants requirements
To keep your Kokedama happy remember airflow!!
To help prevent mold, the Kokedama needs air around it. If you find mold, gently wipe it off with a little detergent and water.
if an outdoor plant, same principals so check your plants requirements. Can bring inside for short periods to act as a feature.