How to make a kokedama

Step 1

Make a mixture of 50/50 compost and potting soil and mix it with water until it forms a clay consistency.

Step 2

Remove the plant from its plastic container. Make a hole in your soil and place the plant in it.

Step 3

Now start moulding the soil around the roots of the plant to create a ball shape. Don’t compact the soil too much; the roots still need space to grow.

Step 4

Cut a piece of twine and tie it around the ball of soil to stabilise it; your ball will still have a flat bottom at this stage.

Step 5

Create another pile with the leftover soil on the work surface and gently place your ball of soil on this pile. Start moulding the shape at the base of the ball with your hands.

Step 6

Gently lift it up and finish off the shape neatly all round.

Step 7

Once you’re happy with the shape, set it aside. Use the spray bottle to wet the moss slightly. Spread the moss to createa rectangle that will fit around the ball of soil. Place the ball on the moss and then fold the rectangle around it.

Step 8

Tie the moss to the ball of soil with the twine in a criss-cross action, just tight enough to keep it in place.

How to care for your kokedama

• Position your kokedama where it will get bright light, but no direct sun, and spritz the moss with water daily to keep it fresh and green.
• About once or twice a week or when the soil ball feels light to hold, immerse your kokedama in a container full of water until bubbles stop escaping; this usually takes a few minutes. Let it hang somewhere to drip for about five minutes before you return it to its usual spot.
• Remove any dead or diseased foliage to keep the plant healthy. If roots start to show through, it’s time to repot your plant in a bed or container.
• Most plants love pruning; if you can see that your kokedama has become overgrown, cut it back – this will also stimulate new shoots. But do your research beforehand; some plants have a preferred season for pruning, or don’t like to be pruned at all.
• You can also trim the moss: if your ball has become too fuzzy or brownish, use scissors to cut the moss into shape. You should see new shoots emerging within weeks if your kokedama is healthy.