DIY KOKEDAMA

Kokedama is a traditional Japanese art form that uses moss as a container for a plant. They are a great way to bring some greenery into your home. Herbs work really well in these and are great to hang in the kitchen. Be sure to choose a plant that suits the environment in which you plan to hang the ball.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• A plant
• 7:3 ratio of peat soil  to  bonsai soil
• sphagnum moss (soak in water)
• scissors
• cotton thread
• twine
• a bucket of water
• mixing bowl

STEP 1. Shake the soil from the plants, being careful not to disturb the roots.

STEP 2. Mix water, peat soil and bonsai soil until the soil is wet enough so you can mould it to achieve a ball shape, which is larger than the root ball of your plant.

STEP 3. Make a hole in your ball to fit the roots of your plant or pat soil around the roots to form a ball.

STEP 4.  Make a small square of moss on a flat surface and place your ball in the middle.  Keep adding moss around the ball and wrap with string. It’s a little tricky holding it all together, but the aim is to keep adding moss and wrapping the twine around your ball until you achieve a round shape.  Cut the string once you have made a round ball.

STEP 5. Re-attach some loose string and knot it on either side to create the ‘hanger’5. Hang it up in a space in your home.

Maintenance Tip:  To keep alive remove the plant from its hanging hook and soak in a bucket of water two times a week for half an hour.