The Art of Kokedama Plants

We wanted a completely untraditional Christmas tree a few Christmases ago so started to explore the kokedama technique. I thought I would share how we made it, and the small pot plant.

Sphagnum moss

Potting mix

Garden twine

Tree of your choice

(The tree used here is Robina pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady')

Kokedama in English literally means moss-covered ball.

And this is the technique used to create Kokedama.

The idea originated in Japan.

It's a combination of nearai (meaning no pot) and the kusamono planting style.

To create your own Kokedama:

Make a sludge of potting mix in a bucket.

Soak the sphagnum moss in water until very moist.

Take the tree out of the pot and gently loosen the soil and trim the roots to ball shape.

Pack a layer of potting mix sludge around the roots and then a thick layer of sphagnum moss.

This is where you might need a helper as two pairs of hands makes this stage much easier.

Wind the ball of moss - around and round with the garden twine until completely covered.

It should look like this when finished.

Then soak the root ball in a big bucket of water until all the air bubbles disperse.

(this is also how you water Kokedama plants once established.

Drain off excess water.

Place on a waterproof tray.

Pot plants are great fun to kokedama.

Here is one we made using 'Rhipsalis Cereuscula'.

A kokedama plant will last 2 to 3 years.

It's a great DIY to create.

Fun, and a unique gift too.

Kokedama is a great way to create a modern Christmas tree statement.

Just move outdoors onto the deck once the Christmas season is over, and enjoy it there.

Full blog post on Mia Bella Passions Blog at https://miabellapassion.blogspot.com/2019/12/kokedama-christmas-tree.html