How to Make a Festive Kokedama
December 5, 2022
When it comes to unique Christmas decor, Kokedama creations with a holiday spin do not disappoint!
Kokedama is a Japanese word that, simply translated, means “moss ball”. This form of art of binding plants into green, mossy orbs dates back centuries to the Edo era in Japan, around 1600 AD. These creations thrive indoors and also make great hanging accents for the holidays. Almost any plant can be transformed into a Kokedama, but it’s best to use ones that suit it’s indoor living environment.
You will need:
- Kokedama soil: a mixture of potting soil, pine fines (soil conditioner), and turface (high-fired granular clay)
- Sheet moss
- Fishing line
- Twine
- Water
- Scissors
- Tubs
- Plant of your choice
How to Make a Kokedama:
- Lay out your sheet moss and soak it in a bucket of water until you’re ready to use it.
- Mix your Kokedama soil, then add water to the soil until it is completely saturated.
- Clean off as much soil as you can from the plant’s roots.
- Create a ball of soil around roots that is approximately the same size as the pot or a little bit bigger.
- Make a solid form by gently squeezing soil to release water.
- Make sure that moss is fully dry by gently squeezing it out and laying it flat.
- Cover the entire ball with sheet moss as tightly as possible. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the sphere.
- Wrap fishing line around the sphere to hold everything in place.
- Wrap twine around your kokedama creation and hang it up for decoration!
Kokedama General Care
Caring for your Kokedama involves watering it when the sphere becomes light and dry to the touch. To hydrate your holiday creations, fill a bowl, bucket, tub, or sink with room-temperature water. Place your Kokedama in until it is submerged. Soak it for 15–25 minutes and remove it from the water once fully saturated. Remove the Kokedama from the water and give the moss ball a gentle squeeze to allow excess water to drain. Allow the Kokedama to drip dry in a colander before replacing it back in its home.
Decorating with Kokedama for Christmas
Decorating with Kokedama for Christmas is a whole different ball game. Add a touch of holiday accent such as red and green ribbon around the moss ball, or hang a Christmas tree ornament from the bottom! You can also hang your Kokedamas from your Christmas tree, dining room chairs, holiday boughs, and wreaths. Place them in a glass terrarium with other holiday accessories, or as an accent on your sconces.
You can even get creative with planting colorful Christmas flowers instead of regular houseplants in the middle to add a touch of color to your holiday display. In this case, poinsettias or Christmas cactus would be your best options to start with! Additionally, you can plant ferns or herbs such as rosemary, lavender, or lemon cypress for a fragrant, less traditional look.
Kokedama Decorating After the Holidays
These gorgeous holiday decorations don’t need to be reserved only for Christmas. Long after the holidays are over, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of your Kokedamas in many ways. For outdoor enjoyment during the warmer months, try hanging Kokedama from balcony railings, pergolas, and other exterior structures.
When it comes to unique Christmas decor, Kokedama creations with a holiday spin do not disappoint. To purchase your Kokedama making supplies and pre-made Kokedamas for sale, visit us at Primex Garden Center in Glenside, Pennsylvania!