Kokedama, The "Moss Ball" House Plant
What is Kokedama
Kokedama translates to moss-ball in Japanese; koke- meaning “moss” and dama- meaning “ball”. A kokedama is a living plant in its own ball of soil wrapped in moss and held together with string.
A typical house plant is transformed into a sculptured art form and display piece.
Kokedama History
The Japanese have always had a deep-rooted appreciation for aesthetics. Kokedamas were born out of the Edo period (1603-1868).
Kokedamas are derived from the old Nearai Bonsai method which is an art form centuries old in gardening. When a plant was grown so compact and tightly in its pot that, when removed from its shallow base, it held well-grown roots and soil together forming a compact ball.
Kokedama is an adaptation of Nearai Bonsai method. Today, there is no need to wait for the roots to become bound. Moss is wrapped and secured around compacted soil in which the plant has grown.
Care
Spray the moss daily
Make sure there is water in the base of the tray holding the Kokedama (1-2 oz)
Add water to the top of the Koke dama 2-3 times a week as needed (1-2oz)
Once every week to two weeks give the bonsai a bath for 5-10 minutes in a container
