You should expect to be amazed by the art of plants from this Sakura country if this is your first encounter with Kokedama. Do you want to learn more about Kokedama? Please continue reading the explanation below.
Kokedama, the Art of Greenery from Japan
A variety of ornamental plants can be found in Japan, and of course bonsai trees are a specialty. The moss ball plant also comes from Japanese soil, like the kokedama.
This plant originated in Japan from 1603 to 1868, when it was created for the art philosophy called Wabi-Sabi. The meaning of Wabi-Sabi itself means natural, imperfection, and irregularity, which went on to become the principle of this kokedama plant.
The soil structure of this art form is dense and tight, like that of nearai bonsai. It will remain in the shape of a solid ball when it is taken from the bottom. Therefore, this plant is often called the poor man’s Bonsai.
New methods are now used to manufacture this plant. Clay that has been shaped into a ball, on top of a base of soil, and then covered with fresh dry moss. In addition, it is usually tied again with a string around this cute green ball.
What does kokedama mean? Kokedama derives from two Japanese words, ‘koke’ which means moss and ‘dama’ which means ball. A kokedama is an object made up of moss and soil surrounded by beautiful green plants.
Kokedama is a form of plant art that combines leaves and flowers with distinct features. In recent years, many have competed to master the technique for making kokedama, either for their own use as decoration or as gifts.
In this case, we will make snake plant kokedama, since it is one of the plants that is suitable for kokedama.
How to Make DIY Snake Plant Kokedama
Kokedama plants should not require direct sunlight and have small roots so they can be used as kokedama plants.
Listed below are some types of plants that are ideal for kokedama:
- Types of ferns
- Jade Plants
- Succulent
- Photos
- Begonias
- Philodendron
- Snake plant
What do we need to make kokedama?
Making kokedama requires the following ingredients:
- Choosing an ornamental plant (I choose snake plant)
- Alternatively, coconut fiber waste can be substituted for the grass
- Compost Bonsai
- Compost that is peat-free and versatile
- Yarn for the garden
- Scissor
- Containers or plates made of clay
Techniques to Make Snake Plant Kokedama
Kokedama is made by first covering the work area and then wearing gloves to ease the process.
Combine the ground ingredients into a ball slightly larger than a fist. If the soil is too dry, add water to texture it. Providing suitable soil for kokedama media should allow plant roots to freely absorb water and air, without falling or losing their shape.
Use the tip of your thumb to make a hole in the center of the ball of kokedama soil once you have the desired consistency. Adding roots and small plants should be done as neatly as possible.
We need to cover the ground front of the kokedama with moss. Attach the moss to the soil by pressing gently. Don’t worry if not all the moss glues properly, it will later be tightened with thick threads.
Tying it around the soil from top to bottom is easiest if you use thick twine. Create a dead knot by tying the ends together. Kokedama can be hung by tying a large knot on each side of the kokedama and hanging it equally.
Kokedama can be hung or displayed wherever desired. Afterward, spray the kokedama with water regularly. Kokedama can also be watered by putting it in a bucket of water for 5-10 minutes.
Snake plant kokedama DIY is complete. When making kokedama, the most important factor is the creativity of the maker. Also, designs and types of plants can be created according to taste.
Snake Plant Kokedama Care
In order to maintain Kokedama, you will need to maintain it effortlessly. Keep the kokedama out of direct sunlight and hydrated as it is prone to drying out. When you hold kokedama, it feels light, which is an indication that it is dry and needs water.
Kokedama does not need to be watered to stay hydrated. The kokedama should be soaked in a bucket of clean water for a few minutes, then hung up to dry. In the rainy season, do this twice a week, and daily in the summer. These conditions, however, can vary depending on the weather and the plants you use.
Kokedama plants also need vitamins, such as liquid fertilizer. You can fertilize snake plants kokedama the same way you would water them. Place fertilizer in the container then dip your snake plant kokedama for a while.
In order to ensure that these kokedama last as long as possible, we recommend placing them directly on a window facing north, or about 60 cm away from windows facing south, west, or east.
In addition to their small size, kokedama ornamental plants can be hung anywhere. You don’t need to worry about your limited home space if you have one. When living in an apartment, kokedama will be able to refresh your eyes without the benefits of a garden, which is especially beneficial to those who live in apartments.
As far as health is concerned, kokedama is also beneficial as it disperses benzene and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen in the air. Kokedama can also improve air quality by using plants such as boston ferns, snake plants, palms, and dracaena.
Furthermore, using natural ingredients in its composition makes kokedama healthy, as well as environmental friendly. If you are accelerating your efforts to save the world, this is ideal. Similarly, water is relatively rarely used to treat kokedama.
In addition to its unique and attractive shape, kokedama is also in demand by people who desire alternative collections of ornamental plants.