Concept in Definition ABC

Kokedama is a Japanese word and literally means ball of moss. A kokedama is in the tradition Japanese plant care a variant of the well-known bonsai.

A kokedama is therefore a decorative plant that has been grown inside a moss ball. Regarding its origin there are two theories: one affirms that this tradition began when the plants were left inside the pots with the roots circling around and later the pots were broken and according to another theory the care of these plants was carried out by humble people who could not dedicate themselves to the bonsai.

To the margin of their true origin, kokedamas continue to be cultivated with a purpose ornamental and especially they are valued as a decorative complement in bonsai exhibitions.

Kokedamas can be made with a wide variety of plants, but the use of rosemary, strawberry, clover, orchid or fern is very common.

Guidelines for maintaining a kokedama

First of all, to make a kokedama you have to prepare a compact mixture of earth, to which you have to add a clay of volcanic origin called akadama (it is precisely from this clay that the word kokedama). At the same time, to the mixture of earth and akadama it is necessary to add

A key aspect for your good maintenance It is the moss, which has to be of ecological origin. The moss allows the water to remain inside the plant and in this way the roots remain moist.

It is convenient to use plants that are well adapted to shady places and that have small roots. If the plants are indoor, it is advisable that the environment is not excessively dry.

Like all plants, they must be watered properly. To do this, the kokedama is immersed in water for a few minutes until bubbles begin to come out of it.

Kokedamas have become fashionable in the world of gardening

In recent years the fashion of bonsai has spread beyond its place of origin. And the attraction for bonsai it has been accompanied by kokedamas. This form of garden ornamentation has several interesting elements. On the one hand, it is a simpler and cheaper hobby than caring for bonsai.

On the other hand, kokedamas are ideal for vertical garden decoration (the plants are hung and give a very original look) or to aromatize a corner in the home.

Photos: iStock - Creativeye99 / Waltraud Ingerl