This was totally new to me, so I’m wondering how many of you have heard of this Japanese technique for plants. I am constantly running across DIY projects that I’ve never heard about and this one is so cool!
If you’ve never seen a kokedama—a Japanese moss ball—let me share with you to the ultimate small-space garden. Floating in midair, these plants don’t take up surface space, or even wall space. Also, you won’t need to shell out money for a pretty container, as each plant is contained in its own moss-covered pod and is suspended from the ceiling using inexpensive twine.
If you’re as convinced as I am that this is the gardening solution for small spaces, follow these steps to make your own.
What You’ll Need
- A small plant (see our note on picking the right plants, below)
- Bonsai soil
- Peat moss
- Clay (such as Bentonite clay, which works as a binding agent)
- Sheet moss (found at Home Depot)
- Twine
You’re probably wondering how to water these, like I was. Just hang up the kokedama in a slightly shady spot and mist with water. When it’s time to water your plant, submerge the moss ball in a bucket of water, plant side-up, and allow it to soak up the water for 5 to 10 minutes.
The Best Plants for Kokedama
When choosing a plant for your hanging string garden, pick one that doesn’t require full sun, because moss prefers a shady environment. A plant with a small roots system is also best. Here are some varieties that won’t mind hanging out in a shady spot.
- Many varieties of fern, including maidenhair ferns and bird’s nest ferns
- Staghorn fern
- Jade
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Begonias
- Succulents
- Spider plants
Just watch how she does this in her step by step tutorial so you can give this a try!
