Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

The current trend from the Far East fascinates bonsai lovers all over the world. In our video we show how to cultivate the little tree in a moss ball and give tips on caring for bonsai kokedamas.

DIY Bonsai Kokedama Instructions [music: www.bensound.com]

Kokedamas are the new trend when it comes to stylishly showcasing indoor plants. The planting idea originally comes from Japan, whereby the word "Kokedama" means "moss ball". And this is exactly what the poodle is all about: In fact, the Kokedamas are large moss balls in which indoor plants grow as if by magic and without a pot. As a window decoration on a bowl or hanging elegantly from the ceiling, the moss balls are a great eye-catcher. Kokedamas in which bonsai are planted are particularly popular, as the small plants are perfect for this and match the Asian flair of the kokedamas. In our video we will show you how easy it is for you to create a bonsai kokedama.

When is the best time to plant a Kokedama?

If you are toying with the idea of growing a bonsai kokedama yourself, you should wait for the right time. In fact, early spring is the best time to transform the bonsai. The reason for this is the annual rhythm: During the winter, the bonsai is in a dormant period and hardly forms any new root mass. In early spring, on the other hand, the growth period begins again, which means that the bonsai can quickly root through its new kingdom and thus adhere particularly well to the moss ball. Therefore, early spring, just before the start of the growing season, is the perfect time to transform the bonsai into a Kokedama.

What do you need for a Kokedama?

At first glance, planting a bonsai in a moss ball sounds time-consuming and complicated. In fact, growing a bonsai kokedama is not as difficult as you might think. Gardeners even have many of the things you need for this at home. So you need:

  • Bonsai (as small as possible)
  • Bonsai soil
  • Bentonite
  • Peat Moss (Sphagnum)
  • Water
  • bowl
  • Moss Boards
  • floral wire
  • Coasters
  • Spray Bottle
You already have many of the things you need to create a moss ball at home

How to plant a moss ball with bonsai

The handicrafting of a Kokedama is widespread in Japan, but more and more German gardeners are also daring to try the unusual cultivation method. The first step is to remove the bonsai from its old pot. Unfortunately, this is often not so easy: Sometimes the bonsai is tied to its pot with fixing wires, which is why you should never force the ornamental plant out of its pot. Instead, any fixations are loosened and the bonsai is carefully lifted out of its shell. If you moisten the soil well beforehand, the plant can often be removed more easily from its pot. Once the bonsai is out of the pot, the remaining soil is carefully removed from the root ball. However, you should proceed cautiously and leave some soil on the plant rather than injuring the delicate roots. Now the bonsai can be put aside while the soil is prepared for the Kokedama.

Mixing the right soil for a Kokedama

In order to make a kokedama, you first need to mix the right soil together. First of all, you need a large bowl in which the individual components of the Kokedama soil can be mixed. Then you need about two hands full of bonsai soil. In contrast to normal potting soil, this is particularly structurally stable, making it perfect for forming a ball. In addition, bonsai soil has a good water storage capacity and is perfectly adapted to the special nutrient requirements of bonsai. A heaping teaspoon of bentonite is added to the bonsai soil, which serves as an additional binding agent. Two handfuls of peat moss are also needed, which improves the water retention of the soil. Depending on the size of the bonsai, however, it may be necessary to use a little more of all the components.

How to Shape the Moss Ball

Now some water is poured onto the soil and this is slowly kneaded into a mud ball. But before you start kneading, you should remove rings or other jewelry on your hands. It's also worth starting with a little water and adding more liquid as needed so you don't run the risk of the mixture becoming too runny. The consistency is optimal when the substrate can be easily shaped and no longer crumbles. If you can form a nice ball, do it firstflattened again in the bowl to create a hollow in which the bonsai can be planted. The root ball of the bonsai is now surrounded with the substrate mixture. You can now carefully form a ball around the roots of the bonsai with your hands. The best way to fix pits or other unsightly spots is to carefully press some of the remaining substrate onto these spots.

Before you start covering the Kokedama with moss, you should wash your hands - otherwise you will quickly have unsightly mud stains on the moss. Floral wire and the large moss panels should now be ready. The first moss plate is carefully held against the substrate ball and wrapped with the floral wire so that it is firmly attached to it. If the moss is dry, it is worth moistening it with a sprayer beforehand in order to achieve better flexibility. The remaining free surfaces of the sphere are covered with the other moss panels according to the same principle. For small unsightly spots, you can also use smaller pieces of moss or cut the large moss panels to a suitable size. Here, too, everything is thoroughly fastened with floral wire. If the bonsai kokedama has the right shape, it can be placed in a suitable location on a bowl. But hanging kokedamas on a wire so that they appear to be floating in space is also extremely popular and decorative.

Bonsai Kokedama: Quick Start Guide

You want to replicate a Bonsai Kokedama quickly and easily? No problem - all the steps are summarized in our brief instructions.

1. Carefully remove the bonsai from the old pot, paying attention to possible wiring

2. Gently remove excess soil from root ball and set bonsai aside

3. In a large bowl, mix together 2 handfuls of bonsai soil, 1 teaspoon of bentonite and 2 handfuls of peat moss

4. Add water and knead into a ball

5. Flatten the ball in the bowl and place the bonsai in the middle

6. Enclose the root ball of the bonsai with the substrate and gently form a ball

7. Moisten moss plates

8. Attach moss plates individually to the substrate ball and fasten with floral wire

9. Repeat the process until everything is covered with moss - even out minor mistakes with small pieces of moss

10. Place bonsai kokedama on a tray or hang it up in a suitable place

The moss plates are individually attached to the ball and with floral wireattached

Proper care of a Bonsai Kokedama

Caring for a kokedama is not that difficult if you keep a few key points in mind. The Bonsai Kokedama should be placed in a bright and warm place, but never exposed to direct sunlight - this would dry out the moss too quickly. You should also not water the bonsai kokedama with the watering can. Instead, the moss ball is regularly moistened with a spray bottle. If the moss is particularly dry, it is worth giving the kokedama a dive. Fill a large container with water and completely submerge the root ball. As soon as no more air bubbles rise, the bonsai kokedama is sufficiently watered. You can easily tell whether it's time for some water again by the weight of the Kokedama - if it feels particularly light, it's time to water it. Similar to a conventionally grown bonsai, a bonsai kokedama should be fertilized regularly. A liquid fertilizer that is added to the irrigation water is best suited for this.

Are you enthusiastic about bonsai and want to learn more about this topic? Just have a look at our articles watering bonsai, pruning bonsai or fertilizing bonsai.

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Houseplants