The third week of September is National House Plant Week. Attention to indoor plants. It’s a great time to explore a practice called Kokedama and make a special addition to our collection.
Japanese methods to grow plants in living planters made from soil covered soil bowls is a simple and DIY project to enhance common houseplants Artwork. They also make great gifts.
The roots that grow in exposed soil are drier faster than potted plants, so plants with low water needs are perfect for mockedama. I make spider plants with “puppies”, but for low light areas I might consider pothos, phyllodendrons, or brightly spotted succulents.
What you need
Two big bowls
Pete Moss
Bonsai soil (or a regular potting mix containing peat moss and perlite)
water
Stored Moss Sheets (available at Craft Store)
Scissors
Waxed or fishing line
Small plants
direction
Start by placing the stored sheet of moss in a bowl. Add warm water to cover it.
Remove the plant from the pot and gently remove any excess soil from the roots. Put it aside.
Create a potting mix in a second bowl by combining 7 parts of peat moss and 3 parts of soil. Slowly and gradually add water to the mixture and combine with your hands until you can form a hard ball large enough to contain the plant’s roots. Fill the ball tightly, as if to make a snowman. Gently throw it into the air and catch it. If it doesn’t fall apart, you have achieved the right consistency.
Cut the bowl in half or place the half on each side of the plant root and shape it into a bowl.
Next, remove the stored sheet of moss from the bath and head towards the work surface. Place the plant on top of the sheet and wrap the sheet around the roots covered in the plant’s mud bowl. Use scissors to cut off any excess moss.
Wrap waxed or fishing line around the ball in all directions to secure the moss and tie it in place. Avoid using cotton or jute strings as they will wear over time.
Soak the kokedama in the bowl for 15 minutes or until completely saturated and immediately water. Gently squeeze it out and place it in a sink colander until the water stops draining.
If you feel the weight of the soaked bowl and feel lighter in comparison, water the plant again in the same way. Depending on the type of plant and the humidity in your home, you may need to water from twice a week to once a month.
Plant care
Display the Kokedama on a decorative plate or hang from the plant hook (Tie a 3-length string or fishing line on the three sides of the ball to the string and tie it to the top to create a hanger). Grouping several mosquito plants into trays makes for an interesting highlight. Use your imagination!
To prevent the moss from drying out during winters when indoor heating is used, consider running a humidifier nearby, or Put them in the bathroom A place where daily showers provide humidity.
Pruning the plant until half of the spring each year to prevent the monkfish from growing. Since Kokedama cannot support larger roots, it is possible to replant it in a larger bowl, but only once.
Fertilize only once a year in spring by adding 1/1 teaspoon of soluble organic fertilizer to the bowl when watering.
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Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press and publishes her award-winning weekly dirt newsletter. You can sign up here For weekly gardening tips and advice.
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