Kokedama is a Japanese gardening technique that involves creating a unique hanging plant by wrapping the roots of a plant in moss and suspending it from a string. The word “kokedama” translates to “moss ball” in English, which accurately describes the appearance of these charming and sustainable plant creations. If you’re interested in crafting your own kokedama, follow these 14 steps to bring this beautiful art form into your home or garden.

1. Gather materials: To create a kokedama, you’ll need potting soil, peat moss or coco coir, green sphagnum moss, bonsai wire or nylon string, gloves, scissors, and a plant of your choice.

2. Choose your plant: Select a small to medium-sized indoor plant that thrives in low to medium light. Good options include ferns, ivy, pothos, philodendrons, or small succulents.

3. Prepare the soil mix: Combine equal parts potting soil and peat moss or coco coir in a mixing bowl, adding enough water to create a clay-like consistency.

4. Remove the pot: Carefully remove the plant from its existing pot, ensuring you do not damage the roots.

5. Trim the roots: Using scissors or pruning shears, trim any excessively long or tangled roots to encourage healthy new growth.

6. Create a soil ball: Firmly press the soil mix around the trimmed roots of the plant to form a round ball.

7. Soak the sphagnum moss: Place the green sphagnum moss in water for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.

8. Wrap the ball with moss: Remove the sphagnum moss from the water, gently wring out any excess moisture and cover the entire soil ball with it.

9. Secure with bonsai wire or string: Use the bonsai wire or nylon string to wrap around the moss-covered soil ball, ensuring it’s tightly secured.

10. Create a hanging loop: Attach a longer piece of bonsai wire or string to the top of the wrapped ball to create a loop for hanging your kokedama.

11. Trim excess moss and wire: Using scissors, carefully trim any excess moss and remove any excess wire or string from the finished kokedama.

12. Allow it to dry: Set your kokedama in a cool, dry place for 24 hours to allow the sphagnum moss to bond with the soil mix.

13. Hang your kokedama: Once dry, hang your kokedama in a location that provides appropriate light for your chosen plant type.

14. Water and care: Kokedama require regular watering—simply submerge the moss ball into water for about 10-20 minutes (depending on its size), then remove and gently squeeze out any excess water. Ensure that the plant does not become overwatered by letting it dry out between waterings.

With these 14 steps, you can create your very own unique hanging garden! As you gain experience, you’ll find infinite possibilities with different plants and creative arrangements for your personal kokedama collection.