Try something different this year.
Give the gift of greenery this season by creating your own Japanese moss balls that can be customized with a number of statement plants and displayed on stones, saucers, or even hung for a dramatically different winter display.
Thomas J. Story
1. Mix together equal parts soil and Sphagnum moss with water until you reach the desired consistency of thick paste.
2. Remove the plant from its grow pot and gently release the soil from its root system.
Thomas J. Story
3. Lay the plant on one side and form a half-ball with muddy paste, covering all exposed roots.
4. While holding that half-sphere in one hand, scoop additional mud paste onto the other side, creating a full sphere of root coverage. Squeeze out extra moisture as you go and create the roundest shape possible.
Thomas J. Story
5. Place the mud ball in the center of the sheet moss and pull up all sides around your kokedama ball.
6. Using wire or twine, weave from the “neck” of the kokedama, wrapping underneath and back around until sheet moss is held in place.
Thomas J. Story
7. Once your wrap is complete, connect the twine to the piece you began with, secure with a knot, and trim the excess.
Submerge kokedama ball briefly in water weekly to keep moss damp and plant roots hydrated. Plant may need to be rewrapped with more soil and moss every 1 to 3 years, depending on the variety used.
Anthurium, Caladium, Dracaena, Pothos, Philodendron, ivy peperomia, peace lily, Norfolk Island pine, and most ferns. Try integrating air plants and succulents onto the sides of moss balls for a more maximalist display.
