Kokedama: the Japanes hanging gardens

Millennial Oriental culture has always been a great charm in all of us, from history to art, from writing to figurative arts. Even in the field of plants and flowers, those who do not know the fascinating bonsai art or the beautiful images of cherry blossoms in Japan, so that there is even a term (“hanami”) to indicate the admiration of flowers.
We all know the art of bonsai, the ability to grow in a small vase, real works of miniature nature, skillfully molded into branches and trunks by the precise hands of the masters of this art.

If the art of bonsai has been widely spread and millions of enthusiasts have also been given the opportunity to occupy small spaces and beautify the corners of our homes and gardens, but it is not the only art that allows us this. The Kokedama, whose literal translation is “pearls (or balls) moss” born about 4 centuries ago in Japan as a specific method of cultivation of many plants, perhaps with the original intent of allowing a complete admiration of extracting it from its pot bonsai .

We can regard them as a kind of bonsai cultivated though, and here is the peculiarity, without the vase.
There are many plants, green or flowered, lending to cultivation techniques that have been particularly successful where space is limited.

Cultivation

This plant cultivation method is relatively simple, in fact it is part of the kokedama, that is, the ball of soil covered with moss in which the roots of the plant will be planted. Particular attention must be paid to the soil, it must be muddy and clayey to ensure good drainage. Soil and clay are then kneaded and mixed with a little water to make a ball of the size of an orange. In that ball, the roots of the plant should be inserted, making sure that they do not come out of the sphere, which can of course be remodeled at this stage to maintain the spherical shape. At this point wrap the ball with the moss and using a spike fix it to the spherical sphere by spinning round the entire circumference. There is nothing more to do than hang the plant now.

If in the first period the plant will appear to be suffering, nothing to worry about, it is simply a natural settling phase. After passing this step it will be important to ensure stability to the plant, thus avoiding even short shifts, for example to water it: in this case it is preferable to vaporize the water rather than immerse the sphere directly into the water.
Of course in choosing the plant you choose for plants that can live well in the environment where you will attach it, especially considering the brightness you need. Keep track of the soil to avoid mold on the moss and do not overdo it with watering, so as not to weaken the plant, risking, especially in warmer times, a dangerous risk of rot on the collar of the plant.

Meaning and simbology

A kokedama can be the right solution not only to beautify the spaces of your home with a zen touch, but also for a gift idea with a certain effect that will surprise anyone. Whether it is a love message with a red carnation or a true friendship with a delicate primrose, your kokedama also become messengers of your feelings.