To make a succulent kokedama, you’ll need a few materials and follow a step-by-step process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create a beautiful succulent kokedama:
Materials needed:
– Succulent plant(s)
– Potting soil
– Peat moss or sphagnum moss
– Sheet moss
– Twine or string
– Scissors
– Water spritzer
Step 1: Prepare the soil ball
Start by mixing potting soil with peat moss or sphagnum moss. The moss helps retain moisture for the succulent. Use enough soil mixture to form a ball that is slightly larger than the root ball of your succulent plant.
Step 2: Wrap the moss ball
Break the soil ball in half, creating two halves. Place the moss-wrapped succulent plant between the two halves, ensuring the roots are covered by the soil mixture. Gently shape the resulting ball to make it more compact and uniform.
Step 3: Wrap the kokedama with sheet moss
Take a piece of sheet moss and wrap it around the soil ball, ensuring all the soil is covered. The sheet moss acts as a natural wrapping and adds an aesthetic element to the kokedama. Trim any excess moss if needed.
Step 4: Bind the kokedama
Using twine or string, bind the sheet moss tightly around the soil ball. Start at one end and wrap the twine around the kokedama several times, making sure it is secure and holds the moss in place. Tie a knot to secure the twine.
Step 5: Spritz with water
Once the kokedama is complete, give it a gentle spritz with water using a water spritzer. This will provide some moisture to the moss and the succulent’s roots. Be careful not to overwater, as succulents prefer well-draining soil.
Maintaining your succulent kokedama:
– Place the kokedama in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Succulents thrive in bright light conditions but can get sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
– Water the kokedama when the moss feels dry to the touch. Succulents are drought-tolerant plants, so it’s important not to overwater. Allow the moss to dry out slightly between waterings.
– To water, gently submerge the kokedama in a bowl of water for a few minutes until the moss feels saturated. Then, allow the excess water to drain before placing it back in its display location.
– Monitor the growth of your succulent and adjust its position or lighting conditions if needed. Rotate the kokedama occasionally to ensure even growth.
– If the succulent outgrows the kokedama, you can carefully remove it, repot it in a larger container, and create a new kokedama with a smaller succulent.
By following these steps and providing proper care, you can enjoy a beautiful and unique succulent kokedama in your home or garden. Get creative with different succulent varieties and display them in clusters or hanging arrangements for an eye-catching display.
