Bring Nature Indoors with the "Lazy Man's" Bonsai

As we continue into fall, the vibrant foliage, although beautiful, is an indication of nature's upcoming dormancy. Soon enough the leaves will fall, and we will find ourselves in the not-so-beautiful "stick season". Throughout this transition, the importance of house plants and interior greenery becomes ever apparent to me; I need those pops of green and signs of life in the colder months. Back in February, while we awaited spring, I wrote an article about the art of the bonsai — a Japanese horticulture practice. As it turns out, bonsai has developed over time into other horticulture practices that prioritize ornamental plants and mindfulness. Introducing: kokedama. What is Kokedama? While the origins are somewhat unclear, kokedama is believed to have been derived from the Japanese horticulture practice "nearai." This is a style of bonsai in which the roots are cleansed and planted in a pot without soil, the goal being for the roots to attach themselves to the pot. This practice developed over time and evolved into kokedama, possibly during the Edo period (1603 to 1868) as a way for lower class individuals to enjoy bonsai without expensive pots (thekubode.com). So what is kokedama? In Japanese, "koke" means moss and "dama" means ball, a perfect descriptor of this practice. Kokedamas are simply plants that are grown within a moss ball rather than a decorative pot. They can be displayed in trays or bowls or hung as a hanging plant. Whether hung or sitting by a window, kokedamas have a Jurassic guise to them that are sure to be a conversation starter. Today, kokedama is enjoyed worldwide. You may have seen these at a plant nursery or trendy coffee shop, but they often have a hefty price tag depending on the plant variety. Nevertheless, they have a minimalist and earthy appeal to many plant lovers. For anyone drawn to the aesthetic of kokedama, avoid the high price tag by making your own. The practice is simple, affordable and will always yield a unique result. Making Kokedama: Many plant varieties are suitable for kokedama, allowing for a range of possibilities, but those that are drought tolerant are recommended. I tested my hand at this horticulture art form with a few philodendron cuttings. The first step to creating a moss ball is collecting moss. While most moss varieties can be used, sphagnum moss appears to be a tried-and-true favorite due to its impressive water absorption qualities (herebutnot.com). Keep your eye out while on any leaf-peeping hikes this season. Next, you'll make the base — a ball of potting soil. Wet the soil until a ball is formed (about the size of a grapefruit). Try giving the ball a light toss, and if it holds together, you're ready to go. As you prepare the soil, leave your moss soaking in water. Now, split the ball into equal halves. Place the roots of the plant between the halves, form the shape back into a ball and wrap the ball with moss. The moss acts as a living pot for the plant and helps retain moisture. Use one variety of moss or get creative and mix and match! Use twine to secure the moss in place by wrapping in all directions. If possible, avoid using cotton or other biodegradable strings as these will break down over repeated waterings. For hanging kokedamas, be sure to leave a long tail to hang from. Caring for Kokedamas: The kokedama should not need watering once finished and care will vary depending on the plant variety used. For tolerant genera such as philodendrons, the plant should be placed in low to indirect light and only watered when leaves show signs of wilting or when the soil is just barely moist. Watering kokedamas should only be done by soaking the moss ball in water for at least 10 minutes and gently squeezed to remove excess water. Most varieties will appreciate occasional misting with a fine mister or spray bottle (pistilsnursery.com). Before we (and nature) hunker down for the next several months, bring some unique greenery to your space with this fun and distinctive plant practice. You'll be grateful to have some green against the blankets of white.