Nicolson Larnie - Hanging kokedama: creating potless plants for the home

Jack the dog ponders over a suspended Oxalis triangularis

Kokedama evolved from the nearai style of bonsai, which has exposed roots as part of the aesthetic. Normally they are grown in a pot for such a long period of time that their roots completely fill the pot and they can be removed and displayed without harming the tree. To stop the roots from drying during the transformation or root ageing process, moss is placed over the roots to cover and protect them.

The traditional form of kokedama is created using a mixture of peat and akadama soil turned into a sphere. This is split and hollowed out in the centre. A small plant with its roots wrapped in sphagnum moss is inserted and the 2 halves are joined again. Sometimes the outside is seeded with grass, or wrapped with wild woolly moss.

The more modern method is to leave out the clay-based akadama soil altogether. The best style to learn with is to simply wrap the roots and soil in a thick layer of sphagnum moss. This provides a container to hold in the moisture and reduce the amount of watering needed. The moss is like a dense sponge; it holds the water and releases it slowly back to the roots. It also prevents evaporation of moisture from the soil, as would normally occur with a pot.

The main difference though between a pot and a kokedama is the way the roots respond. Roots essentially adhere to one type of behaviour, which is to seek water. The root activity is binary: as a very general rule, if there is water, they grow if there isnt, they dont. (This is a topic that some scientists dedicate years to, so take with a pinch of salt.) What this means in a pot is that the roots always encounter water so they continue to grow. They grow and grow, around and around the inside of the pot until they exclude any moisture or nutrients from entering.

In a kokedama, however, the roots which come to the outside of the ball encounter air. If the air is dry, the roots stop growing. Instead of using long fat roots to explore for water, the plant grows many fine roots within the ball.

With some plants, such as trees, the size of the canopy is determined by the size of the root mass. As this is defined by the size of the ball, trees will stay as small examples of their larger wild counterparts.

You will probably gain more pleasure from your kokedama, and observe their needs best, if you assume that plants are people too: try to love them like you would a friend, or a pet. Get to know your plants. Dont expect them to give you something for nothing. All relationships are about give and take. When you give your plants the attention they need, they will happily reciprocate by giving you beautiful green goodness to look upon. They will gladly fill your life with tranquillity and peace.

Syngonium podophyllum hanging out in the kitchen

Curating kokedama

Kokedama are perfect for completing a space because they are so versatile. They can be made in any size, shape or colour to suit the setting.

Suspended kokedama add depth and texture to spaces and displays. Because they are suspended, it is easy to adjust their final position and height to maximize the effect.

They are strongly rooted in the wabi-sabi philosophy so it is always a matter of less is more. Dont over-style kokedama by cluttering too many objects around them. Use them as you would a beautiful painting or artwork.

Use green plants with green-covered kokedama to add lushness to a stark corner and to soften a room. Use small and delicate kokedama where they can be appreciated at closer proximity and where they wont become lost or obscured by too many other objects.

Choose large lush green leaves for backgrounds of soft texture to add drama.

Use delicate structural branches and leaves against large blank backgrounds to draw the eye to the detail. Use the height of the kokedama to focus the eye where you want it to go.

Combine finely detailed plants with large monocolour objects for contrast and visual drama.

Be careful when hanging against walls as the moisture from the ball can cause damage. If the surface is porous, there will be a risk of mould and mildew developing where the kokedama is touching it. Be sure to use a hook or hanger which protrudes out from the wall enough to avoid contact.

Make sure that the light is right for the plant; many plants used indoors prefer not to have sun touch them directly on their foliage or flowers. That is not to say they like darkness; most in fact need good, bright light. You can achieve this by hanging them so their foliage sits above or beyond the limit of the suns rays penetrating into the room.

Clustering a group of cacti kokedama into a single display adds impact