What is a kokedama?

The history of a millenary technique

The word kokedama refers to an ancient gardening technique originating in Japan. This word has two parts: "koke" (苔) and "dama" (玉).

• Koke means moss in Japanese, referring to the sphagnum moss used to wrap the plant roots in the kokedama technique.

• Dama means ball or sphere, which describes the way the moss is molded around the plant roots, forming a kind of ball.

Collectively, kokedama literally translates as "moss ball". This Japanese gardening technique is a unique way of growing plants without the need for pots, where the roots are wrapped in moss and held together by a wire or thread structure, creating a beautiful, compact green sphere.

Inside the moss ball is mineral substrate and akadama, a Japanese clay that retains water and nutrients to provide the perfect environment for the roots to grow healthy.

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The kokedama is a mixture of tradition and modernity, something characteristic of Japan, where the ancestral coexists with the futuristic. Kokedamas have been passed down from generation to generation and today have become a widespread fashion for decorating interiors. In recent years they have become popular in countries around the world becoming a decorative element of reference.

It is largely based on the philosophy of wabi-sabithe Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection. Wabi-sabi combines an aesthetic of controlled appearance with a wilder and more natural touch. In the case of kokedamas, the sphere represents the controlled part, while the moss and the plant itself bring the essence of living, wild nature.

Origin and history of kokedamas

The kokedama technique was born more than five hundred years ago in Japan. It was the will of the people to take a little piece of nature home with them that gave impetus to this new art. Bonsai, like today, were expensive, required a lot of attention and care, and access to materials was costly. The Japanese invented the kokedama as a much more economical and accessible solution to having a piece of nature in the home. For this very reason, the kokedama also became known as the "poor man's bonsai".

Initially, kokedama was used to grow wild and ornamental plants in gardens and natural landscapes. It was a practical and aesthetic way to grow plants without the need for conventional pots. Over time, this technique evolved and became an art form in its own right. Kokedamas gained popularity as a creative alternative to traditional floral arrangements and plants.

Today, kokedamas have been gaining popularity in different parts of the world and have become a trend in the world of gardening and interior decoration. Moreover, they are made from many species of plants and in many different ways. Because of this, new creative techniques have emerged both when making them and when placing them to decorate a space.

Here is a video from our channel where we present our Top 5 kokedamas. You can also visit our websitewhere you will find all the kokedama models we have available. Take a look at our catalog of kokedamas. our kokedama catalog and find the one you like the most!