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Landscaping

Kokedama: how to apply the Japanese technique that has become a trend

Translated as "moss ball", kokedama is an ancient Japanese technique that gives up pots and uses roots to house species

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Sep 29, 2023, 5:00 PM

05 min de leitura
A New Look, by Depieri Landscaping - CASACOR Brasilia 2023

A New Look, by Depieri Landscaping - CASACOR Brasilia 2023 (Edgar Cesar)

Very present in Japanese gardens , usually side by side with bonsai, kokedama is an oriental gardening technique that has recently returned to the spotlight and has become a trend in landscaping and interior design . The desire to bring nature into homes has encouraged the presence of kokedama in Brazil, as in addition to being beautiful, it also brings practicality and a unique look to the home.

What is kokedama?


Depieri Paisagismo (Arthur Depieri e Cleber Depieri) - Um Novo Olhar. Projeto da CASACOR Brasília 2023.

Depieri Paisagismo (Arthur Depieri e Cleber Depieri) - Um Novo Olhar. Projeto da CASACOR Brasília 2023. (Edgard Cesar/CASACOR)

Translated into Portuguese, kokedama means " moss ball " and never has a translation been so faithful! The technique involves creating small spheres of soil covered in moss , which become a "support" capable of housing different species and dispensing with the use of conventional pots.
02-estudio-jabuticaba-nildo-jose

Estúdio Jabuticaba, por Nildo José - CASACOR São Paulo 2016 (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Although the concept is simple, it requires some delicate handling to grow kokedama. The plant needs to be carefully planted in one of the spheres to grow healthy and beautiful.
Adriana Gouveia - Varanda Café. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. Na foto, café ao ar livre, com paisagismo de kokedamas e cadeiras coloridas.

Adriana Gouveia - Varanda Café. Cafeterias são lugares de boas conversas e de momentos de prazer. Foi o ponto de partida desse projeto: um ambiente externo gostoso, com cores quentes e tons cimentícios que se harmonizam com o paisagismo e convidam à permanência. Fugindo do convencional, detalhes como a (Jomar Bragança/CASACOR)

Jardim de 900 m² tem lago com peixes, praia de areia branca e pomar. Projeto de Ana Veras e Bernardo Vieira. Na foto, pergolado com lago, kokedama e sofá.

(Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estudio/CASACOR)

Although the process of creating a kokedama is somewhat complex, maintenance is relatively simple . The watering routine will be defined according to the species that is planted in the structure, while the moss ball can be checked weekly for weight. If it is too light and the moss is dry, simply dip it in water for five minutes .

How to use kokedama in decoration


Kokedamas are usually used in two ways: in a plastic container decorating kitchens and furniture or as a hanging garden , which adds a special charm and highlights the environment.

Advantages of kokedama


Kokedama There are several benefits to adopting kokedama, and they go far beyond the attractive aesthetics. The species chosen for the kokedama will be grown in a more natural environment, which results in healthier, more resistant plants that are more adaptable to the space in which they are placed. They are true living sculptures that beautify the space without the need for vases or containers. They also contribute to a healthier, purified and fresher space.