Kokedamas are an art form with plants. It can be made in many different ways, not just the plants themselves, but the items that go into the kokedama balls. That’s why, How about we teach you how to make orchid kokedamas?
Whether you have to make a gift, or simply want to have an orchid where there is no need to have a pot, this may interest you. Do you want to know how it is done? So keep reading.
What is needed to make a kokedama
The first thing you need to know to make a kokedama is to have all the elements that make it up. That is to say, You will need both the plant, which in this case is an orchid, as well as other elements.
Which is it? Specifically, the following:
- Substratum.
- Akadama.
- Moss.
- Cotton rope.
- A plastic bag.
Let’s talk about them a little further.
Substratum
Most of the kokedamas that are made on the market have a universal substrate inside the moss ball (the one that forms the kokedama). Only when the plant needs another type of soil is this used. But in general, what is done is to use this substrate mixed with the akadama.
And in the case of orchids? In this case, it is one of those that would not have a universal substrate, but a mixture is made with the usual orchid soil and mixed with a little akadama to give it more ease. Clay, peat and coconut fiber are also used to cover it and have a base to which to fix the moss.
Akadama
The akadama is an element that we have talked about on several occasions. It is a well-known drainage, especially in the world of bonsai, because it allows the earth to be lighter and not to clump.
In case you don’t have akadama then what you can use is perlitealthough we recommend that you look for it or use a larger one to prevent the soil, inside the moss ball, from clumping too much and not allowing the roots to breathe.
In fact, as we focus on the case of the orchid, you have to provide this so that they do not feel so constrained.
Moss
The moss is what covers the entire ball that is made with the plant and the substrate. This also allows humidity to be maintained since, by covering it, you create an environment that protects the roots of the plant and at the same time nourishes them. That is why it is always recommended that the moss be pulverized and even turned over to keep it in good condition.
Now, in the case of the orchid, this can be a little more complex, starting with the fact that the earth does not clump together, even when you add water to it. But don’t worry, there’s a trick to it.
cotton rope
Finally, the cotton rope is used to tie the moss so that everything is well fixed and that it does not open or lose soil somewhere. This is usually mimicked with the moss And you have to take into account that you have to tie it tightly so that it does not untie.
How to make orchid kokedamas
Now that you have all the elements, we give you the steps you must take to make orchid kokedamas. Pay attention to these:
Have the items ready
In the case of the orchid, these can change a bit since you already know that orchids are a bit delicate in terms of their substrate and how to cover them so that the roots look good. But it won’t be too much of a problem for you.
We recommend that you put a bag on the table (or something that covers it) to avoid staining and also to pick up what falls more easily. In addition to this, have:
- A container for mixing the soil.
- Clay.
- Fertilizer for orchids.
- Moss.
- Scissors.
- Agua.
- Substrate for orchids.
- The crowd
- Coconut fiber.
mix the elements
The first thing we will do, in that mixing container, will be to put the orchid fertilizer. Depending on the one you choose, you will have to add more or less quantity, but keep in mind that we are not going to use too much water (about 250ml) so you will have to take out how much fertilizer to put in by a rule of three.
Next, add the water and a glass of fine sand. Now, add the coir, then the peat and lastly some clay.
You have to mix all the ingredients to make a paste. It shouldn’t be too watery. When it is ready, you should put it on plastic or paper in such a way that you can spread it well. You have to create a hole to place the orchid. Besides, It will help you to place the orchid substrate there. In fact, you can throw it both inside the hole and around it (squashing it a bit so that it sticks to the ground). You can do the same with the akadama. As you will be covering it with the dough, you will need to shape it into a ball.
You can help yourself with waxed paper, or a plastic bag, to get that round shape. Of course, be careful not to press too hard so that the roots are not damaged.
put the moss
Now all that remains is to add the moss to the ball that you have made before. To do this, before doing so, we recommend that you moisten it well so that it is hydrated. Once you have covered the entire ball, you will have to use the string to tangle the entire string so that the moss does not move and is well fixed.
Orchid kokedamas care
Now that you’re done, all you have to do is keep in mind that you should water it every 15 days by spraying it with water, as well as placing it in a sunny place (but not in direct sunlight).
It is normal that at first it looks sadder, this process can stress the plant, so be patient for it to recover.
Making orchid kokedamas, as you have seen, is not difficult, but you must be careful with the orchid so as not to break its roots or that they may be damaged in the process. Although it is recommended that these are always in a transparent pot, they can also be kept like this. Do you dare to buy an orchid and make it in the form of a kokedama?
