A kokedama is a plant that does not have a pot. This is actually a ball of moss where, inside, are the roots of the plant as well as a mixture of soil and some fertilizer. But, what if we tell you that you can change the substrate for coconut fiber? Do you know how to make a kokedama with coconut fiber?
If you like to make kokedama, or have never done it before but would like to try, you no longer have to use normal soil. You could make it only with coconut fiber. Now, you need to know all the steps to get it right. And that is what we are going to focus on this time.
What is coconut fiber
Coconut fiber is a natural material obtained from the fibrous layer that surrounds the coconut fruit (hence its name). Among its characteristics is being highly absorbent and having water retention properties, which makes it Ideal for use in soil mixes to improve water retention and soil aeration.
It is also resistant to decay and insects, so it can be used as an alternative to peat (which has a negative environmental impact).
What should you take into account to make a kokedama with coconut fiber
Now that you have a better view of coconut fiber, we ask you a question: can it be used for any plant in a kokedama? The truth is that yes, and no. In general, kokedama use plants that do not require as much wateringHence, submerging the moss ball once a week, and spraying water every x days, is more than enough.
But since we are talking about a natural substrate that retains water, it may happen that there are plants that do not tolerate a very humid substrate, such as succulents or cacti. Although we already tell you that nothing usually happens because you can control it based on the weight of the ball. If you notice that it is too heavy, it means that it still has water and it is not necessary to water.
How to make a coconut fiber kokedama
Next we are going to get practical to give you the steps you must take to make a kokedama from the plant that is only that, instead of using earth, what is done is to use coconut fiber. Pay attention:
Have all the items ready
Ready to make a kokedama? Then you need to have on hand everything you are going to use to carry it out. In this case it would be:
- Plant.
- Coconut fiber. You can buy this whole and cut it yourself, or you can already buy the land made of coconut fiber.
- Moss. This is optional since many use coconut fiber not only for the substratebut also to cover it and give a different aspect to the result you get with the moss.
- Scissors.
- Rope.
If you already have all that ready, we can move on.
Substrate with coconut fiber
As we have told you beforecoconut fiber can be used in two different ways: either using it to cover the plant on the outside, or as a substrate inside.
If you want to change the peat (or the substrate you wanted to add) for coconut fiber, then we leave you here what you have to do:
- Have on hand: coconut shell, a container, water, scissors and a knife.
- For the coconut substrate you need to use the coconut shell. To do this, take the knife and go from top to bottom to remove the fiber. Threads will actually come out. You will have to put them in a container. Be patient because it will take a little while.
- If you see that it is too big, you can cut it into smaller pieces with the scissors. In this way, the smaller it is, the better because it will be lighter and it will not be stored as much.
- Once you have cut it whole you can add a little water to mix it with other soil, although in itself it is more than enough.
Now, since what we want is to make a kokedama, you will need to put that coconut fiber with water to create a dough or paste that you can later stretch out on a flat surface (remember to put a plastic sheet on the table so that it does not stain.
Many el kokedama
Continuing with the coconut fiber substrate, we have previously told you that we need a paste to be made to be able to spread it on a surface. It doesn’t have to be very fine, but you can cover the plant with it. You will take this out of the pot with its soil and everything, do not take it away. Put it in the center and then, using the plastic that you have put, wrap the plant in such a way that you create a ball shape on it.
Make sure the base stays planted (otherwise you won’t be able to make it stay put where you put it). Press a little so that everything is fixed well. You can do this better if you take the plant out of the pot with the moist soil, since it is easier to work in this way.
Cover with moss or coconut fiber
The next step in making a coconut fiber kokedama is deciding whether you want the wrapper to be coconut fiber or moss. Or both. If it is the first case, you will need to cut strips of the coconut shell more or less thick in order to cover the ball you have made with the plant with them. You can moisten them a little so that they stay stuck when you are working with them. This way it will not be so difficult for you to close the whole ball. Of course, have rope on hand to fix everything.
Once you’re done, you can either leave it like that, or put moss on it. Or half and half. These are options that can make the kokedama more original, although it is out of the ordinary.
In the event that you use moss, remember to moisten it well to help it adhere to the coconut shell that you have placed before. In this way it will also be greener and it gives you the possibility that, if it gets ugly, you can change it without having to undo the whole kokedama ballonly the part of the moss (which you will also have to fix with rope).
Do you dare to make a kokedama with coconut fiber?
