Kokedama: it’s the latest Japanese gardening trend taking root in the west. Simple to create and great to look at, kokedama are essentially pot-less plants, that can be arranged in clusters as tabletop decor, or strung from the ceiling, air plant style. You can use anything from ferns or flowers to succulents and herbs to make kokedama easily at home. Hang several in a room to create an eye-catching ‘string garden’, where plants appear to float in mid-air, creating an indoor forest feel. 

Translating as ‘moss balls’ kokedama is just that: the plant is removed from the pot and the roots are encased in a ball of soil, then wrapped in moss and tied with twine or string. 

We prefer to give ours a Caribbean flavour though and make Cocodama, adding a layer of coconut fibre on the outside, to give it a tropical twist. 

READY? HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN COCODAMA.

1. Mix seven parts peat moss with three parts potting soil and water until it forms a ball.
2. Remove the plant from the pot and shake off the soil. You may need to trim the roots a little.
3. Break the soil ball in half and lay the plant roots in the centre, encasing them in soil.
4. Lay several lengths of crisscrossing string across a large bowl. Place coconut fibre over this, followed by a layer of sphagnum moss.
5. Place the soil ball in the centre and wrap the moss and coconut fibre around it, securing with the lengths of string. Once secure, wrap more string around the ball, tying it off at the top so that it can be hung. 
6. Soak in water for five minutes and you’re ready to go. Mist daily with a spray bottle or soak it in water for a few minutes once a week to keep it well hydrated. 

And that’s it: everything you need to create your own miniature hanging garden.

For more indoor and outdoor garden design inspiration visit Vigoro Cayman