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These hanging plant balls are super easy and fun to make, although a bit messy! They originated in Japanese horticulture and can be made several different ways, but this is how I like to do it!

What you’ll need:

  • Plant (I’ve found that 2–3″ plants, measuring across the soil it comes in, work best! But feel free to experiment, taking the thickness of string into account.)
  • Moss (This is sold dried, in bags, in various colors.)
  • String to tie around your moss ball (You will need approximately 2–3 feet of string depending on the thickness of it and the size of your plant! I like embroidery thread, twine, yarn, or metallic looking woven rope.)

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Directions:

  • Fill a large bowl with water (the bowl needs to be deep enough to dip your plant in to moisten the roots and soil).
  • Take a handful of moss and place it in the water to thoroughly wet it. Then lay it on a paper towel and set it aside for a minute.
  • Remove your plant from the throwaway pot; don’t shake any of the soil off of the root ball. Dip the soil and roots so that they are moist.
  • Place your wet moss in a thin even layer surround your soil, patting as you go around, to create a ball-like shape! (It doesn’t have to be perfect as your string will create a better circular shape.)
  • When it looks covered enough for you, take your desired string and hold the start of it while wrapping it around the moss ball in various directions until it takes a circular shape and all the moss is held in place. Tie a knot in the string, attaching it to a part of the string near the top where your plant is budding from the soil.
  • Now loop the string around the top, leaving extra length to hang it, and tie another knot to a piece of the string on the opposite side the moss ball. At this point, you might want to test the stability of your string gently, and if it’s not secure enough retie your knots on a stronger section.
  • Find a pretty place to hang your new plant! Be sure to soak your plant as needed. The moss will help to keep the moisture in when thoroughly wetted!