Making a Wabi Kusa
How to Plant an SA Substate Ball
1. soak
Soak the SA Substrate Ball for 45-60 minutes. The core of the ball will soften, facilitating easier planting.
2. tie
Secure thread or monofilament around the ball if you intend to incorporate moss, carpeting plants, or epiphytes.
Stem plants, when cut short (2-3”), can also be wrapped around the ball and secured with thread.
3. wrap
Cover the ball with plants, wrapping thread over them securely.
4. bore
Using forceps or another blunt-pointed tool, bore small holes into the ball. Then insert stem or rosette plants directly into the ball.
It can be beneficial to keep stem plants short when first planting, as longer, established stems can wilt until their root system has developed in the ball.
5. finished
Preparation is now complete. It’s time to let time take over.
As the wabi kusa is new, it will be beneficial to keep the plants covered. Use plastic wrap or a partially-sealed container to retain humidity as the plants establish themselves into the ball.
Mist the wabi kusa as needed and remove any dead or dying plant material to prevent foliage mold.
STUDIO AQUATICA always recommends using emergent-grown or tissue-cultured plants when preparing an SA Substrate Ball. These plants are already adapted to growing out of water. This insures maximal success for wabi kusa or emergent growth aquascapes.
SA Substrate Balls also work great for house plants that tolerate submerged roots, like Pothos, Peace Lilies, and Parlor Palms.