Looking for a unique and creative way to display your favorite houseplants? Kokedama transforms indoor plants into living works of art!
Dating back to Japan’s Edo period, this ancient botanical practice features a plant rooted in a moss-covered ball of soil. With no pot to distract the eye, Kokedama’s charm lies in its natural simplicity—making it a fun, hands-on project for all ages. Gather your supplies and follow our step-by-step instructions below to craft a custom Kokedama you’ll be proud to display.
Kokedama Supplies & Tools
- Moss: Use packaged sheet moss or dried Spanish moss (ideal for drier plants). You can also harvest living moss from shady areas of the yard. Pre-moisten moss for easier handling.
- Plant Specimens: Kokedama works well for both indoor and outdoor plants. Some reliable, beginner-friendly options include Dwarf Daisies, Epiphytic Ferns (Staghorn, Rabbit’s Foot, Kangaroo Paw), Hoyas, and Succulents (Hedgehog Aloe, Haworthia).
- Soil Mix: Combine 2 quarts peat moss, 2 quarts bonsai soil, and 1 pound bentonite clay (optional, for binding). Add water until fully saturated and moldable—enough for about five small-to-medium moss balls. If using a kit, mix soil and water in a bucket until slightly muddy.
- Twine or Line: Garden twine or clear fishing line to secure the moss.
- Scissors: For trimming moss and cutting twine.
- Bucket: For mixing soil and soaking moss.
- Watering Can: A full can for initial saturation and aftercare.
- Plastic Sheet or Tarp: Expect a little mess—protect your workspace.
Kokedama Planting Instructions
1. Prep the plant: Remove the plant from its nursery pot and gently shake away excess soil to expose the roots. If roots are tightly bound, carefully loosen them with your fingers.
2. Form the soil ball: Shape your soil mix into a ball about the size of a navel orange for most 4-inch plants. Split the ball in half, place the roots inside, and press the soil back together, molding it firmly into a smooth, seamless sphere.
3. Add the moss: Wrap the soil ball completely with pre-moistened moss, holding it in place with one hand while you prepare to secure it.
4. Secure with twine or line: Cut a 3–4 yard length of twine or fishing line. Leave a 4-inch tail, then begin wrapping the moss-covered ball tightly—like winding yarn—changing directions as you go to hold everything in place. Be sure to wrap underneath the ball several times. Tie the end to the starting tail and gently reshape the moss ball as needed.
5. Water thoroughly: Submerge the finished Kokedama in water for 5–10 minutes until fully saturated, then allow it to drain.
6. Display your Kokedama: Hang your Kokedama with a line or place it in a decorative bowl or tray—then enjoy your living plant art.
Kokedama Care & Maintenance
Indoor Kokedama
- Lighting: Place indoor Kokedama in light conditions suited to the plant. Hoyas and Peperomia prefer bright light, while Philodendrons and many ferns do well in medium light.
- Watering: Water when the ball feels light. Submerge the entire moss ball in a sink or bucket for 5–10 minutes, then allow it to drain. Most indoor Kokedama need watering every 7–10 days, though hanging displays dry out faster than those in a tray or bowl. If you’ll be away for a few days, take hanging Kokedama down and group in a shallow dish with about 1 inch of water.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season by adding diluted organic fertilizer (½ strength) to the soaking water.
- Twine Maintenance: Check natural twine regularly and rewrap every 4–6 months, or as needed.
Outdoor Kokedama
- Lighting: Keep outdoor Kokedama in partial to full shade to protect live moss from intense sun. Plants paired with preserved moss or arid species may tolerate more light.
- Watering: Water when the ball feels light by dunking for 5–10 minutes. In Summer, most outdoor Kokedama require daily watering; reduce frequency during cooler, wetter months. Misting helps refresh moss but won’t replace soaking. Hanging Kokedama dry out faster. When traveling, group them in a shallow tray with 1 inch of water and place in dappled or full shade.
- Fertilizer: Apply diluted organic fertilizer (½ strength) once per month during growing season.
- Twine Maintenance: Inspect and rewrap natural twine every 4–6 months or as needed.
Ready to create your own Kokedama living plant art? Stop by our garden centers and plant store for all the supplies you need, plus inspiration from our plant experts. And be sure to check out our guided plant workshops offered throughout the year for a fun, hands-on experience.