KOKEDAMA LOVE
KOKEDAMAS
leaf empire
The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Kokedama
Everything you need to know to keep your moss ball happy, healthy, and thriving.
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What is a Kokedama?
Kokedama (pronounced koh-keh-dah-mah) is a traditional Japanese planting technique that literally translates to "moss ball." Instead of growing a plant in a pot, its roots are wrapped in a specially prepared ball of soil, covered in soft moss, and secured with string.
The result is a beautiful, natural display that blurs the line between houseplant and living art. Kokedamas can be displayed on a decorative dish, nestled in a bowl, or suspended from the ceiling to create a stunning floating garden.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in simplicity and nature—they celebrate organic shapes, natural textures, and the idea that plants don't have to be perfectly polished to be absolutely beautiful.
Whether displayed on a shelf, coffee table, or hanging in a bright room, a kokedama brings a little piece of nature into your home.
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What Plants Work in Kokedamas?
One of the best things about kokedamas is how versatile they are. Many houseplants adapt beautifully to this growing style, particularly species that enjoy consistent moisture, moderate humidity, and relatively compact root systems.
Plants that naturally grow beneath tropical forest canopies tend to thrive, making kokedamas perfect for creating lush, living décor.
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Some of our favourite kokedama plants include:
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Philodendrons (Brasil, Selloum and many more) – beautiful foliage and wonderfully easy to grow.
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Ferns (Boston, Bird's Nest and more) – humidity lovers with soft, elegant foliage.
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Syngoniums – colourful, compact, and fast growing.
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Pothos (Epipremnum) – incredibly forgiving and perfect for beginners.
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Peperomias – compact plants packed with personality.
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Spider Plants – graceful arching leaves with adorable baby plantlets.
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String of Hearts – perfect for hanging kokedamas with cascading vines.
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Anthuriums – striking tropical plants with lush foliage and colourful blooms.
You can also create kokedamas with herbs, orchids, succulents, and many other species, although they often require slightly different care.
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Watering Your Kokedama
Watering is the most important part of caring for your kokedama. Unlike traditional potted plants, kokedamas don't follow a strict watering schedule. How often they need watering depends on the plant, the temperature, humidity, airflow, and the amount of light they receive.
Instead of watering by the calendar, learn to water by feel.
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The Weight Test
The easiest way to know when it's time to water is simply to pick up your kokedama.
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Heavy = Plenty of moisture.
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Light = Time for a soak.
After a few weeks you'll quickly learn the difference.
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How to Water
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Fill a bowl, bucket, or sink with room-temperature water.
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Fully submerge the moss ball.
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Allow it to soak for 10–15 minutes.
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Remove it and allow it to drain thoroughly.
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Once it has stopped dripping, return it to its display spot.
Never leave your kokedama sitting in water.
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How Often Should I Water?
Every home is different, but as a general guide:
Summer: Every 5–7 days
Winter: Every 10–14 days
Always trust the weight of the kokedama more than the calendar.
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Light Requirements
Most kokedama plants naturally grow beneath tropical tree canopies, so they prefer bright, indirect light.
Think bright room—not blazing sunshine.
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Ideal Locations
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Near a bright window.
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Rooms with filtered sunlight through curtains.
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Bright kitchens or bathrooms.
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Hanging near windows without direct afternoon sun.
Many popular kokedama plants, including Philodendrons, Pothos, Syngoniums, Peace Lilies, and Ferns, also tolerate medium light very well.
Avoid
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Direct afternoon sun.
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Very dark corners.
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Air conditioners.
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Heaters.
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Cold draughts.
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Signs Your Plant Needs More Light
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Long, stretched growth.
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Smaller new leaves.
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Slower growth.
Too much direct sun may cause:
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Brown patches.
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Bleached leaves.
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Crispy edges.
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Humidity & Temperature
Most kokedama plants appreciate the same conditions that people enjoy.
Ideal Temperature:
18–28°C
Avoid temperatures below 10°C for tropical species.
Most plants also appreciate moderate to high humidity.
Increase humidity by:
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Grouping plants together.
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Using a humidifier.
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Placing them in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms.
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Occasionally misting plants that enjoy it.
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Regular Care & Maintenance
Kokedamas are surprisingly low maintenance.
A little care every now and then keeps them looking beautiful.
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Pruning & Cleaning
Remove yellow, damaged, or dead leaves using clean scissors.
Larger leaves benefit from an occasional wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Smaller leaves can be cleaned with a soft brush.
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Feeding
Because the soil ball is small, nutrients are used up fairly quickly.
Feed once a month during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength.
Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.
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Pest Checks
Occasionally inspect your plant for:
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Spider mites
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Mealybugs
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Aphids
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Scale insects
Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
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Looking After the Moss Ball
Every few months, check whether:
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The moss is thinning.
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The string has loosened.
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The ball has lost its shape.
If needed, simply refresh the moss and rewrap the string.
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Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Yellow Leaves
Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Allow the kokedama to dry slightly before watering again.
Older lower leaves naturally yellow with age.
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Brown or Crispy Leaf Edges
Usually caused by:
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Low humidity.
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Underwatering.
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Inconsistent watering.
Increase humidity and check watering frequency.
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Drooping Leaves
Could mean either too much or too little water.
Always perform the weight test.
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Light = Water.
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Heavy = Wait.
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Moss Looking Dry
The moss often dries before the soil inside.
Don't water based only on the moss.
Instead, check the weight of the kokedama.
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Loose Moss or String
Completely normal over time.
Simply rewrap with fresh moss and string whenever needed.
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Roots Growing Through the Moss
A sign of healthy growth.
Leave them for a natural look, trim them, or refresh the kokedama if it's becoming root-bound.
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Mould on the Moss
Usually caused by poor airflow or constantly wet conditions.
Allow the moss ball to dry slightly between waterings and improve air circulation.
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Pests
Treat infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Always isolate affected plants until the problem is resolved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prune my kokedama?
Yes. Remove yellow or damaged leaves with clean scissors to keep your plant healthy and encourage fresh growth.
What if the moss feels dry?
Always check the weight before watering. The outside moss often dries before the soil inside.
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What if the moss comes loose?
Simply press it back into place and secure it with fresh string or twine. We also offer a professional Kokedama Rebuilding & Retying Service.
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What if the hanging rope breaks?
Natural fibres eventually wear out. Replace the rope yourself or let us restring it for you.
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What if roots start showing?
Healthy plants naturally produce exposed roots over time. Trim them, leave them, or refresh the kokedama with a larger moss ball.
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Is my kokedama pet safe?
That depends on the plant inside. Always check whether your specific plant is pet-friendly before placing it within reach of curious pets.
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Can I place it directly on furniture?
Yes, but we recommend using a decorative dish or tray to protect surfaces from moisture after watering.
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Can it live outdoors?
Some plants can, but most tropical kokedamas prefer sheltered positions with bright, indirect light. Avoid frost, harsh sun, and strong winds.
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Can I travel with it?
Absolutely. Allow it to drain well before transport and cushion it carefully to protect both the moss and the foliage.
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Can I transfer it into a pot later?
Yes. Simply remove or loosen the string and plant the entire root ball into suitable potting mix.
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Can I make my own?
Definitely! We offer DIY kits, workshops, and all the supplies you'll need to create your own kokedama.
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Does it need airflow?
Yes. Good air circulation helps prevent mould and keeps both the moss and plant healthy.
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What if I find bugs?
Inspect the leaves carefully, isolate the plant, and treat it promptly. If you're unsure what the pest is, send us a photo—we're always happy to help.
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A Few Final Tips
Every kokedama is unique because every plant is unique.
As you spend time with yours, you'll naturally learn how quickly it drinks, how much light it enjoys, and when it's happiest. Don't worry about following every guideline perfectly—plants are wonderfully adaptable.
The best thing you can do is simply observe your kokedama. Healthy leaves, steady new growth, and a firm moss ball are all signs that you're doing a great job.
With just a little care, your kokedama will reward you with years of beautiful growth and become a living piece of art in your home.
Happy growing!