leaf empire
KOKEDAMA CARE
- Everything You Need to Know to Keep It Happy
KOKEDAMA MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
Touch-Up Pack - R40
Full Re-Moss Pack - R90
Full re-moss + rope replacement - R110
So… What Is a Kokedama, Anyway?
Kokedama (pronounced koh-keh-dah-mah) is a fancy Japanese word that means “moss ball” — and that’s exactly what it is. Imagine skipping the pot altogether and wrapping your plant’s roots in a ball of soil, cuddled in soft green moss, and tied up with string like a little leafy gift. It’s part plant, part sculpture, and totally charming.
You can pop your kokedama in a cute dish or let it hang from the ceiling like a floating forest fairy. Either way, it brings instant calm and that effortlessly wild, “I-actually-know-how-to-decorate” vibe to any room.
Inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (aka the beauty of imperfection), kokedamas are all about natural texture, simplicity, and just the right amount of chaos — like nature meant it.
What Plants Work in Kokedamas?
Here’s the fun part: lots of them! As long as your plant doesn’t mind cozy roots and a little humidity, it’s probably kokedama material. Think tropicals, ferns, and trailing plants that don’t throw a tantrum when it’s time for a soak.
Our favourite kokedama candidates:
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Philodendron (Brasil, Selloum) – easygoing green royalty
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Ferns (Boston, Bird’s Nest) – humidity lovers with frilly flair
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Syngonium – compact, colourful, and quick to grow
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Pothos – tough, gorgeous, and basically unkillable
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Peperomia – small roots, big personality
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Spider Plant – dramatic leaves and cute baby “spiderettes”
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String of Hearts – perfect for hanging kokedamas with flow
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Anthurium – lush and exotic, especially in steamy spots
You can also play with herbs, succulents, or even orchids — just know they’re a little more high-maintenance in kokedama form (cue dramatic sighs and light misting sessions). The golden rule? Pick a plant that likes some humidity and won’t sulk if its roots are gently squished.
Watering Your Kokedama — The Most Important (and Fun!) Part
Alright, watering is the big deal — it can make your kokedama either happy or hangry. But here’s the catch: there’s no magic calendar that tells you exactly when to water. Your moss ball doesn’t clock in like a potted plant. Instead, it listens to the weather, the size of the plant, and where it’s chilling in your space.
So, instead of “How often should I water?” try asking: “How’s my kokedama feeling today?”
The easiest trick? Pick it up!
If it feels nice and heavy — cool, it’s still got a good drink inside.
If it’s light as a feather — uh oh, it’s thirsty! Time for a soak.
How to water like a pro (and make it a mini self-care ritual):
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Fill a bowl, bucket, or your sink with room-temperature water.
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Gently dunk your kokedama so the moss ball is fully submerged.
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Let it soak for 10–15 minutes — let that moss and soil soak up the goodness.
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Take it out and let it drain thoroughly — nobody likes a soggy bottom. Use a drying rack, colander, or towel to catch drips.
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Once it’s no longer dripping, put it back where it belongs.
How often?
Here’s the rough scoop, but remember: always trust your kokedama’s vibe.
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Summer (hot and dry): every 5–7 days
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Winter (cooler): every 10–14 days
Pro tip: If the moss feels dry but the ball is still a little heavy, chill for a day or two. Nobody likes soggy roots — not even your kokedama.
Let’s Talk Light — Where
Should Your Kokedama Live?
Most kokedama plants come from tropical jungles, so they’re all about that bright-but-not-blazing life. Think of them as sun lovers with sunglasses on — they want plenty of light, just nothing that feels like a sauna.
Where to put it?
The golden rule: bright, indirect light is the sweet spot. That means lots of natural light, but no harsh sunburn for your moss ball or leaves.
So, avoid the scorch-fest windowsill where the afternoon sun turns up the heat. Instead, try these cozy spots:
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A shelf or table near a bright window (but not right in the sunbeam)
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A room with lots of light softened by curtains
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Your kitchen counter or bathroom ledge with gentle daylight filtering in
Bonus: Peace Lilies, Syngoniums, and Pothos are chill and happy in medium light, so don’t sweat it if your place isn’t a sun-drenched paradise.
What to avoid like the plague:
❌ Direct sun (that’s a no-go for moss and leaves)
❌ Dark corners (if you can’t read your favourite book there during the day, it’s too shady)
❌ Air conditioners and heaters (they dry out the air and your kokedama hates that)
❌ Draughty spots (cold wind = sad, droopy leaves)
If your kokedama starts stretching or getting leggy, it’s basically saying, “Hey, I need a bit more sunshine, please!” Give it a brighter spot, and watch it bounce back happy and healthy.
Regular Care Basics & Maintenance
Your kokedama doesn’t need constant pampering — just a little check-in now and then to keep it looking fresh, happy, and photo-ready.
Snip Snip!
Got a yellow leaf? A scraggly stem? Time for a mini makeover.
Grab some clean scissors and gently trim off any leggy, wilted, or damaged leaves. This helps shape the plant and encourages fresh, healthy growth.
For big leafy plants (like Philodendrons), give the leaves a quick wipe with a damp cloth — think of it as a spa day for your plant.
For tiny-leaved babies, use a soft brush or give them a light mist to keep dust away.
Feeding Time
Since kokedamas have a small soil ball, nutrients run out quicker.
Give your plant a little snack once a month in spring and summer using a diluted liquid fertiliser. Choose something balanced or tailored to your plant type — and go easy. Too much food = unhappy roots.
Watch for Uninvited Guests
Your kokedama is cozy, and unfortunately, pests agree.
Keep an eye out for sneaky visitors like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. If you spot trouble: isolate your plant and treat it with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or your go-to natural remedy.
Moss Ball Maintenance
Every few months, give your kokedama a once-over:
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Is the moss looking scruffy or patchy?
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Is the string getting loose or untidy?
If yes, it might be time for a rewrap and refresh. A quick restring with fresh moss can make it look brand-new again.
Every Kokedama Is Its Own Little World
Even though they share the same mossy vibe, no two kokedamas are exactly alike — because it’s the plant inside that sets the rules.
Some love humidity (hello, ferns), others want the occasional haircut (looking at you, Philodendrons), and some like their fertiliser light and occasional.
So while this guide will get you far, the real secret? Get to know your plant.
Watch how it grows, how fast it drinks, and what makes it happy. That little moss ball will tell you everything you need to know — you just have to listen.
FAQ'S | Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prune anything?
Yep! Snip off yellow, brown, or crispy leaves with clean scissors where the stem meets the stalk. It helps your plant stay healthy and encourages bushier growth if it’s looking leggy.
What if the moss is drying out?
Sometimes the moss feels dry on the outside but the soil inside is still moist. You can mist the moss lightly to boost humidity, but don’t water just because the outer moss is dry—overwatering can cause root rot.
What if the moss comes loose?
No worries! Just press the moss back in place and rewrap with string, twine, or fishing line. If you’d rather not DIY, book our kokedama rebuilding and retying service.
What if the hanging rope snaps?
Natural rope eventually wears out. We have replacement rope available to add to your order, or book our restringing service to have us fix it for you.
What if roots start showing?
Roots poking out means your plant is growing! Leave them for a wild look or trim them back with clean scissors. If it’s overgrown, consider a moss ball refresh or upsize.
Is it safe around pets?
Some plants inside kokedamas can be toxic if chewed. Keep your kokedama out of reach from curious pets and kids.
Can I put it on furniture?
Yes, but place your kokedama on a dish or tray to protect surfaces from moisture.
Can I put it outside?
Only if your plant likes outdoor conditions and the weather is gentle—avoid direct sun, strong winds, or frost.
Can I travel with it?
Yes! Just don’t water it right before traveling, cushion it well, and consider wrapping the moss ball to protect it.
Can I transfer it to a pot?
Definitely! Carefully remove the string and plant the root ball in soil like
any regular plant.
Can I make my own kokedama?
For sure! It can be messy but fun. Check our website for DIY kits and
workshops.
Does it need airflow?
Yes, good air circulation prevents mold and keeps your kokedama happy.
What if I see bugs?
Rare but possible. Isolate your kokedama, rinse leaves gently, and treat
with neem oil if needed. We can help with ID and advice too.
COMMON ISSUES & TROUBLESHOOTING
Yellowing leaves
Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Let your moss ball dry out a bit between drinks and make sure it drains well after soaking. If it’s just the lower leaves turning yellow, that might just be natural aging—no worries.
Crispy or browning leaf edges
Your kokedama might be feeling a little thirsty for humidity. Try misting more often or set it near a humidifier or a cozy cluster of other plants to boost the moisture in the air.
Drooping or wilting
This one’s a toss-up—it could be too dry or too wet. Pick up your moss ball: if it’s light and dry, give it a good soak. If it feels heavy and soggy, hold off on watering and check drainage.
Moss drying out or falling apart
Over time, moss gets tired and may start peeling away. No stress—just rewrap with fresh moss and twine to freshen things up. Bonus: it’s a perfect chance to peek at root health.
String coming loose
Easy fix! Just rewrap with fresh string or garden twine to keep your kokedama snug and tidy.
Pests (spider mites, aphids, mealybugs)
Because kokedamas are compact, pests can spread fast. Isolate the plant and treat with neem oil or natural insecticidal soap. Always check under leaves and around the base.
Roots poking through the moss
Good news—your plant is growing! You can trim exposed roots or, if it’s really outgrowing its moss ball, consider rewrapping a bigger ball or potting it up.