Growing Kokedama Plant Step-by-Step

Last Updated on August 9, 2022 by Real Men Sow

Kokedama is a Japanese word that means ‘moss ball’. The Japanese answer to the hanging basket is the kokedama. It’s simple, enjoyable, and rewarding. For decoration, wrap the roots of small plants in moss. You can use your kokedama to decorate walls, fences and balconies.

What’s Kokedama Plant

You can use a young, pot-grown Hedera helix ivy (Hedera helix), but you can also use violas or gaultherie to make outdoor kokedama. If you want indoor kokedama plants you can use the following: string-of-beads, asparagus fern (Asparagus selecio), and orchids such as Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium.

Growing Kokedama Plant

  • Ivy plant
  • Sustainable sheet moss
  • Bonsai compost
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Garden twine
  • Pair of scissors
  • Terracotta saucer

Steps in Making Kokedama Plant

  1. Mix equal parts bonsai and multi-purpose compost. Or you can mix 2 parts sharp sand with 4 parts multipurpose compost and 1 part John Innes No.3.
  2. Mix until the mixture resembles a wet cake mix. Remove the plant from its pot. Use your fingers to gently lift the soil around the roots.
  3. Make a big ball with the compost mix. Squeeze out any excess water to make sure it sticks together. With a simple twist, divide the ball into two halves.
  4. Place the plant between the two compost halves. Then, reform the ball around it. This step may require an additional pair of hands. You can fill in any gaps using leftover compost.
  5. Place a sheet of moss onto a table. Then place the ball in its center. Wrap the moss around the ball. This is a tedious task. To make sure that the ball is covered, you may need several sheets.
  6. Then tie a garden string around the circumference, knot it, and then wrap ribbon or string around to secure the moss. You can hang it with a length of the string.

Guide to Taking Care of Kokedama

Position

Place it out of the direct sun and keep it hydrated, as it is susceptible to drying out.

Watering

To water, dip the towel in some (ideally tap) water. Let it sit for a while, then let it dry. This should be done twice per week in winter and every other day during summer. This can vary depending on what season it is and the plant you are using.

Feeding

You can keep the moss ball moist by spraying it with a mister every now and again. For a boost in spring, use a weakly diluted liquid seaweed feed in a bucket

Longevity

It won’t matter if it only lasts a few months. They’ll still be beautiful even if it isn’t cut. You can plant some plants, such as hellebore, in your garden afterward.

Keeping Your Moss Green

It is important to notice if your moss starts to turn brown. If your moss has been dried out or overwatered, it will turn brown. The moss can become too saturated and stop breathing. Your moss’ health can also be affected by chlorine in hard water. Moss likes to live in a slightly moist, shady environment.

We can create a mini greenhouse to revive brown moss. For this purpose, pour your misty moss ball in a clear plastic bag. Tie the top to retain moisture. It is also advisable to lightly mist the bag before you start.

Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.