How to Care for a Kokedama
If you've been to one of our Kokedama classes or picked up a kokedama in store, you know how fun these little planted moss balls are! Whether you're on your first Kokedama or this is just one of many, here’s how to help it thrive at home.
From lighting and watering to trimming and re-mossing, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your Kokedama happy and healthy.
Lighting needs vary slightly depending on the plant you’ve used, but most Kokedama plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, it can dry out the moss too quickly and scorch the leaves.
If your moss is drying out very fast or the leaves look a bit faded, try pulling it back slightly from the light or giving it some shade in the hottest part of the day.
Kokedama plants like the same kind of environment as most houseplants, not too hot, not too cold, and no sudden changes in temperature. Keep them away from radiators, draughts or windowsills that get too chilly at night as well.
Watering your Kokedama is easy once you get into the habit. Once a week, place the moss ball into a shallow bowl of water and let it soak for about an hour. Make sure at least a quarter of the ball is submerged. Once soaked, gently squeeze out any excess water—just be careful not to press too hard or loosen the binding.
If the moss looks pale or brittle, it's probably time to water. On the flip side, if it stays wet for too long or smells musty, ease off a little to prevent mould or root rot.
Do:
- Water regularly, using the soak method
- Use the colour of the moss as a watering indicator
- Feed with diluted liquid fertiliser during the growing season
- Try different display methods like on dishes, in bowls, or even suspended
Don't:
- Squeeze too hard when draining (it can loosen the string)
- Let it dry out completely, moss can become hydrophobic
- Leave it sitting in water long term
- Ignore signs of mould, relocate if it's staying damp too long
Like any houseplant, your Kokedama will keep growing - and that’s a good thing! Over time, roots may begin poking through the moss ball. When this happens, you’ve got a few options:
- Wrap a fresh layer of moss and re-tie it to give the roots more space
- Trim the roots back carefully and prune the plant to match (a bit like bonsai)
- Let the roots grow naturally and make sure the moss stays moist so they don’t dry out
Keep an eye on how the moss is holding up. If it starts to look tired or patchy, it might be time for a refresh. Re-mossing is easy and a great excuse to make another Kokedama at the same time!
Need Advice?
Got a question about your Kokedama? Just ask. We’re always happy to help! You can pop into the shop, drop us a message via email or instagram, or send us a photo if you’re not sure what’s going on.