This ancient technique blends nature and art, bringing a serene, minimalistic aesthetic into your home. Here’s how to make kokedama in just a few simple steps!
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Kokedama, or “moss ball,” is a unique form of Japanese bonsai that’s perfect for those looking to add an artistic touch to their indoor plant decor. It’s essentially a plant living in a soil ball, wrapped with moss and string, allowing it to be displayed either sitting on a surface or hanging in the air.
What you’ll need
Plant of Your Choice: Small, slow-growing plants work best. Some popular choices include:
- Ferns
- Pothos
- Spider plants
- Monstera
- Succulents (although they need less water, so adjust care accordingly)
Soil Mix:
- Regular potting mix (for most plants)
- Bonsai soil (optional, for moisture retention)
Moss: Sphagnum moss, river moss, or sheet moss is ideal for creating the outer layer.
String or Twine: Cotton or jute twine looks rustic, but any sturdy string will work. I prefer to use fishing line so you can’t see the string at all.
Bowl of Water: To make the soil ball, soak the moss and help keep everything together.
Scissors: For trimming.
how to make a kokedama
I visited KATU Afternoon to show them how to make a kokedama. Check out the segment!
step by step guide
Step 1: Prepare the Soil Ball
Mix the soil and bonsai soil (if using) in a ratio of 7:3 to ensure the soil has good moisture retention and drainage. Lightly moisten the soil mixture with water, just enough so that it holds together but isn’t overly soggy. Form the soil into a firm ball, roughly the size of a grapefruit, depending on the plant’s root size.
Step 2: Prepare the Plant
Carefully remove your plant from its pot, shaking off excess soil from the roots. You don’t need to clean the roots completely, but be gentle to avoid damaging them.
Step 3: Attach the Plant to the Soil Ball
Make a small opening in the soil ball where the roots of the plant will go. Gently place the roots inside and close the soil around them, making sure the plant sits securely in the ball.
Step 4: Wrap the Moss
Soak the moss in water for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water. Wrap the wet moss around the soil ball, pressing it firmly so it adheres. Ensure that the entire surface of the soil ball is covered in a nice layer of moss.
Step 5: Secure with Twine
Take your string or twine and begin wrapping it around the moss ball to secure the moss and the soil. You don’t need to cover the entire ball in string, just enough to hold everything in place. Once you’ve finished, tie the string off and trim any excess.
Step 6: Display Your Kokedama
Your kokedama is now ready to display! You can place it on a decorative dish or hang it using additional string. If you opt to hang it, tie a longer piece of string around the base of the ball, leaving extra length for hanging.
kokedama care
Watering: Watering kokedama is a bit different from traditional potted plants. Submerge the moss ball in a bowl of water for about 5-10 minutes, allowing it to fully absorb moisture. Then, gently squeeze out excess water and let it drain. Do this every 1-2 weeks, depending on the plant type and the dryness of the environment.
Light: Most plants used in kokedama prefer indirect light, so place your moss ball in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight.
Air Flow: Be sure to place the kokedama in an area with good air flow to prevent the moss from growing mold.
Trimming: Just like with other plants, regular pruning will help keep your kokedama looking fresh. Trim dead leaves and prune to maintain the shape you prefer.
Creating your own kokedama is not only a rewarding project but also a way to connect with the art of mindful, minimalist living. The result is a living sculpture that’s both easy to care for and a conversation starter in any space. Whether it’s sitting pretty on a coffee table or hanging from a window, your kokedama will bring a touch of natural beauty into your home.
If you like projects like this, you may also love this Upcycled Hanging Basket DIY and this Desert-Scape Project.