Kokedama, meaning “moss ball” in Japanese, is a beautiful and minimalist way to display plants without traditional pots. This technique, rooted in Japanese bonsai art, involves wrapping plant roots in a ball of soil, covered with moss and secured with string. Whether you want to hang them or place them on a tray, kokedama adds a natural and elegant touch to any space.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make your own kokedama at home, covering materials, plant selection, and step-by-step instructions.

What you’ll need: materials & tools

Base materials (for the soil ball)

✔ Universal substrate – Provides a balanced growing medium for the plant.
✔ Perlite – Improves aeration and drainage.
✔ Akadama – A clay-based soil used in bonsai that helps retain moisture while providing good drainage.
✔ Worm castings – Adds essential nutrients for plant health.

For wrapping & binding

✔ Sphagnum moss – Helps retain moisture and keeps the soil ball together.
✔ Cotton or nylon string – Used to secure the moss around the soil ball. Choose a natural jute twine for a rustic look or a thinner black thread for an elegant, subtle finish.

Choosing the right plant

Not all plants are suitable for kokedama. Choose plants that thrive in high humidity and adapt well to limited root space. Some great options include:

✔ Ferns (like Nephrolepis, Asplenium) – Love moisture and thrive in kokedama.
✔ Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Easy to care for and tolerates lower humidity.
✔ Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Adds a refined touch with its elegant flowers.
✔ Anthurium – A tropical plant that looks stunning in a moss ball.
✔ Small Monstera (Monstera adansonii) – A great option if you want a trailing effect.

💡 Tip: Avoid plants with delicate or thin roots, as they may struggle in the compact kokedama environment.

How to make a kokedama

1️⃣ Prepare the soil mix

✔ In a bowl, mix 2 parts universal substrate, 1 part akadama, 1 part perlite, and a handful of worm castings.
✔ Add water gradually and knead the mixture until it forms a firm, clay-like consistency that holds its shape when pressed into a ball.

💡 Tip: If the mixture is too dry, the ball will crumble. If too wet, it won’t hold together. Adjust by adding more akadama (for firmness) or perlite (for aeration).

2️⃣ Shape the soil ball

✔ Take a handful of the damp soil mixture and form it into a ball roughly the size of a grapefruit.
✔ Gently press the ball to compact the soil while ensuring it remains breathable for the roots.

💡 Tip: If you’re making a kokedama for a larger plant, adjust the size of the soil ball accordingly.

3️⃣ Prepare the plant

✔ Remove excess soil from the plant’s roots, being careful not to damage them.
✔ If the plant has long roots, gently trim them to fit into the soil ball.
✔ Create a small opening in the ball and insert the roots inside, pressing the soil around them to secure the plant.

4️⃣ Wrap the moss around the soil ball

✔ Soak the sphagnum moss in water for a few minutes until it becomes pliable.
✔ Squeeze out excess water and spread the moss evenly over the soil ball, covering it completely.

💡 Tip: Make sure the moss is evenly distributed to prevent the soil from crumbling.

5️⃣ Secure with string

✔ Wrap string around the moss-covered ball, crisscrossing in different directions to hold everything together.
✔ Tie a firm knot at the end.

💡 Tip: You can wrap the kokedama loosely for a natural look or create a tight web-like pattern for a decorative effect.

How to display your kokedama

Now that your kokedama is ready, decide how you want to display it:

• On a tray or ceramic dish – Place your kokedama on a shallow dish or wooden stand for a zen-like aesthetic.
• Hanging kokedama – Use additional string or clear fishing wire to suspend it from the ceiling or a hook for a floating garden effect.

💡 Tip: If hanging, make sure to choose a lightweight plant to avoid stress on the string.

How to care for your kokedama

Keeping your kokedama healthy is simple, but proper watering and placement are key. Check out our comprehensive guide on taking care of your kokedama.

Want to learn more? Join our kokedama workshops!

If you’d love to create your own kokedama with expert guidance, join our hands-on Kokedama workshops in Barcelona and Madrid! Learn the techniques, get personalized tips, and take home your own handcrafted moss ball.

📅 Check our upcoming workshop dates on Instagram and reserve your spot now!

🌱 Have you tried making kokedama before? Let us know in the comments!