FAQ

What is a Kokedama?
Derived from Japanese botanical gardens, a Kokedama is a plant whose roots are encased in a moss ball. In English, koke (苔) means moss, whereas dama (玉) means ball. A myriad of plant types can be used to form a Kokedama, although we have a few recommendations below. A Kokedama can be either suspended using string or placed on a table, offering a unique artistic flair reminiscent of the ancient Japanese art of Bonsai. 

What is a Kokedama made out of?
Kokedama plants feature simple materials that yield an aesthetically elegant look. They are composed of the plant’s natural roots, soil, moss, and twine. The roots and soil are carefully formed into a sphere, then wrapped in moss and secured using the twine, which is wrapped in a criss-cross pattern to keep the moss in place. 

How do you water a Kokedama?
The best way to water a Kokedama is through submersion. After a 30-minute soak, we recommend placing a pot underneath your Kokedama until it stops dripping. We suggest using room-temperature water and waiting until your moss ball is completely dry before re-watering.

How long should I expect my Kokedama to last?
As with any household plant, the lifetime of a Kokedama depends on your environment, plant variant, and adherence to the care instructions. In general, your Kokedama plant will retain its form for 1 to 3 years. At that point, the roots may need more room for growth. In turn, we recommend reforming the moss ball with nutrient-rich soil and fresh moss. 

Can you eventually place a Kokedama in a pot?
If you decide that you’d prefer your plant in a pot rather than a moss ball, you can repot your Kokedama by first removing the moss and twine. Afterward, we recommend paying special attention to your plant’s location and watering needs. 

If my Kokedama outgrows the moss ball, what should I do?
Even will a small system of roots, your Kokedama plant may begin to grow outside of the moss ball after anywhere from 1 to 3 years. This is the sign of healthy growth, at which point you can either trim the roots for a temporary fix or rewrap your plant in a moss ball as a long-term solution. We recommend the latter.

Where is the best place to put a Kokedama?
You can either hang your Kokedama from the ceiling, place it on a tray, rest it on the window sill, or keep it outdoors. In any case, you should position your Kokedama in a location where the sunlight exposure is suitable to the type of plant. Of note, direct sunlight may dry out your Kokedama. The same is true for arid climates. In turn, we recommend closely monitoring your moss ball, using signs such as your Kokedama’s weight as a means to gauge watering frequency, and avoiding placing it near heaters 

What does it mean if the twine is breaking?
As your plant’s roots expand, the increased pressure can cause twine breakage. If your Kokedama’s twine begins to break, it may be a sign that rewrapping is in your near future. 

How can I prevent my Kokedama from smelling? 
If your Kokedama emits an unpleasant odor, it may need more airflow. We recommend lightly washing the exterior with antibacterial soap, temporarily dialing down your soaking frequency, and potentially repositioning your plant to a more airy location. Always remember to soak your Kokedama only when it has dried out. In turn, you can prevent or remove the foul smell. 

What should I do if my Kokedama starts growing mold?
Unfortunately, improper Kokedama care can result in mold. Once again, we recommend lightly using antibacterial soap to wash away the visible mold. Afterward, we suggest repositioning your Kokedama into an area with greater airflow. You may also consider moving it to an area with greater sunlight, as mold tends to prefer dark, damp environments.

What type of plant food is best for my Kokedama?
Kokedama plants come in a multitude of varieties. In turn, we recommend tailoring your plant food selection to your specific type of plant.