How to Care For and Maintain Kokedama Plants

Kokedama is fast becoming a popular form of household garden art that more and more people are becoming interested in. Kokedama is a form of traditional, centuries old Japanese garden art that has close ties with bonsai. The focal part of Kokedama is a moss ball that serves as the support for a tree or plant, and the ball can either be hung or displayed on a platform. It serves wonderfully as both a visual centerpiece and a household plant, and if you take proper care of them they can last quite a while. To that end, we’ve put together some quick tips on how to care for and maintain kokedama plants.

When and How to Water

Typically you will be able to tell when our kokedama plant needs watering by feeling the weight of the moss ball. If it’s quite heavy, that means it’s got plenty of water. If it feels on the light side, you will need to give it some moisture. Based on where you are displaying your kokedama, the frequency of watering will vary but the maximum amount would be one to two times a week, no more.

There are a couple of different ways to water a kokedama plant. If yours are on the larger size, it would be best to fill a container (sink, bowl, or bucket) with water that is room temperature and then fully submerge the moss ball part of the plant so that it can absorb the water. This usually will take anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes (or until the moss ball is completely saturated with water). After that, you can remove the kokedama plant from its submersion and squeeze it carefully to get rid of excess water. Before you put it back in its place, place it in a strainer or something similar to let it drip dry.

Kokedama plants can also be misted to receive moisture. A spray bottle that has a fine mist setting will work fine, and all you need to do is mist the plant and its leaves. The best time to do this is in the morning when the sunlight is not too bright. 

If you’re worried about owning a kokedama that’s too big and requires a lot of effort to water, consider purchasing a Kokedama DIY Kit, such as this one from Green Leaf Lounge. The kokedama contained within is of an easily manageable size, and makes a great gateway project to get into kokedama as a hobby!

When and How to Fertilize Kokedama Plants

The recommended fertilizing times for your kokedama are monthly during both spring and summer. You can use an indoor fertilizer in liquid form and it’s suggested you do so at half the recommended concentration. All you need to do is mix the fertilize into the water (for soaking or misting) and then carry on as you usually would. As with any plant, if you suspect the kokedama needs a bit more fertilizer, go ahead and do so but be careful not to overwhelm it!

Pay Attention to the State of the Leaves

Despite their unique appearances, kokedama plants are very similar to traditional potted houseplants in that they can suffer from underwatering and overwatering. The leaves will convey to you what’s wrong, so pay attention to the way they look. Brown leaves or stems with a mushy texture, along with yellowing leaves and black stem bases can be indicative of overwatering, whereas browning leaves and a crispy texture can be a sign of underwatering.

It’s important to remember that all plants, kokedama included, will need less water during the dormant months of fall and winter than they will during the active months of spring and summer. 

A Innovative Twist on the Potted Plant

As you can see, the only thing that really differs from traditional potted plants and kokedama plants are what they are planted in. Kokedama can be just as easy to care for and maintain as any other kind of houseplant, so why not give them a try?

If you’re interested, consider some of the lovely kokedama plants that Bloominbee has to offer, like the Burle Marxii Kokedama. Available with a display plate or a jute hanger, Bloomibee’s kokedama will look lovely no matter where you choose to place them.