Everything you need to know about Kokedamas.
Koke (moss) Dama (ball)
CARE
Soak it.
Depending on the size of your kokedama, fill a bowl, bucket or sink with room temperature water. Matching the temperature helps to minimize shock for the kokedama when it gets watered.
Place your kokedama in the water, plant side up. Push the moss ball down so that it is fully submerged and begins to absorb water. Allow to soak for 10-25 minutes, or until fully saturated.
Remove kokedama from the water, and gently squeeze to allow excess water to drain. Allow kokedama to drip dry in a colander before returning it to its home.
Mist it.
Many kokedama appreciate misting in addition to a good soaking. If your kokedama is awkward to move, misting is your friend. Use a bottle that casts a fine mist and spray on and around plant foliage. Take care to mist in the morning, when the light is gentle, so that the plant foliage doesn’t burn in the hot sun.
Feed it.
During spring and summer, fertilize your kokedama monthly with a liquid indoor plant fertilizer. Our preference is Amgrow Organic Harvest fertiliser at 1/2 the recommended concentration.
Simply mix the fertilizer into the water and soak as usual.
Light it.
A well lit area out of direct sunlight is usually the happiest place for a kokedama but it depends on the type of plants. Check the origin of the plant and try to recreate that level of light.
Ferns, philodendrons, and orchids will thrive in low, filtered light. Sun-worshipping succulents and tropical plants will love a sunny window position. Avoid areas with hot or cold drafts (heating or cooling vents). Keep an eye on any new plants to see how they react to their new home.
Display it.
Group them to make a fantastic display or use a single one as a focus point, there are no limits to how to display a kokedama. Here’s some of our favorite ideas.
Hang from the ceiling or a beam.
Balance it on a twisted piece of wood.
Arrange 3 at different heights.
Place it in a decorative bowl as a centrepiece.
A little history.
Kokedama evolved from a style of bonsai called Nearai. The trees were removed from their pots, root washed and mounted on pottery or wood to display the simple beauty of the tree. Kokedamas are a reflection of Wabi-sabi principles and are a living organic plant sculpture, suspended in its own ball of soil wrapped in moss and held together with string.
Wabi-sabi- the beauty of transience and imperfection.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Browning Leaves.
Kokedama are susceptible to over and under watering just like any other potted plant. Leaf browning and crisping around edges tends to indicate under-watering. If you can’t remember the last time it had a drink, it’s time for a good soak!
Your kokedama will need more water during periods of active growth (in spring and summer.)
Yellowing Leaves.
Yellow leaves, brown "mushiness" of the leaves or stems or black stems at the base tends to indicate over-watering. Remember, all plants require less water during dormancy in autumn and in winter. Let your kokedama dry out a little longer in between watering.
Light- too much or too little?
Too Little
The plant starts to dramatically grow towards the light.
Leaves begin to curl upwards.
New growth is much smaller than original leaves and may have less color.
Plants grow spindly with elongated stems.
Flowering plants stop producing blooms.
Too Much
Brown or sunburned spots develop on its leaves.
Leaves begin to yellow and fall off.
Plants with bright colors will begin to fade.
The plant looks scorched, especially on the light-facing side.
