Mose Ball Wrapping Plant Maintenance?

Kokedama is a popular Japanese gardening technique that involves growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped with string or mono-filament fishing line. This unique way to style plants can be used to adorn walls, fences, balconies, shady alleys, hanging from trees, or on a decorative surface. To make a kokedama, strip the soil from the plant’s roots and use a special-clayrich soil blend to sculpt the plant into a ball, which is later bound with moss.

To ensure the moss ball stays healthy and vibrant, maintain a slightly moist and shaded environment, avoid letting it dry out in the sun, and give it a misting spray here and there, typically every 3-5 days. Display high-light plants in a bright window, but avoid especially sunny spots, as the moss ball will dry out too fast.

To water kokedama plants, fill a container with water to soak the ball of moss, usually requiring a regular soak or dip weekly. When the moss ball feels dry to the touch or the plant foliage begins to droop or wilt, it is time to water. Since moss is an essential component to the Kokedama, give it a nice spritz here and there with a mister to ensure it doesn’t dry out completely. Dampen the sphagnum moss in warm water to make it pliable so you can wrap it around the soil ball. Lay the sheet moss face down, set the soil ball in the center, and place in low to bright indirect light and protect from direct sun.

Mossballing originated in various places and requires moderate to bright indirect light. Soak the mossball about once a week and mist it between waterings to keep it fresh and green. The best way to determine if your plant needs water is to feel how heavy it is.


📹 How to Make Kokedama | tutorial and care, live moss ball houseplant

Complete live moss kokedama guide. Everything you need to know to make kokedama ❀ Materials mesh bag …


Can I touch my moss ball?

When replacing the water, it is recommended to gently squeeze and roll the Moss Ball Pets in order to effectively remove any accumulated debris and maintain their spherical shape. It is possible to pair them with fish or shrimp. The largest Marimo in the world, with a diameter of 95 cm, has been observed to grow at a rate of approximately 5 mm per year, which would suggest an age in excess of 200 years. These organisms require a certain degree of care and maintenance, and can be kept in a warm, dry environment.

Is it bad if my moss ball is floating?

Moss Ball Pets often float and sink in water due to photosynthesis, where oxygen bubbles generate oxygen. This is normal behavior and indicates a healthy pet. Moss Ball Pets can reproduce when kept in a large pool of water, but it is not recommended to split them as it can damage them and cause death. If lucky, they will reproduce and grow a bump. To help Moss Ball Pets grow faster, lower the temperature and improve water quality. This will help them grow and provide a healthy environment for their growth.

Does kokedama need sunlight?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does kokedama need sunlight?

Jungle cacti, epiphytes that grow in warm, humid forests, are ideal for kokedama due to their low light and moisture tolerance. They can be hung outdoors in summer as long as they are protected from direct sun. Other kokedama species include Rapsalis sp, Hatiora salicornioides ‘Drunkard’s bones’, Lepismium cruciforme, and Epiphyllum sp.

Fern kokedama prefer brighter light and less water than expected, but should not be allowed to dry out completely. They should be kept in medium to bright indirect light, watering when the moss feels dry but not crispy to the touch and the soil around the base is barely moist. Asplenium ‘Bird’s nest fern’, Asplenium ‘Mother fern’, and Davalia ‘Rabbit’s foot fern’ prefer bright indirect light and frequent misting.

Kokedama can go dormant when shocked, but new fronds will appear from the furry rhizomes as long as the plant is kept moist. It is essential to protect these plants from direct sun and ensure they are not allowed to dry out completely.

What kills moss balls?

Baking soda solution can be used to kill ball moss by desiccating it. Homeowners can create their own solution in a spray bottle, but the tank must be shaken to maintain it. The solution should be one half pound per gallon of water, or five pounds to 10 gallons for larger treatments. The best time to use baking soda is late winter to early spring, when trees are mostly bare, as it can leave a white residue on cars and nearby surfaces.

How to keep a moss ball alive?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How to keep a moss ball alive?

Marimo moss balls are a versatile aquatic plant that can survive various water conditions, including low-light and cooler temperatures. They thrive in clean, well-aerated water with moderate to high lighting, and have the unique ability to photosynthesise in both low light and complete darkness. Marimo moss balls are low maintenance, requiring minimal attention, and can improve water quality by absorbing nitrates and pollutants. They also act as natural filters, trapping debris and detritus, reducing the need for frequent water changes.

They are adaptable, thriving in various water conditions, making them a versatile addition to aquariums and terrariums. Marimo moss balls add visual interest and natural beauty to aquatic environments, and their unique appearance attracts hobbyists and enthusiasts. With proper care, Marimo moss balls can live for many years, providing enjoyment and beauty to their owners. They also have a calming and therapeutic effect, promoting relaxation for aquarium enthusiasts. Overall, Marimo moss balls are one of the simplest plants to care for.

Does moss ball need sunlight?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does moss ball need sunlight?

Marimo balls, native to lakes, do not require much light to thrive. They prefer a lower light situation, avoiding direct sunlight and providing plenty of low, indirect light. They live in aquatic environments, preferably submerged in cool water, preferably under 77°F. Freshwater, such as tap water, well water, distilled water, or rainwater, is suitable for marimo plants. To maintain their health, change the water every two weeks and allow it to sit out for a day before cleaning.

Marimo balls do not require supplemental fertilizer as they grow through photosynthesis and do not need a nutrient boost. They grow up to 5 millimeters per year and eventually reach 2 to 5 inches in containers or 8 to 12 inches in natural conditions. They are slow-growing, so don’t expect them to outgrow their tanks within a year.

How often should I water a moss ball plant?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How often should I water a moss ball plant?

Kokedama moss can develop brown patches over time due to their aging process. To maintain its health and vibrant appearance, maintain a slightly moist and shaded environment, avoid sun exposure, and give it a misting spray every 3-5 days. Water the moss ball well, and if living in an area with unfiltered hardwater, use distilled water or rain instead. Each plant has different light requirements, with Bonsai Trees preferring bright, indirect light, while Palm and Fern plants prefer low to medium light.

Ensure that the plants have access to light, as it is essential for their survival. In some cases, they can tolerate low light conditions, but it is crucial to ensure they have access to light to maintain their health.

How often do you water a moss ball?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How often do you water a moss ball?

Kokedama moss can develop brown patches over time due to their aging process. To maintain its health and vibrant appearance, maintain a slightly moist and shaded environment, avoid sun exposure, and give it a misting spray every 3-5 days. Water the moss ball well, and if living in an area with unfiltered hardwater, use distilled water or rain instead. Each plant has different light requirements, with Bonsai Trees preferring bright, indirect light, while Palm and Fern plants prefer low to medium light.

Ensure that the plants have access to light, as it is essential for their survival. In some cases, they can tolerate low light conditions, but it is crucial to ensure they have access to light to maintain their health.

How often should I water a kokedama?

If your Kokedama plant feels lightweight, it indicates it needs water. Watering is crucial for its wellbeing, and the more light it receives, the more it needs it. The recommended watering frequency is 1-2 weeks, but it depends on factors like Bonsai trees and Palm and Fern plants. To water your Kokedama, fully submerge the moss ball beneath the water’s surface and hold it submerged for about 5 minutes. Look for air bubbles rising to the surface, although they may not always be visible.

How long does a Kokedama plant last?

Kokedama, a Japanese garden art technique, is a ball of soil enclosed around a small plant’s roots, swaddled in moss and secured with twine. Its lifespan depends on factors such as climate, maintenance, and plant type. Kokedama, also known as The Poor Man’s Bonsai in Japan, can last between 2 to 3 years. The plant’s lifespan is influenced by factors such as climate, maintenance, and the type of plant used. After 2 to 3 years, the plant may start to outgrow its soil ball. Garden stores may also refer to them as string gardens due to their twine-wrapped roots.

Do moss balls float when happy?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do moss balls float when happy?

Moss Ball Pets often float and sink in water due to photosynthesis, where oxygen bubbles generate oxygen. This is normal behavior and indicates a healthy pet. Moss Ball Pets can reproduce when kept in a large pool of water, but it is not recommended to split them as it can damage them and cause death. If lucky, they will reproduce and grow a bump. To help Moss Ball Pets grow faster, lower the temperature and improve water quality. This will help them grow and provide a healthy environment for their growth.


📹 The Art of Kokedama | How to turn your Houseplants in Kokedama / Moss ball display + Care tips

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great day! My apologies for the late upload, but in today’s video, I’m going to show you …


Mose Ball Wrapping Plant Maintenance
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

20 comments

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  • Thank you for this well thought out and explained tutorial. It is so lovely to see such a well spoken young man doing positive, creative, informative high-value content. And your fur babies were the icing on the cake. I just got 2 kittens 2 weeks ago after one of my older cats passed and the ensuing chaos is just so funny!

  • Hi Benji, I must say for a young man teaching us this method is amazing, plus ur voice is soft & gentle, pleasing to the ears, I feel that’s very important when one teaches. It also shows Love, compassion, & patience with ur craft. I truly admire ur articles, and I will continue to follow & share the new knowledge that you bring to the internet and YouTube ❤❤❤ We here in the states also use these clay balls called LECA Clay balls or beads, I had transferred all my plants from soil to the LECA balls, as it does NOT have tiny bugs in the house, like the ground soil or potting soil mix.

  • Hey Benji, I believe the second (cushion moss) ball you made was a tamandama rather than a kokedama, because you combined multiple plants to create a miniature garden, rather than highlighting a single specimen. While the difference can be somewhat fuzzy, if you intend to keep the ball alive long-term rather than as a temporary showcase, it’s definitely a tamandama, as that approach draws more from the Indonesian tradition.

  • Zero Water brand filter for the win! I’ve had one of the pitchers for years and I really notice the difference in taste, and use for my sensitive plants because it removes chlorine and TDS. Definitely has paid for itself many times over vs buying packaged filtered water. I see them on FB marketplace too pretty often. That and I water my plants with fish tank water and they love it. Already conditioned and fertilized. But now I have too many plants!

  • I have made four of these and my house has mini blinds I cannot remove so I went online to Walmart and ordered tension rods and white sheers the length of the windows and popped in the tension rods with the sheers behind the blinds. I can then keep the blinds opened all the way but the light if filtered from the sheers. It also gives a softened glow into the rooms from the bright white of the sheers. Both the tension rods and sheer curtains were super cheap and a great filter. I have one staged in a blue danube teacup on a saucer.

  • Hello Benji, I loved your article. I live in Switzerland and there is moss growing in the forest. One can also find moss growing on walls by the parks, especially when it rains a lot. Do you think that moss would be suitable to make a Kokedama?, The problem is, I have no clue at what type of moss it is.

  • This is amazing, Benji!! Other kokedama tutorials I’ve seen all use soil – which is really messy. QUESTION – can decomposed granite be used instead of the akadama? I sift DG for my succulent soil mix and save the larger pieces for topsoil, which are about the same size as the akadama. I’m worried it would be too heavy. So would using some vermiculite work for retention and to lighten it? It would be nice to use what I already have. I’m not able to find a good answer on Google yet 😅. Thanks for the great article!

  • Thank you for the tutorial I normally make Ikebana for friends at Christmas but have been thinking of making Kokedama having now watched you will definitely be making Kokedama’s as gifts this coming Christmas. Your home reminds me of the Eames House by Charles & Ray Eames both beautiful. x Im British so we always end with a X

  • I absolutely love this article. Thank you so much! I’ve never seen these before. I have been a plant person since I was 8 years old mostly growing cacti and succulents. Now I grow mostly caudiciforms. But I’m going to try making a couple of these and see if they do ok here in New Mexico where I live. It is pretty dry here, so it will be interesting to see if they will thrive in this environment.

  • Thank you for this well organized tutorial. Though I love kokedama, I live in San Diego about 10 miles inland, no air conditioning, west&east facing windows, under a sun that loves to hang out in the west facing windows and chat for about 5 hours (oh hey tree, I see you’re having ice cream for lunch today! want me to warm that up for you?) So I’ve been unable to provide the plants that require high moisture/shade what they need most. I feel like I might be able to have a few in the east facing windows. I appreciate all the information you generously provided. I have hope…

  • Benji, is it okay to clean off the roots and immediately place it into the substrate or is it better to let the roots air for a bit? And then how soon can you soak the kokedama after putting it all together? I’m so inspired to make one for myself! Thank you for the thorough tutorial. Also, love when Chris comes to give you a hand, my partner and I do that for each other, too! 🙂 Would also love to grab the tray, spade and tweezers you have!

  • Just a light warning, apparently Osmocote releases fertilizer at different rates depending on soil temperature. The 6-8 months is based off of a soil temperature of 70F or less, and upwards of 80F causes it to last only 3-4 months. Since kokedama are kept wet and have so much aeration and surface area for evaporation, it SHOULD be fine for most people, but just something to keep in mind depending on your climate.

  • ahh thank you Benji! This article motivates me so much to make one myself. I was wondering if you can use moss from the forest? I live in Germany and the moss you showed looks pretty much like the one that’s growing in the woods over here, so I might do some research and see if I can use that one too. Thought maybe you know it already 🙂

  • Wrapping the sphagnum moss to the ball looks so much like winding a yarn ball that, if you know someone who knits or crochets, you should have them teach you how to wind yarn into a Center Pull ball. Get the hang of that, which only takes a few minutes, and they should have a lot of confidence wrapping a fabulous ball.

  • You can make a base from stainless steel or a polymer rod. Any shape. Put a stocking on this curved rod. Then do as in the article. This way you can get fantastic structures from moss and plants growing from it. IMPORTANT! Thin tubes are used for irrigation. They are tied to the base and several holes are made with a hot thin needle. A smaller number at the bottom, a slightly larger number at the top. The lower end of the tubes is closed or sealed. Water is poured into the upper end of the tubes. There may be several tubes. It depends on the complexity of the design.

  • Wow, so excited to try this. My cart is loaded and I gotta wait til payday. lol. Fantastic article, Benji. And btw, you have expressed your gratitude for all of us following you through plant content, and home design, etc. I just want you to know – I would watch you watch paint dry. 🖌:face-red-smiling-live:😍🥰

  • I would use construction staples to hold the moss in place as you tie it. While they’re still stuck together, paint the backs of the staples a bright red so that they’re easier to locate and remove. They come in so many different lengths and would be reusable, even. You could use sewing pins but they won’t hold the sphagnum in place.

  • Be careful your cat Winnie will claw your tree and damage the trunk I had an indoor tree and my cat was clawing the tree and she made lines in the trunk of the tree with her Claws and eventually the tree died cats have a tendency to want to play, especially if they are young. You might want to invest in one of those things they use for cats to climb on and use for their Claws Hope this helps

  • Hi, Thanks, Really Interesting! Question, Why put Live Moss on Bottom? Does it still grow with Lack of Light? ^ Rock is Awesome idea! ^ 28:00 never mind, more reason display live moss ball, re: Hung under Dome. Very Cool. Does enclosure condensation create a ‘self watering’ environment, (tho) makes it harder to see? Raise bottom (feet) to clear glass … for those occasions. : }

  • Saludos desde Puerto Rico🇵🇷 Woooow!!!! 😳 Es el primer article de tu canal que veo y tanto el contenido como la presentación son de máxima calidad. Llevo casi cinco años que comencé a usar la técnica de kokedama y ver tu article fue emocionante por el profesionalismo en cada detalle. Acá tienes un suscriptor que compartirá tu article entre mis colegas. Gracias y Bendiciones. 🌱😊(17mayo2022)