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How to Make a Kokedama: DIY Kits and Step-by-Step Guide

ByPamela Troup

Looking for a creative way to display your houseplants? Kokedama, meaning “moss ball” in Japanese, is a beautiful, natural technique that transforms a plant into a living sculpture. At Highland Moss, we offer everything you need to make your own — from handmade kokedama kits to workshops and private sessions, all using peat-free soil and sustainably sourced moss featured at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, BBC Gardeners’ World, and other top UK garden shows.

Vibrant kokedama plant arrangements featuring lush greenery on a clean white background.

What is Kokedama?

Kokedama is a traditional Japanese method of growing plants that have recently become more popular and taken over home decor and plant-related social media. Many people admire those moss balls with plants because of their unique and stylish appearance. 

Creating kokedama involves wrapping the roots of a plant in potting mix shaped into a ball and then covered in moss to create a unique ball shape, sustainable container for the plants. The word “kokedama” literally translates to “moss ball” in Japanese and is closely related to bonsai art.

The beautiful, lush ball of moss holds your plant, creating an interesting and visually appealing way to display plants in the home or workplace. Kokedama can be also used in SPA rooms, Yoga studios and beauty therapy salons to bring calming atmosphere. , whether suspended from the ceiling or resting on a dish, will bring a calming ambience to any room. Kokedama can be presented in two ways, either hanging from the ceiling or placed in a dish. Fishing wire can be used to hang kokedama and create the optical illusion of levitating plants.

What You Need to Make a Kokedama

To create your own kokedama, you’ll need:

  • Kokedama soil – Our handmade, peat-free mix includes responsibly sourced sphagnum moss and other premium ingredients.
  • Fresh moss – We use Scottish carpet or feather moss for most houseplants, and sphagnum moss for orchids.
  • Plant of your choice – See below for the best options.
  • Fishing line or nylon thread – To wrap and secure the moss.
  • Jute string or macrame – For hanging or decorating.
  • Scissors – For trimming string and moss.
  • Bowl or dish – To mix the soil and soak your kokedama.
  • Water – Essential for mixing and maintenance.

All of these are included in our Kokedama DIY Kits, available in two sizes and suitable for small or medium houseplants.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Kokedama

  • Wrap the soil ball with moss, you can trim the moss and spray to make it easier to wrap
  • Cover roots with another part of soil ball
  • Place roots on one part of the soil ball
  • Split the soil ball into two pieces
  • Mix potting mix with water and make a ball
  • Clean roots of the plant before placing into your kokedama soil ball
  • The ideal kokedama soil should be easly stick together to create a ball
  • Reshape the soil to create a ball shape
  • Kokedama can be presented in a terracotta dish
    1. Mix the soil: Add water to the kokedama mix until it sticks together.
    2. Prepare the plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen excess soil from the roots.
    3. Form the soil ball: Shape the wet soil around the roots into a firm ball.
    4. Wrap with moss: Press moss around the ball, covering it completely.
    5. Secure with thread: Wrap tightly with fishing line or nylon thread to hold the moss in place.
    6. Add jute or macramé: Optional, but great for hanging or decoration.
    7. Display and enjoy: Hang in a bright spot with indirect light or place on a dish.

    Every kit from Highland Moss includes full step-by-step printed instructions and a QR code linking to care tips.

    Young man holding a kokedama plant in a lush indoor greenhouse setting.

    Best Plants for Kokedama

    Gardening workshop: participants potting ferns, using tools, in a plant-filled, relaxed environment.

    Choose plants that enjoy consistent moisture and moderate to bright indirect light. Ideal kokedama plants include:

    • Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
    • Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant)
    • Ficus Ginseng
    • Spider Plant
    • Peperomia (e.g., caperata, obtusifolia)
    • Calathea, Maranta
    • Peace Lily
    • Pilea peperomioides
    • Orchids (Phalaenopsis, with sphagnum moss)
    • Philodendron scandens
    • Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos)
    • Asparagus Fern, Blue Star Fern, Boston Fern

    Pet-friendly options include Calathea, Maranta, Fittonia, and Spider Plant.

    Plants Not Suitable for Kokedama

    Some plants are best avoided in kokedama due to their dry-soil needs:

    • Succulents and cacti – Overwatering risk and moss dries out too fast.
    • ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, and String of Pearls – Prefer dry, well-drained soil and bright sun.
    Phalaenopsis orchid with white petals, pink centres, kokedama base, and moss on stone.

    Ready to try it yourself? Whether you’re crafting at home or joining a workshop, kokedama is a fun, meditative way to bring nature indoors.

    Explore our DIY kits, handmade kokedama, and upcoming classes on HighlandMoss.com

    Highland Moss Kits, Handmade Kokedama & Workshops

    We offer:

    • Kokedama DIY Kits – Everything you need, including peat-free soil, moss, string, care guide, and instructions.
    • Handmade Kokedama – Pre-made by our team using lush plants and high-quality moss.
    • In-person Workshops – Learn the craft with expert guidance at our Aberdeen shop.
    • Private Bookings – Great for birthdays, groups, or creative team-building activities.

    Every kokedama made or sold by Highland Moss includes our signature moss — hand-collected in Scotland and trusted by top designers at Chelsea Flower Show.

    Looking For More Knowledge

    If you’re looking for more information on how to care for your plants, be sure to check out our other articles on plant care. We have articles on a wide range of topics, including how to treat common pests, how to choose the right soil and fertilizers, and how to propagate your plants. Our articles are packed with useful tips and information that can help you get the most out of your plants. Whether you’re a serial plant killer, a beginner or have your own lush jungle, there’s something for everyone. So take a look and see what you can learn!

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