What Is Kokedama
Kokedama is a Japanese moss ball planter that wraps a plant's root ball in soil and living moss instead of using a pot. The word kokedama translates to "moss ball" in Japanese. This centuries-old art form has become a trending plant craft in the Philippines, appearing at plant markets, cafes, and home decor shops across Metro Manila. Making kokedama at home is straightforward and costs far less than buying finished ones.
The Philippine climate actually gives kokedama an advantage. High humidity keeps the moss covering green and alive for longer than in dry climates. The warm temperatures suit most kokedama-friendly tropical plants perfectly. You can hang kokedama indoors near windows, outdoors under covered patios, or display them on trays as table centrepieces.
Materials Needed (With Philippine Prices)
- Akadama soil P150 to P300 per bag (bonsai shops or Shopee). This Japanese clay soil holds shape when wet. If unavailable, use regular clay-heavy garden soil mixed with peat moss.
- Peat moss or coco peat P50 to P100 per block. Provides moisture retention and lightweight structure.
- Sheet moss (sphagnum) P80 to P200 per bag from plant markets or online sellers.
- Cotton twine, jute string, or nylon fishing line P30 to P60. Nylon is invisible but cotton and jute give a natural look.
- A small plant with roots P30 to P120 depending on variety.
- Bowl of water for soaking materials.
- Plastic sheet or newspaper to protect your work surface.
- Scissors for cutting twine.
- Hanging hook and string (optional) P20 to P50 for ceiling-hung display.
Total cost per kokedama runs between P150 and P400, depending on the plant you choose. Pre-made kokedama at markets sell for P300 to P800.
Step-by-Step Kokedama Build
- Prepare the soil mix. Combine 2 parts akadama (or clay soil) with 1 part peat moss in a bowl. Add water gradually and knead the mix like dough until it holds together when squeezed. It should feel like wet clay, not dripping wet.
- Soak the sheet moss. Place your sheet moss in a separate bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes. This makes it pliable and easy to wrap around the soil ball.
- Remove your plant from its pot. Gently shake off excess potting soil from the roots. You want mostly bare roots but do not strip them completely clean.
- Form the soil ball. Take a handful of your soil mix and flatten it into a disc about 2 cm thick and wide enough to wrap around the root ball. Place the plant roots in the centre.
- Wrap roots in soil. Mould the soil mix around the roots, pressing firmly to form a round ball. Add more soil mix as needed to create an even sphere about the size of a softball (8 to 10 cm diameter).
- Apply the moss layer. Squeeze excess water from the soaked sheet moss. Lay pieces of moss over the entire soil ball, pressing them firmly onto the surface. Overlap pieces to prevent gaps.
- Wrap with twine. Hold the moss-covered ball in one hand. Start wrapping twine around it in random directions with the other hand. Wrap tightly enough to hold the moss in place but not so tight that you crush the ball. Think of wrapping a ball of yarn.
- Cover all areas. Continue wrapping until the twine creates a grid-like pattern across the entire surface. Tuck any loose moss edges under the twine as you go.
- Tie off the twine. When the ball feels secure, cut the twine and tie it off with a firm knot. Tuck the loose end under existing wraps.
- Add hanging string (optional). For hanging display, tie a separate length of strong string or fishing line through the twine wraps at the top of the ball. Create a loop long enough for your desired hanging height.
Best Plants for Kokedama in the Philippines
Choose plants that tolerate moisture fluctuations and enjoy the humidity of the Philippine climate.
Top Choices
- Ferns (Boston, maidenhair, bird's nest). Ferns are the classic kokedama plant. They love the consistent moisture of the moss ball and thrive in Philippine humidity. Hang them in bright indirect light.
- Pothos. The trailing vines create a stunning hanging display. Pothos tolerates irregular watering and grows in low to bright light. One of the hardiest kokedama plants available.
- Peace lily. The white flowers add elegance to hanging displays. Peace lilies tell you when they need water by drooping, making them easy to care for in kokedama form.
- Orchids (phalaenopsis, dendrobium). Orchids naturally grow on tree branches without soil in the wild. The open root structure of kokedama mimics their natural growing conditions perfectly.
Other Good Options
- Philodendron compact varieties suit the small soil volume well.
- Peperomia stays small and handles the moisture cycles of soaking and drying.
- Spider plant produces trailing babies that dangle below the moss ball beautifully.
- Succulents work in kokedama but need less soaking. Water every 5 to 7 days instead of the usual 2 to 3 days.
Premium Soil for Your Kokedama
Our loam soil blends beautifully into kokedama mixes. Same-day delivery across Metro Manila via Lalamove starting at just ₱75 per pack.
Care in the Philippine Climate
Philippine humidity helps kokedama survive longer between waterings, but the heat creates its own challenges. Follow these care tips.
- Soak every 2 to 3 days. Submerge the entire moss ball in a bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbles stop rising. Squeeze gently and let it drain before rehanging.
- Mist the moss daily. Use a spray bottle to mist the outer moss layer each morning. This keeps the moss green and prevents the surface from drying out and turning brown.
- Avoid direct afternoon sun. Philippine afternoon sun (12pm to 3pm) is too intense for most kokedama. Place them in bright indirect light or morning sun only.
- Feed monthly. Add a few drops of liquid fertiliser (quarter strength) to the soaking water once a month during the growing season.
- Watch for mould. Philippine humidity can encourage mould growth on the moss surface. Improve air circulation around your kokedama. A small fan nearby helps in poorly ventilated areas.
- Trim as needed. Prune trailing plants before they become top-heavy and pull the kokedama off its hanging hook.
- Rewrap every 12 to 18 months. The moss and soil ball naturally break down over time. Remove the old moss, reshape the soil, and wrap with fresh moss to extend the kokedama's life.
Display Ideas for Your Kokedama
Kokedama are versatile display pieces that work in many settings around your home.
- Hang at different heights. Group 3 to 5 kokedama near a window at varying heights for a floating garden effect. Use clear fishing line for an invisible hanging look.
- Display on a tray. Place kokedama on a shallow ceramic dish or wooden tray for table centrepieces. Add pebbles around the base for a zen garden feel.
- Arrange on shelves. Set kokedama on open shelving units in living rooms and kitchens. The round shape adds organic texture to modern interiors.
- Give as gifts. Kokedama make unique gifts for housewarmings, birthdays, and plant-loving friends. Package in a simple box with a care card.
- Sell at markets. Many Filipino plant crafters sell kokedama at weekend markets and bazaars for P300 to P800 each. The materials cost under P200 per piece, making this a profitable side craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I water a kokedama in the Philippines?
Water a kokedama by soaking the entire moss ball in a bowl of room-temperature water for 10 to 15 minutes. The ball should feel noticeably heavier when fully soaked. Let it drain for a few minutes before hanging it back up. In the Philippine climate, soak your kokedama every 2 to 3 days during the dry season and every 3 to 5 days during the rainy season. Mist the moss surface daily to keep it green and prevent the outer layer from drying out and turning brown. The high humidity in the Philippines actually helps kokedama retain moisture longer than in drier climates.
Where can I buy kokedama materials in the Philippines?
Sheet moss is available at plant markets like Cartimar in Pasay and QC Memorial Circle. You can also find preserved moss on Shopee and Lazada by searching for "sheet moss" or "sphagnum moss." Akadama soil is sold at specialty bonsai shops and some garden centres. If you cannot find akadama, use a mix of regular clay soil and peat moss as a substitute. Garden twine and nylon fishing line are available at any hardware store or fishing supply shop. Many Filipino kokedama makers source their moss directly from mountain provinces like Benguet and Ifugao.
How long does a kokedama last?
A well-made kokedama lasts 1 to 2 years before it needs rewrapping. The moss covering naturally breaks down over time, especially in the humid Philippine climate. The inner soil ball compresses and may become root-bound as the plant grows. Signs that your kokedama needs rewrapping include moss turning completely brown despite regular misting, roots pushing through the moss surface, and the ball falling apart during soaking. Rewrapping is straightforward. Remove the old moss, trim excess roots, reshape the soil ball with fresh mix, and wrap with new sheet moss. The plant itself can live indefinitely with proper care and regular rewrapping.
