Kokedamas are planters made of soil and moss that are shaped into a ball and tied together with string. These Moss Ball Planters are easy to care for if you know a few simple facts about the plant and have the diligence to be its steward.
How much sun does you plant like? How much water does the plant prefer? How often does it like to be fed? (Resources for plant research can be found at the end of this page.)
Yes like many other living beings these plants need sunlight, water and food to survive. Below you will find step by step instructions for watering, feeding and what is to do as your plant grows.
HOW TO WATER
- Check the moisture level of the Moss Ball by picking it up (Check your plants water preference as listed above)
- Fill a bowl or the sink with water and soak the Moss Ball in the water for a few minutes or until the ball stops bubbling
- Remove it from the water and let the Moss Ball drip drain in the sink
- When the Moss Ball is done dripping return it to its usual place in your home or office
HOW TO FEED
In general for most plants feed them 1 time per month in the Winter and 2 times a month in the Summer.
- Mix an all purpose plant fertilizers* in with water as recommended by the directions on the packaging
- Feed the the plant by soaking the Moss Ball in the water, same directions as above
*For example: Dr. Earth Brand Fertilizers, Compost tea, Sea minerals, Miracle Grow
FOLLOW THE SUN
- Finding the right spot.
- For full sun plants find a south facing window or place in your garden that get 6 or more hours of sun each day. Preferring the sun all day and/or the intensity of the afternoon sun.
- Part-sun plants like between 3-6 hours of sun a day. Preferring locations in the morning sun.
- Sade loving plants can take 0-4 hours of sunlight a day. They prefer north facing windows and places in the garden that get very little sun.
- Rotate your plant 1/4-1/2 turn toward the sun every 2 weeks. This is especially important for indoor plants
- Observe.
- If you notice your plant growing “leggy” (longer stems and larger leaves) toward the light source then a stronger light is needed. Move it to a brighter location or add a ‘full-spectrum’ LED light to the area your growing plants in.
- If you see leaves wilting, yellowing and browning the plant could be getting too much sun. Check the water levels are correct and try a shady spot for a few weeks.
PLANT IT!
If you see roots growing out of the moss (or if you have been caring for the Moss Ball for 4-18 months) its time to plant it:
IN THE GROUND: Select a good location in your garden that will meet the need of your plant now and as it grows. Dig a hole larger than the Moss Ball Planter. It’s optional to remove the string from around the ball. Loosen the edges of the moss gently with your hands. Mix some compost into the soil in the whole you dug. Place the loosened Kokedama in the hole back fill any gaps with soil up to the neck of the plant. press the soil in firm around the plant. Cover the soil around the plant with 1-3 inches of mulch.
OR
IN A POT: Select a pot that provides the a few more inches of growing space for the plants roots to grow into. Put a few stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage. It’s optional to remove the string from around the ball. Loosen the edges of the moss gently with your hands. Mix some compost and potting soil together and add a layer to the new pot. Place the loosened Kokedama in the pot and back fill any gaps with soil up to the neck of the plant. press the soil in firm around the plant. It’s optional toover the soil around the plant with 1-3 inches of mulch.
*Depending on how cold hardy your plant is or isn’t will depend on if you can plant it in the ground or if it will need to go in a pot. Check the plant research resources below for more details or contact us to ask.
INGREDIENTS
Our Kokedama are made with 100% natural and biodegradable materials. We aim to select the most environmentally friendly products possible to make these planters.
The plant – sourced locally and nationally, Sunshine Mix Organic Potting Soil, Mushroom Compost, Long Fiber-ed Sphagnum Moss (Sustainably grown in Central Wisconsin), Jute Twine, Unbleached Cotton Cheese Cloth, Organically certified pesticides and fertilizer may have been added while in our care to assist in providing you with a healthy and happy plant
Plant growing resources
Plant Finder – Missouri Botanical Garden
Plant care information – University of Maryland
Common houseplant problems article
Common Indoor plant problems article