Have you ever wondered if any plant can be transformed into a kokedama? While almost any plant can be adapted to this Japanese technique, selecting the most suitable species makes all the difference in ensuring your kokedama is long-lasting, decorative, and easy to maintain. In this article, you'll learn in detail: What are the best plants for kokedamas?, the fundamental selection criteria and comprehensive recommendations for each type of plant, expanded with the most comprehensive and practical information in the sector.
What plants are most recommended for kokedamas?
The kokedama technique allows you to use a wide variety of plants, although not all adapt equally well. Ideal plants usually share certain
characteristics:
- Resistance and ease of care.
- Slow growth, to maintain the ball shape longer and avoid constant transplants.
- Preference for indoor environments and stable moisture tolerance, thus protecting the moss and extending the life of the composition.
- Compact or short roots, which facilitates the formation of the substrate sphere and prevents damage to the plant.
Although You can make kokedamas with outdoor plants, it is almost always advisable to start with indoor species, as they are more resistant to temperature changes and avoid exposing the moss to direct sunlight.
Key criteria for choosing the best plant for your kokedama
- Location: Whether it will be indoors or outdoors. It's common to choose indoor plants to avoid damaging the moss from the sun or frost.
- Light requirement: Preferably plants that do not require direct sunlight.
- Growth rate: Slow-growing plants allow your kokedama's shape to be preserved longer without intervention.
- Root type: Avoid plants with very long or invasive roots; opt for compact roots.
- Humidity management: Plants that tolerate variable humidity are less likely to develop root problems in the moss ball.
- Esthetic: Consider whether you prefer a hanging kokedama, an upright one, or one with slender stems.
List of the best plants for kokedamas
- Ficus Ginseng: Very resistant, small bonsai appearance, attractive aerial roots.
- Pachira aquatica (Water Chestnut): Braided trunk, fast growth, tolerates irrigation errors.
- Chamaedorea (Parlor Palm): Perfect for indoors, matures slowly, easy to care for.
- Beaucarnea recurvata (Elephant's foot): Great resistance, bulging and original trunk.
- Asparagus (Ornamental Asparagus): Light leaves, elegant appearance, vigorous growth.
- Monstera adansonii and deliciosa: Leaves with perforations, very decorative, tolerate humidity.
- Maranta y Calathea: Colorful foliage, moderate growth, ideal for humid environments.
- pothos y philodendrons: Robust, adaptable and very grateful hanging plants in moss balls.
- Spatifilo (Spathiphyllum): Large, shiny leaves, due to their watering needs, ideal for those who forget to water.
- Anthurium: Striking red flowers, large, glossy leaves. Requires a warm, humid environment.
- bromeliadsExotic and easy to care for, their roots adapt well to the kokedama format.
- ferns (especially mini fern): Leafy, ideal for shady environments, watch the watering.
- Phytonia: Compact, colorful and perfect for small kokedamas.
- Ribbons (Chlorophytum comosum or Malamadre): Hanging, resistant and very decorative in suspended compositions.
- Ivy (Hedera helix): It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, ideal for hanging.
- Coleus: Colorful foliage, suitable for adding a touch of liveliness; prefers bright locations but without direct sunlight.
Kokedamas with aromatic and culinary plants
Yes, it's possible too! Mint, basil, thyme, and rosemary can thrive in kokedama, although since they're generally outdoor plants, they'll be easier to grow on balconies, terraces, or areas with good light and ventilation. To grow them indoors, place them in well-lit, well-ventilated spaces, avoiding radiators and dry environments.
Can kokedamas be made with cacti and succulents?
Outdoor plants for kokedamas? Considerations and examples
What size and type of plant is the perfect choice?
The ideal plant size for a kokedama is usually a pot about 12 to 18 cm tall, allowing the root system to fit into a 10-12 cm diameter moss ball and eliminating the need for radical root pruning. This prevents stress and allows the plant to adapt quickly.
What do you need to make your own kokedama?
- A suitable plant as explained above.
- Clays (Akadama preferably, although it can be substituted with another type).
- Substratum adapted to the chosen plant (indoor, special for orchids, cacti/succulents, etc.).
- Musgo, preferably sphagnum moss for moisture retention. You can use live or dried moss, depending on the plant.
- strong thread (preferably green to camouflage it).
- Water to shape the ball and hydrate the moss.
How to make a kokedama step by step
- Substrate preparation: Mix organic substrate (or appropriate substrate) with akadama or vermiculite. Moisten until you get a moldable paste.
- Root preparation: Remove the plant from the pot, clean off excess soil, and trim roots if necessary.
- Ball formation: Gently surround the root ball with the moist substrate, forming a compact sphere.
- Placing the moss: Wrap the ball completely in moss and moisten if necessary. Make sure it covers the entire surface.
- Thread fixation: Tie the moss with several turns of thread, crossing in different directions, and tying a strong knot at the end.
Basic care and tips to keep your kokedama healthy
- Light: Place it in a bright location, without direct sunlight, to prevent the moss from drying out.
- Irrigation: Soak the ball in water until it stops bubbling, let it drain, and replace it. Mist the moss occasionally to keep it green and vibrant.
- Subscriber: Use liquid fertilizer diluted in irrigation water during growing periods.
- Maintenance: If roots are growing through the moss, it's time to expand the kokedama by adding more substrate and moss to the ball.
- Moss: It's essential for the appearance and health of kokedama. Sphagnum moss is the most commonly used, but alternatives like coconut fiber or burlap can be used, especially if you're growing succulents.
Frequently asked questions about plants and kokedamas
- What do I do if roots are growing out of the ball? Expand the substrate and moss to keep the plant growing healthy.
- How long does a kokedama last? With proper care, it can last for years and only requires periodic maintenance.
- Can it be done without moss? Yes, with coconut fiber, thread or burlap as an alternative.
Kokedamas combine art, botany, and creativity, transforming plants into truly living decorative pieces. By choosing the right species and providing them with the proper care, you'll discover an original way to grow and decorate your space, enjoying the pleasures of nature every day. Feel free to experiment; the variety of kokedama plants is almost endless, and each one can add a unique touch to your home!