Kokedama: learn the technique and get inspired with fantastic arrangements

Kokedama is a Japanese technique that consists in wrapping the plant inside a sphere of moss, substrate, and clay, making it unnecessary to plant it in a vase.

Kokedamas can be suspended or also placed on supports. Whether to complement your garden or the interior decoration of your home, this technique guarantees long-lasting, practical and easy to care arrangements. Besides, it has a beautiful ornamental effect with its lovely and charming appearance.

Do you want to learn how to make this oriental technique yourself? Check out the step by step guide by the architect and plant lover Camila Borges, from Oficina Obí, to make a kokedama, and also which are the most indicated plants and the care you should take.

How to make a Kokedama step by step

The architect and landscape designer Camila makes several kokedemas and gives a step by step suggestion for you to follow and make it at your home. The steps are a very simple suggestion, without any difficulty. According to her, "each plant has a different need, but, in general, a mixture of substrate, sand and water are enough to make a kokedama". Check it out:

Material required

Camila suggests the following basic materials to produce a kokedama:

• A plant seedling of your choice;
• Substrate;
• Sand;
• Water;
• Dry or live moss;
• Sisal thread;
• Nylon.

Step by step

• Step 1: Choose a plant and remove as much soil as possible, taking care not to damage the root.
• Step 2: Make a mixture of substrate, sand, and water.
• Step 3: Wrap the mixture around the roots of the plant and mold to form a ball.
• Step 4: Cover with dry or live moss, wrapping the whole ball with light pressure.
• Step 5: finish with the ramie or nylon thread. go over all the sides like a ball of wool. finish with a knot.
• Step 6: If you want, you can add a long piece of nylon or wire to hang the arrangement.

Species that can be planted with this technique

Camila says that several plants can be used for kokedamas: "The succulent species such as crassulas, kalanchoes and haworthias adapt very well! Foliage such as marantas, alocasias and lambaris are also great options", she adds: "orchids also live well in kokedamas. In this case, use specific substrate for orchids.

How to care for

Regarding care, the professional gives the following tips:

• For the succulent, Camila recommends watering every 10 days approximately; for foliage such as maranta, the recommendation is every 5 days.
• The professional also reminds us that "kokedama is only a technique, therefore, the incidence of sun and watering time always varies according to each plant used. Thus, the care may vary according to the species chosen. The most important thing is to observe your plant and the way it develops.
• Prune away the dry leaves if they appear.

40 Kokedama pictures to inspire you

Do you like the idea of this oriental technique to hang your plants at home? Then check out some environments decorated with kokedamas:

1. hanging kokedama with metal hoop

This kokedama is a type of fern known as deer antler. It is a tropical plant and a good option for growing indoors. The arrangement is suspended in a metal hoop, a super modern idea.

2. hanging kokedama in the living room

In this room the decoration is complemented with a hanging kokedama. The plant used is the Adam's rib, a foliage that adds a lot of charm to the environment.

3. kokedamas on the veranda

In this balcony, the charm lies in the kokedamas placed as table decorations. You can use different plant species to form beautiful compositions.

4. the beauty of hanging kokedamas

String hanging kokedamas create a different and interesting decoration with plants. Create a hanging garden inside the home with this technique.

5. persian shield kokedama

This plant has an unusual purple hue and looks very special when grown in this oriental art. Known as the Persian shield, it is a hardy species, but must be kept in a well-lit place.

6. indoor decoration with kokedama

Add even more value to your interior decoration with a kokedama. Small wooden, stone, or ceramic bases can be used as supports.

7. kokedama with wood structure

A different way to display the kokedamas is to use a wooden frame. The set looks lovely and thus can be hung or placed on any surface.

8. tropical decoration with kokedama

The mini-palm kokedama, with the wallpaper and wood, add to the tropical feel of the foyer decor.

9. kokedama even in the kitchen

The lambari kokedama made the kitchen decor even more beautiful. Made with smaller plants, they fit into any space in the house.

10. hanging garden with kokedamas

Create a hanging garden with various species and sizes of kokedamas. For this beautiful composition, leafy plants such as monstera and peperomias were used.

11. perfect for the bedroom

Kokedamas also look great in the bedroom. For orchid arrangements, remember to use the specific substrate.

12. simple and amazing

Make kokedamas to use as table decorations and decorate your home. It is a simple technique to make and practical to care for. Besides, it is an amazing way to grow your little plant.

13. ivy Kokedama

Add a touch of life to that dull wall or "blank" space in your home. This hanging kokedama is made of ivy, a beautiful ornamental plant that needs little light to grow.

14. kokedamas with mini trees

Some species of mini trees can also be grown this way. In this space olive trees were used. In this case, you have to pay attention to the growth of the plants.

15. variety of kokedamas

The variety of plants that can be used in this technique is enormous. Many species can be used, but some are better adapted, such as succulents, orchids, and foliage such as ferns and lambsquarters.

16. small and delicate

In small environments, kokedamas can be used in a suspended form to make better use of the space. Also use species of small sizes, for smaller and delicate kokedamas.

17. modern decoration with kokedama

Here the ivy kokedama is suspended on a metal support and composes the table decoration in a modern and cool way.

18. kokedama with wooden stand

Very similar to Bonsai, this technique also has Japanese origins and does not require the use of pots. They can be framed, suspended, or just placed on a surface. You choose the best way to present your kokedama.

19. metal bracket

Kokedamas can be placed on various types of stands, just like vases. The metal stand is perfect for minimalist and Scandinavian style decorations.

20. hanging decoration

Kokedamas are a practical and different way of planting. Suspended, they make your space or garden much more charming.

21. table decorations

Add some charm to your decoration with kokedamas. These arrangements look beautiful and delicate as table decorations. They can be used alone, in pairs, or in sets of various species.

22. succulent Kokedamas

Succulent Kokedamas have a special charm, their small size is a differential. Form sets and compositions with several species.

23. orchid Kokedama

Orchids are great options to use this technique. Besides, it is a different way to cultivate and enhance your plants.

24. kokedamas with sisal

For the tying of the kokedamas, you can use sisal or an infinite number of materials: ramie twine, nylon, cotton threads, string. The choice and the layout will depend on your creativity.

25. tropical touch

Bring green into the kitchen, too! The mini-palm tree goes well in well-lit interiors, is low-maintenance, and adds a tropical touch to the decor.

26. charm and movement

The effect is full of charm and movement. Hang the species with nylon thread or wire, for example.

27. minimalist Kokedama

The metal-framed hanging kokedama results in a delicate, light and elegant form with a minimalist look.

28. unique beauty

Orchids are unmatched in their beauty and are even more enchanting as hanging kokedamas, so you can display all the charm of these species in privileged places in your home.

29. vase made of moss

One version of the kokedama uses only moss mulch, and even though it looks simple, the result is eye-catching.

30. touch of green

Kokedama is a very charming way to insert plants into your home decoration. Make your spaces much more inspiring with a touch of green.

31. mint kokedama

Spices, such as mint and rosemary, can also be cultivated with this oriental art, and the best thing is that they fit in any space. Have fresh herbs always at hand! How about setting up a vegetable garden with kokedamas?

32. a creative way to cultivate

Ideal for any space, this is a very creative way to grow plants. You can use an infinite number of supports to support your kokedamas: stones, ceramic plates, glass or saucers.

33. kokedamas for gifts

Kokedamas can also be made as gifts for friends and family. Succulents are perfect for this purpose, as they are beautiful, do not require much care, and are very versatile.

34. anthurium kokedama

Anthuriums also look very good with this technique and make beautiful tropical arrangements. This species requires little care, the main recommendation is to leave it in a well-lit place.

35. table arrangement with tuia holandesa

The Dutch Tuia is a plant very similar to a pine tree, and looks lovely as a kokedama. Ideally it should be in a place with plenty of sun, such as outdoor areas. A versatile species, it can also be used in Christmas decorations.

36. beautiful and creative arrangements

With an air of natural sculptures, the kokedamas make beautiful arrangements to decorate environments. The simplicity of the arrangement is allied to creativity with combinations of plants and bindings.

37. space is no problem

A kokedama adds charm to any corner of the house. One plant that looks beautiful when hung is the boa. Besides being beautiful and easy to care for, it also purifies the air.

38. peace lily kokedamas

With ornamental dark green leaves and charming white flowers, the peace lily is easily grown indoors.

39. kokedama Christmas decoration

Make kokedamas also with the parrot's beak flower. Its appearance with red colored leaves is widely used for decorative purposes, especially during the Christmas season.

40. beautiful and long-lasting arrangements

Kokedamas are an option for making beautiful long-lasting arrangements. The type of tying can give even more highlight. One option is the use of a natural element, such as ramie string, with a rustic appearance, which gives a special highlight.

Herbs, succulents or tropical plants, all look beautiful when grown with this oriental technique. Some species require specific techniques and materials, be aware. To keep your kokedama always beautiful and healthy, remember the necessary care and observe the development of your plant. Besides the wonderful result, this technique is also an excellent contact with nature.Enjoy and make beautiful arrangements for your home or garden!