Kokedama
In its own language: 苔玉
A Japanese moss ball with a plant growing from it, displayed or hung as living decor
Kokedama is a Japanese style of displaying a plant in a ball of soil wrapped in moss. The moss ball can rest on a dish or be hung, and is made by shaping soil around the roots and covering it with moss. Kokedama is popular in Japanese gardens and homes as a natural, living ornament.
- Kokedama means 'moss ball' in Japanese
- It is made by wrapping soil and plant roots in moss
- Kokedama can be displayed on a dish or hung in the air
- It is popular in Japanese gardens and homes
What is Kokedama?
Kokedama is a round ball of soil, usually a mix of akadama (a type of clay soil) and peat, with a living plant growing from it. The soil ball is covered in green moss, which is wrapped tightly around the outside. The whole bundle is held together with wire or string. Kokedama can be displayed on a tray or dish, or suspended in the air, making it a striking and natural piece of living decor.
Where does Kokedama come from?
Kokedama comes from Japan, where it developed as a blend of traditional bonsai, nearai (a style where plants are grown without pots), and kusamono (seasonal grass displays). The word 'kokedama' means 'moss ball' in Japanese. It is sometimes called the 'poor man's bonsai' because it uses simple materials and does not require a pot. Today, kokedama is a popular feature in Japanese gardens and homes.
How Kokedama is made
To make kokedama, wet akadama soil and peat are mixed and shaped into a ball around the roots of a chosen plant. The ball is then covered with a layer of moss. Wire or string is wrapped around the moss to hold everything together. Some kokedama are hung using the wire, while others are placed on a dish. Plants that like shade work best, as direct sun can dry or brown the moss.
When and where Kokedama is used
Kokedama is used as a decorative feature in Japanese homes and gardens. It can be placed on a surface or hung for display. The moss ball needs regular watering, often by soaking when it feels light. Kokedama brings a touch of greenery indoors and is valued for its simple, natural look. It is especially popular in Japanese-style gardens and as a houseplant arrangement.
Forms of Kokedama
Kokedama can be made with many types of ornamental plants, though shade-loving species are preferred. The size and shape of the moss ball can vary, and some are designed to be hung while others sit on trays. The style can be adapted to different plants and spaces, making each kokedama unique.
What Kokedama means
Kokedama reflects Japanese appreciation for nature and simplicity. It is linked to the traditions of bonsai and kusamono, but is more accessible and informal. Kokedama is now found in Japanese gardens and homes, and its popularity has spread to other countries as a form of living art and natural decoration.
Questions people ask about Kokedama
Where does kokedama come from?
Kokedama originated in Japan. It combines elements of bonsai, nearai (growing without pots), and kusamono planting styles.
What is kokedama made of?
Kokedama is made by shaping a ball of akadama soil and peat around a plant's roots, then wrapping it in moss and securing it with wire or string.
How is kokedama displayed?
Kokedama can be placed on a dish or tray, or suspended in the air using wire or string. It is used as a decorative plant arrangement.
What plants are best for kokedama?
Plants that prefer medium to full shade are best for kokedama, since direct sunlight can dry or brown the moss.
Is kokedama related to bonsai?
Yes, kokedama is related to bonsai and shares some techniques, but it is simpler and does not use a pot. It is sometimes called the 'poor man's bonsai.'
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Kokedama", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More of the same kind
Decoration
Vase
An open container for holding and displaying cut flowers
Arrangement
Decoration
Floriculture
The science and business of growing flowers and ornamental plants
Arrangement
Decoration
Ikebana華道
The Japanese art of arranging flowers with form and meaning
🇯🇵 Japan · Arrangement
Decoration
Nageirebana抛入花
A free-form ikebana style using tall vases and no flower holders
Arrangement
More from Japan
All the flowers of Japan
Decoration
Sōgetsu草月流
A modern school of Japanese ikebana open to all materials and styles
🇯🇵 Japan · Arrangement
Decoration
Tokonoma床の間
A Japanese alcove for displaying scrolls and flower arrangements
🇯🇵 Japan · Arrangement
Decoration
Bonsai盆栽
The Japanese art of shaping miniature trees in shallow pots
🇯🇵 Japan and 7 more · Art or design
Decoration
Bouquet
A creative arrangement of flowers, given or displayed for many occasions
🇨🇳 China and 1 more · Arrangement