Kokedama — hanging plants in coconut fibre balls

Without a pot, the plant becomes a decorative object: wrapped in a ball of natural coconut fibre, it hangs from a simple cord in front of a window, above a desk or in a corner of the living room, or sits on a tray. Inspired by Japanese art, the kokedama brings a light, graphic touch of greenery, perfect for small spaces and minimalist interiors.

What is a kokedama?

In Japanese, "koke" means moss and "dama" means ball: traditionally, the plant's root ball is coated in soil and moss and held together with string. Our Kokodama and Kokopot models are handmade from natural coconut fibre, which is sturdier and easier to care for. The plant grows in its own compost, protected by the fibre, which holds moisture while letting the roots breathe.

Our kokedamas

Monstera Minima (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) unfurls its small split leaves for a tropical hanging display. Pilea peperomioides, the Chinese money plant, offers round, graphic leaves. Maranta Mix brings together three prayer plants whose leaves fold up at night. Tillandsia Birdnest Mix gathers eight soil-free air plants on their coconut nest. Jungle Mix combines three tropical plants with contrasting textures, and Kokopot String features a trio of trailing succulents in coconut fibre pots.

Watering a kokedama

A kokedama is watered by soaking: when the ball feels light, dip it for 10 to 15 minutes in a bowl of room-temperature water, until bubbles stop rising. Then let it drain for a few minutes before hanging it back up. Allow roughly one soak a week in summer and every two weeks in winter, a little less for the Kokopot succulents. Tillandsia are happy with a quick dip or a weekly misting.

Where to put a kokedama

Place it in a bright room, away from scorching direct sun, radiators and draughts that dry out the fibre. Hung from a ceiling hook, a rail or a shelf, it pairs well with our decorative hanging plants and trailing plants. Set on a saucer, it becomes an original centrepiece.

Caring for a kokedama

In spring and summer, add a houseplant fertiliser to the soaking water once a month. Remove damaged leaves and turn the ball from time to time for even growth. After a few years, when the roots grow well out of the fibre, the plant can be moved into a pot or a new ball.

Precautions

Maranta, Pilea and Tillandsia are non-toxic to cats and dogs and are among our pet-friendly plants. Monstera Minima, however, is toxic if eaten: hang it out of reach of children and pets.

An original gift

Ready to hang, with no pot or repotting, a kokedama is an easy and original gift idea. Find more inspiration in our Green decor and Plant gift ideas collections.