Kokedama, a Japanese horticultural art form, translates to “moss ball” and involves cultivating a plant in a sphere of soil wrapped in moss. This living sculpture eliminates the need for a traditional pot, creating a striking, minimalist display that can be hung or placed on a tray. Because the root system is encased in a compact ball, the watering process is unique and requires specific attention to maintain the plant’s health.
Identifying the Need for Water
The most reliable indicator that a kokedama requires water is the weight test, which measures the loss of moisture from the soil core. After soaking the ball thoroughly, lift it to gauge its weight and commit this feeling to memory. When the ball begins to feel noticeably lighter, it signals that the internal soil has dried out sufficiently and the plant is ready for rehydration.
The moss covering also provides secondary clues about the internal moisture levels. A well-hydrated moss ball feels firm and cool to the touch, retaining a vibrant green color. Conversely, when the core is dry, the moss may feel harder or appear paler, sometimes taking on a brownish hue. Watering only when the ball is light helps prevent root rot, a risk when the soil remains constantly saturated.
The Primary Soaking Method
The primary way to water a kokedama is through deep submersion. Begin by filling a container, such as a bowl or sink, with room temperature water, ensuring it is large enough to comfortably hold the moss ball. Using tepid water prevents shock to the plant’s roots.
Place the kokedama into the water, plant side up, and gently push the moss ball down until it is fully submerged. As the ball absorbs water, air bubbles will rise to the surface. Allow the ball to soak for 10 to 25 minutes, or until the bubbling completely stops, confirming the soil core is saturated.
Once the kokedama is fully saturated, lift it from the water and allow the excess water to drain away. Gently squeezing the moss ball helps to expel any remaining water. The ball should then be placed in a colander or on a rack to drip-dry before being returned to its display location.
Supplemental Moisture Maintenance
Between the primary deep soakings, certain methods can be used to maintain the health of the moss and the ambient humidity around the plant. Misting the moss and the foliage with a fine spray of water can help simulate a more humid environment. Misting should typically be done in the morning to allow the moisture to evaporate before cooler evening temperatures set in.
This external moisture application, however, does not replace the need for the deep soaking required to hydrate the roots within the soil core. Placing the kokedama on a humidity tray—a shallow dish filled with pebbles and a small amount of water—can increase the local air moisture content as the water evaporates. Grouping several kokedama or houseplants together also naturally raises the humidity in the immediate area through transpiration.
Troubleshooting Common Water Issues
Improper watering habits are the most frequent cause of kokedama decline, leading to two distinct sets of symptoms. Underwatering is indicated by a moss ball that feels surprisingly light, accompanied by signs like shriveled or crispy leaves and dull, faded foliage color. When this occurs, the corrective action is to increase the soaking duration to ensure the compact soil fully rehydrates.
Overwatering presents with signs stemming from saturated soil that suffocates the roots. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, a dark or mushy stem base, and the moss ball feeling constantly heavy and soggy. For an overwatered kokedama, the solution involves increasing the time between soakings and ensuring thorough drainage and aeration after each watering to prevent root rot.