Kokedama is a Japanese plant-growing technique in which the roots are wrapped in a ball of moss and tied with string. The result? A living sculpture that looks stunning – whether resting on a plate, hanging from a cord, or decorating a shelf. And best of all: even in Czech apartments, it's a way of caring for plants that any beginner can get used to.
What is kokedama and why is it so popular?
The word kokedama comes from Japanese – “koke” means moss and “dama” means ball. It's an old Japanese technique that is now spreading around the world as a decorative alternative to classic flower pots. The plant grows directly in a ball of substrate and peat moss, which retains moisture while still letting the roots breathe.
Kokedama is popular mainly because it's aesthetically minimalist – no plastic pot, just a pure natural form. What's more, it can be hung from a string, placed on a stone or a wooden tray, creating a genuine botanical installation anywhere in your home.
Which plants are suitable for kokedama in Czech conditions?
Not every plant tolerates having its roots wrapped in moss. The best-performing varieties are those that tolerate fluctuations in moisture, have a more compact root system, and don't need very frequent watering. Here are the best choices for Czech apartments.
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera is an icon of modern interiors – and it looks absolutely exceptional in a kokedama. Its large, deeply cut leaves create a beautiful contrast with the green moss ball. It thrives in a bright room with diffused light, without direct sun. In Czech apartments it's completely undemanding – it tolerates partial shade and temperature fluctuations.
Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
Schefflera, with its characteristic palmate leaves, is one of the longest-cultivated houseplants here. It's ideal for kokedama thanks to its compact root system and low maintenance needs – it tolerates both brighter and dimmer corners of the home. It grows slowly, so the moss ball stays nicely shaped for months.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lily is a great choice for kokedama mainly because it lets you know when it needs water – its leaves droop slightly. This is especially useful for kokedama, where there's no water reservoir. It also blooms with attractive white flowers and copes very well with conditions in Czech homes – lower air humidity, less light, and central heating.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum / Pothos)
Golden pothos is practically indestructible – which is exactly why it's one of the most popular plants for kokedama among beginners. Its shoots naturally cascade downward, so a moss ball covered in pothos looks like a living waterfall. It tolerates partial shade, drying out, and overwatering alike, putting it at the top of the low-maintenance ranking.
How to care for kokedama in Czech conditions?
Caring for kokedama is simple, it's just a little different from classic watering. Here are the basic rules for successful growing in a Czech home:
- Watering by soaking – submerge the kokedama once every 1-2 weeks in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes, until the moss stops bubbling. Then let it drain.
- Light – most suitable plants prefer a bright spot without direct sun. North- or west-facing windows are ideal, or a spot 1-2 meters from a window.
- Air humidity – Czech apartments tend to have dry air in winter because of heating. Regularly mist the moss with a spray bottle, or place the kokedama on a tray with pebbles and water.
- Temperature – ideally 18-24 °C year-round. Don't place the kokedama in a draft or near cold windows in winter.
- Fertilizing – once every 4-6 weeks, add a liquid houseplant fertilizer to the watering water at half strength.
- Renewing the moss – after 1-2 years the moss may start to dry out or grow mold. Simply replace it with fresh peat moss – the plant will stay healthy.
Get a kokedama from Elario
Don't want to make your own kokedama, or looking for the right plant to pull it off? At Elario we offer houseplants grown in semi-hydroponics – they're healthy, resilient, and ready to be repotted into a moss ball. Each plant is hand-picked and potted with love.