Best Plants for Kokedama
Not every plant thrives as a kokedama. This page covers the best choices by growth requirements and appearance.
Ferns — The Classic Kokedama Choice
High humidity, indirect light, consistent moisture — perfect match.
Ferns — The Classic Kokedama Choice
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) are the most common kokedama subjects. Their love of humidity aligns perfectly with the moist moss ball environment. Both tolerate the low-light conditions of most interiors. The fern fronds draping around the moss ball are the quintessential kokedama aesthetic.
Pothos and Philodendron — Most Forgiving
Drought-tolerant, low light, unfussy — good for beginners.
Pothos and Philodendron — Most Forgiving
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and heartleaf philodendron tolerate longer intervals between watering and lower light than ferns. The trailing vines create a different visual effect from hanging ferns. These are the best choices if you want to learn the kokedama technique before committing to more demanding plants.
Herbs — Practical and Fragrant
Basil, thyme, and rosemary work but require full sun and frequent watering.
Herbs — Practical and Fragrant
Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint can be made into kokedama and hung in a sunny kitchen window. They require more water than most kokedama subjects (every 5 to 7 days) and full sun. Basil is a good starter herb kokedama — fast-growing, forgiving, and beautiful when the plant grows full above the moss ball.
Avoid Cacti and Succulents Succulents and cacti need excellent drainage and dry conditions between waterings — the opposite of what a kokedama provides. A succulent kokedama will root-rot quickly unless it is in a very well-draining mix and watered extremely infrequently. Use them only if you have experience with very dry kokedama care.