Home + Garden Garden Container Gardens How to Make Japanese Moss Ball Planters By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 22, 2023 Trending Videos Make a pretty Japanese moss ball planter—also known as kokedama—with tropical plants and houseplants. Here are step-by-step instructions. 01 of 07 String Gardens Kokedama (ko-ka-DAH-ma), an ancient Japanese form of bonsai, zoomed from relative obscurity to Pinterest stardom when Dutch artist Fedor Van der Valk playfully hung several from string. The spherical "container" is really just a ball of moss and mud tied with string. Tropical plants and houseplants are good for beginners and will easily last a few years with proper water and light. How to Make Daffodil Kokedama 02 of 07 Step 1: Prep Your Plant Buy a plant that likes bright, filtered light. Gently remove all potting soil from the plant's roots with your fingers. 03 of 07 Step 2: Pack Into a Ball Combine peat and bonsai mix in a 2:1 ratio. Add water until mixture holds its shape. Pack a dense ball (like a snowball) around the roots, or form a ball and poke a hole with your finger. Tuck in the roots, then firmly repack. 04 of 07 Step 3: Wrap With Live Moss Wrap live moss (sold at plant stores) around the ball; secure the ball by wrapping twine several times around it. 05 of 07 Watering Tips for Kokedama Some people mist the moss ball daily; others wait until the ball feels light or dry and then submerge it in water. When bubbles stop rising from the ball, let it drain, then hang or display again. 06 of 07 Display Ideas Hanging your string garden makes a dramatic statement, but string gardens look lovely displayed on tables as well. 07 of 07 Light Show Kokedama planters share the spotlight with mini lanterns dangled from tree branches for a magical mood. Flameless votive candles operated with a remote on set on a timer are the safest, easiest option. 15 Spring DIY Projects Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit