How to Make a Moss Ball: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moss balls, also known as kokedama, are a fun and creative way to add a natural element to your home decor These miniature gardens wrapped in moss are an ancient Japanese art form that have recently surged in popularity

It’s simple, cheap, and very satisfying to make your own moss ball. Easy-to-find items can help you make a living work of art for your home.

This guide has everything you need to know to make your own moss balls. You’ll learn how to:

• Select the right plant
• Make the soil base
• Add your plant
• Wrap with moss
• Secure the moss
• Insert a support stick
• Display your finished moss ball

Let’s get started!

What is a Moss Ball?

A moss ball consists of a plant’s roots encased in a ball of soil or growing medium, all wrapped up in a covering of live moss. The moss thrives in the humid microclimate next to the soil and helps retain moisture.

Mosses usually grow in mats or clumps, so it takes some skill to shape them into a ball. This charming art form began in Japan centuries ago. Moss balls are also called kokedama, which comes from the Japanese words for “moss” (koke) and “ball” (dama).

Materials Needed

To make your own moss ball at home, you will need:

• Small indoor plant like an African violet, orchid, or fern
• Sheet moss or Spanish moss
• Sphagnum peat moss
• Bonsai soil or potting mix
• Floral stem wire and wire cutters
• Long wooden pick
• Scissors
• Bowl of water
• Mist spray bottle (optional)

Step 1: Choose a Plant

Select a small houseplant that will thrive in the humid environment inside a moss ball. Good options include:

• Air plants
• African violets
• Mini orchids
• Small ferns
• Peperomia
• Nerve plants
• Creeping fig
• Prayer plants

Avoid succulents and cacti which require excellent drainage. Also steer clear of plants prone to rotting like African violets.

Step 2: Make the Soil Base

Combine equal parts peat moss and bonsai soil or potting mix in a bowl. Slowly add water while mixing with your hands until you achieve a firm yet malleable clay-like consistency.

Form the mixture into a ball approximately the size of a small orange or grapefruit.

Step 3: Add the Plant

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off any old clinging soil from the roots. Make a hole in your soil ball and gently place the plant’s roots inside.

Cover the roots with soil, leaving only the plant’s crown above the ground.

Step 4: Wrap in Moss

Briefly soak sheet moss or Spanish moss in water until pliable. Place the moss on a flat work surface. Put the soil ball in the center.

Lift the edges of the moss up and around the soil ball. Wrap moss over the soil, enclosing it completely so no soil shows through.

Mist with water to help the moss adhere if needed.

Step 5: Secure the Moss

Use floral wire to wrap around the moss-covered soil ball. Start at the top and wind downwards, making at least 2 crisscrossing passes over the surface.

Twist the ends of the wire together once the ball is fully wrapped. Trim off any excess wire.

Step 6: Add Support

Insert a long wooden pick down through the center of the ball for stability. Angle it diagonally if hanging the moss ball.

Step 7: Display Your Moss Ball

Show off your handmade moss ball in a wood bowl, hanging from fishing line, atop a piece of driftwood, or displayed in a clear vase or jar.

Keep moss balls out of direct sunlight to prevent drying out. Mist occasionally to boost humidity.

Caring for Your Moss Ball

Caring for your moss ball is easy with just a few simple maintenance tips:

• Water by soaking the entire moss ball in room temperature water when it feels lightweight and dry. Let soak for 10 minutes then allow excess water to drain off before returning to its spot.

• Mist occasionally between waterings.

• Fertilize weakly once per month.

• Repack in fresh moss annually as the old moss dies off.

• Repot in a larger moss ball or pot if the plant outgrows its space.

Tips for Making Perfect Moss Balls

Follow these tricks for crafting gorgeous moss balls every time:

• Choose compact, slow growing plants that like humidity.

• Use clay-heavy bonsai soil mixed with peat for moisture retention.

• Wrap moss extremely thoroughly over the ball, leaving no gaps.

• Floral wire gives a seamless hold and clean look.

• Support larger moss balls with a pick or piece of driftwood.

• Keep new moss balls in a stable spot for 1-2 weeks before watering.

• Check moss balls daily at first and water at first sign of dryness.

• Display out of direct sun and away from heat sources.

Get Creative with Moss Balls

Once you master the basics, get creative with designing your own custom moss balls:

• Make mini moss ball terrariums or bottle gardens.

• Craft moss bonsai trees for a living work of art.

• Group moss balls together for a fabulous centerpiece.

• Hang moss balls at varied heights from fishing line.

• Nestle moss balls into a tray of river rocks or pebbles.

• Show off moss balls in glass bowls, jars, or cloches.

• Give made-to-order moss balls as gifts for other plant lovers.

The possibilities are endless when you make your own moss balls. It’s a calming activity and they add life to any space. With proper care, these living artworks can thrive for many years.