Below are some general care tips for your kokedama. Additionally, we would suggest learning about the specific plant that you purchased. For example, ferns do not like direct sunlight, succulents are at risk of over-watering, etc.
Watering
Your kokedama should be watered once or twice a week. The easiest way to tell when it’s thirsty is by picking it up and seeing how heavy it feels. A dry kokedama will feel light and crunchy.
Soaking
- Fill a bowl with room temperature water.
- Place your kokedama in the water, plant side up.
- Submerge the kokedama and make sure it absorbs the water.
- Allow to soak for 15-20 minutes, or until fully saturated with water.
- Remove kokedama and allow it to drip dry before returning it to its given home.
Misting:
In addition to soaking, you can mist your kokedama. Spray on and around the leaves of the plant. This should ideally be done in the morning to avoid burning by direct sunlight.
Feeding
It is recommended that you fertilize your kokedama monthly in the spring and summer. This can be done by mixing liquid indoor plant fertilizer into the water before soaking. Use 1/2 the recommended concentration. This is optional, but your kokedama will thank you!
Suggested fertilizers:
- Big Bloom Liquid Fertilizer by FoxFarm (carried by most local nurseries)
- Teadrops by Earthworm Technologies
- All Purpose Plant Food by Miracle-Gro
Lighting
While every plant has different light requirements, most house plants will do well with indirect light. The majority of house plants cannot take full sun and can become burned or damaged if they receive too much direct sunlight.
Check out this guide on more details about lighting: https://www.houseplantsexpert.com/indoor-plants-lighting-guide.html
We also love this graphic shared by ReRoot Gardens in Denver:
Over and under watering
Like all houseplants, kokedama are susceptible to over or under watering. Signs to watch out for:
Under-watering
- Leaves that are turning brown, or beginning to become rough or crispy at the tips
- Wilting of any kind
Over-watering
- Leaves feel mushy
- Stems that are turning black at the base/neck of the plant
- Yellow and brown leaves
Plant-specific guides
- Bloomscape has an excellent set of guides for many houseplants.
- The Spruce has a very comprehensive list of plant guides. Just use the search bar in the top right to find your plant!