Koke translates as moss and dama means ball.
Kokedama are a centuries old Japanese form of garden art tied into the practice of bonsai and also known as poor man's bonsai. They are a traditional Japanese house-warming gift conveniently presented in their own living planter as well as a distinctive display piece. They are linked to bonsai but with a lean towards Wabi-Sabi, or accepting that which is transient and imperfect.
A true kokedama is one which has a similar soil makeup to bonsai but which can hold together as a ball - if this ball is dropped it should not fall apart. I make my own secret version at the little green studio.
All come with plant labelled and a specific care guide for moss balls to ensure long term enjoyment.
For inside these can be placed on a shallow dish that may then be topped up with water.
For the rule of thumb you can water when the outside begins to look dry or when it feels light to hold.
I recommend using rainwater to avoid choramines from tap water affecting the moss.
Another option for watering is to mist it daily with a water mister (ideal for the moss) and then every week to two weeks give it a soak. This can be done by placing your moss ball half submerged in a bowl with rainwater in it and leaving for 10 minutes. If the water is soaked up quickly then top up. A diluted liquid fertilizer may also be included in this soak every couple of months.
Some moss balls are suited to filtered indoor light, others can be made for bright positions outside. The ones I currently have in stock are more suited to morning or dappled light. There are two distinct types - those that can afford to dry out a little in between waterings and those that prefer to remain moist.
Plants are seasonal so some sizes and plants are not always available.
Medium and small are available year round.
Please see examples below.
small Ledebouria
Ledebouria socialis 'Violacea'
These little beauties can afford to dry out in
between waterings and will reward you with
a small white flower spike.
You will also find new 'pups' emerging so
you get big rewards for a small price.
Cute but not cuddly - these carry a warning
as they are toxic to animals and small
children.
Ball approximately 5-6cm in diameter.
$20
small Chamaedorea
SOLD OUT
Chamaedorea elegans
They're a classic small starter and very basic
to look after. When a frond is spent simply
snip back to the 'trunk' and wait for another
to emerge.
Ball approximately 5-6cm in diameter.
$15
medium
Adiantum raddianum
Some ferns are moisture lovers like these ones, others prefer to dry out
in between like the Pyrrosia lingua and Polypodium formosanum.
Whichever you prefer they are a lovely little talking point wherever you
want to enjoy them.
Ball approximately 10cm in diameter.
$35
large
Pteris cretica albolineata and Adiantum hispidulum
Not all the large kokedama have a
combination of ferns but they all look
striking and you'll be sure to notice
them wherever you choose for their
forever home.
Ball approximately 12-14cm in diameter.
$80
extra large
Ficus retusa microcarpa and Ficus pumila variegata
Huge impact from these and not always available,
they are a labour of love and I have found myself
talking people out of buying them unless truly
smitten, sigh.
They can afford to dry out in between waterings but
misting the moss and Ficus pumila variegata will
keep it happy.
Ball approximately 23cm in diameter.
$150