One of my favorite ways to bring my Christmas decorations to life is by using real plants, leaves and flowers. From a wreath full of seasonal foliage to my newest passion, the festive kokedama.
Kokedama is a Japanese tradition that provides an alternative take on hanging baskets by growing plants in moss balls and lifting them from ceilings, pergolas, and other structures. By choosing Christmas plants to make kokedama, you can create living hanging decorations for your home or simply place them in the center of the table for your holiday gatherings.
(Image credit: Image taken by Mayte Torres via Alamy)
3 festive kokedama plants
The beauty of kokedama is that it can be done with almost any plant, so basically any Christmas plant can be used. However, I think the following three are the best options that are easiest for beginners and will instantly add a festive atmosphere to your home.
If this is your first time making kokedama, be sure to stock up on these essentials. Or use a kokedama kit (from Amazon):
The basis of Kokedama is a ball of moss that encloses soil and plant roots in a spherical shape.
Use twine to hold your kokedama together, creating loops for hanging. This roll measures 600 feet.
For houseplant kokedama, like the plants listed below, it's best to use an indoor potting mix. It is well draining and full of essential nutrients.
1. Poinsettia
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There is no better houseplant than poinsettia to transform into kokedama.
With bright red bracts (or modified leaves), these plants have become synonymous with the holiday season. For me, being able to style my poinsettia a little differently is key to elevating my houseplant display this time of year.
This is where the poinsettia kokedama comes into play. Just like caring for a poinsettia, it's important to keep it moisturized, warm and in a bright location.
If you don't, your kokedama will quickly fade and your poinsettia will drop leaves.
You should therefore soak the moss ball in water when it feels dry (note that it will dry out more quickly when hanging) and make sure that the room temperature remains between 18 and 22°C.
Find a poinsettia to turn into kokedama at Walmart, or purchase a moss ball planter (on Amazon) to create the look of kokedama with minimal effort.
I particularly like the idea in the picture above where LED lights (like these warm white string lights from Amazon) were used to brighten up the kokedama. You can also add other festive accents like pine cones or dried orange slices.
2. Hyacinth
(Image credit: Alexandra Bordeianu via Getty Images)
Although hyacinths are spring bulbs, they are one of the most popular indoor bulbs for Christmas.
There are so many ways to grow hyacinths indoors for the holidays, including growing them as indoor bulbs in water.
Hyacinth Kokedama is another unique variation. Even if you don't hang your kokedama, you can display it as a centerpiece for Christmas Day. The bright flowers that emerge from the moss make for an effective, natural table decoration.
It's best to make a hyacinth kokedama by first forcing it in soil (using this hyacinth bulb sprouting kit from Walmart) and then turning it into kokedama by wrapping its root ball in moss (using this moss sheet from Amazon).
3. Orchid
(Image credit: Getty Images/Sarah Hart)
Orchids are one of the extravagant plants that can be transformed into kokedama and you can give it a festive touch with Christmas orchids.
In addition to the popular moth orchid houseplant (from The Sill), there are a number of orchids that bloom at Christmas time and are ideal for transforming into festive kokedama.
The best varieties include the Star of Bethlehem orchid and the Mayflower orchid.
Follow orchid care advice to care for your kokedama orchid. This includes misting your kokedama moss ball regularly to keep the roots moisturized. You can use a glass plant diffuser (from Amazon) for this.
Note that your orchid kokedama will require a different potting mix than other types. This is because orchids require well-drained orchid bark (from Amazon) to thrive, or you can try making your own orchid potting mix.
FAQs
How long does kokedama last?
Kokedama can last for many years if cared for properly. This includes soaking the moss ball to provide the plant roots with sufficient moisture. You may need to upgrade to a larger moss ball as your plant grows larger and its root ball becomes larger. Make sure you also stay on top of the plant care of the particular plant you are growing in kokedama to maintain its health.
If you want to take your festive plant display a step further, you can think even more outside the box by using Christmas tree alternatives.
Shop for houseplant supplies
Mist your houseplants and kokedama plants with this green plant sprayer to increase humidity. It looks beautiful on a shelf every now and then.
This canvas garden apron is ideal for carrying tools easily. It features multiple pockets to maximize capacity.
These hand pruners are the perfect size for houseplants. With a carbon steel blade, it is rust resistant and will last for many years of use.