The Different Types of Kokedama Plants (and How to Choose)

One of the most common questions people ask when they first encounter a kokedama is simple: what plant is that? The answer, it turns out, matters more than you might think.
Not every plant thrives when its roots are wrapped in a ball of soil and natural fiber. The kokedama form makes specific demands — the root system must tolerate being enclosed in a relatively compact sphere, the plant must cope with the particular moisture cycle of soaking and drying, and ideally, its visual proportions should complement the kokedama form rather than overwhelm or diminish it.
The plants that work best in kokedama form share certain qualities: adaptability, moderate root growth, tolerance of consistent moisture, and a visual character that suits the sculptural simplicity of the form. What follows is a guide to the most successful kokedama plants — what makes each one work, how to care for it, and how to display it.

Ficus — The Signature Kokedama Plant

If kokedama has a signature plant, it is the ficus. This is not accidental. The ficus genus — which includes species like Ficus ginseng, Ficus retusa, and Ficus microcarpa — has a long and deep history in Japanese horticulture, particularly in bonsai. The transition from bonsai to kokedama is natural, almost inevitable.
What makes ficus exceptional in kokedama form is the combination of its visual qualities and its practical resilience. A ficus kokedama has an architectural quality that few other plants can match: the trunk often develops a thick, sculptural base, the branches create elegant lines, and the small, glossy leaves provide dense, balanced foliage. It looks considered. It looks intentional. It looks, frankly, stunning.
From a care perspective, ficus are forgiving. They tolerate a range of indoor light conditions (though they prefer bright, indirect light), they are not overly sensitive to slight variations in watering frequency, and they adapt well to the moisture cycle of the kokedama soak method. Their root systems are compact enough to thrive in the ball for extended periods before needing to be refreshed.
Display suggestion: A ficus kokedama is at its best on a surface — a wooden tray, a ceramic dish, a stone slab. The upright, tree-like form benefits from being grounded, and the contrast between the dark, textured trunk and the coconut-fiber-wrapped base is visually striking. Place it where it can receive bright, indirect light — near a window, on a desk, or on a shelf where it can be seen and appreciated as a sculptural object.
Our Ficus Kokedama is our signature piece. For a complete guide to keeping it healthy, see our Ficus Kokedama care guide.

Ferns — The Moisture Lovers

Ferns are perhaps the most naturally suited plants for kokedama. Their love of consistent moisture aligns perfectly with the kokedama's ability to hold and slowly release water. And visually, the combination of feathery, delicate fronds and the earthy solidity of the ball is deeply satisfying — a contrast that feels both wild and composed.
The best fern species for kokedama include the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), the maidenhair fern (Adiantum), and the bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus). Each brings a different character: the Boston fern is lush and cascading, the maidenhair is fine and ethereal, and the bird's nest is bold and architectural with its wide, undivided fronds.
Ferns do require more attention to humidity than some other kokedama plants. They prefer a consistently moist environment and will show their displeasure quickly — browning tips, curling fronds — if allowed to dry out too much or placed in air that is too dry. For MORI pieces, focus on steady soaking and ambient humidity rather than trying to keep an outer moss layer alive.
Display suggestion: Fern kokedamas are exceptional when suspended. The cascading fronds of a Boston fern hanging from a ceiling hook, the planted sphere above and the green waterfall below, creates a display that is genuinely arresting. Hang them in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity is naturally higher, or near a window with filtered light. A group of fern kokedamas at staggered heights creates a lush, forest-like atmosphere.

Pothos and Epipremnum — The Trailing Stars

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and its close relatives are some of the most popular houseplants in the world, and for good reason: they are nearly indestructible, they trail beautifully, and they come in a range of leaf patterns from solid green to variegated gold and silver.
In kokedama form, pothos are spectacular. The planted sphere becomes the anchor point from which long, leafy vines cascade downward — and the longer the vines grow, the more dramatic the effect. A mature pothos kokedama, hung at eye level or above, with vines trailing a metre or more, is one of the most visually impactful plant displays you can create.
Care is straightforward. Pothos tolerate low light (though they grow more vigorously and maintain better variegation in bright, indirect light), they are forgiving about watering frequency, and their root systems are compact and well-suited to the kokedama form. They are, in many ways, the ideal beginner kokedama plant.
Display suggestion: Hang them. Pothos kokedamas are made for suspension — from a ceiling hook, a curtain rail, a macramé hanger, or a shelf bracket. Position them where the vines have room to trail freely. A pothos kokedama in a corner, with vines spilling down a wall, turns a dead space into a living feature. They also work well on a high shelf where the vines can cascade over the edge.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) — The Elegant One

The peace lily is an underrated kokedama plant. Its combination of deep green, glossy leaves and graceful white spathes (the modified leaves that look like flowers) brings an elegance to the kokedama form that few other plants can match. It is refined without being delicate.
Peace lilies are well-suited to the kokedama form because they naturally prefer consistent moisture — their roots enjoy the regular soaking cycle — and they tolerate lower light conditions better than most flowering plants. They are also excellent communicators: a peace lily that needs water will droop visibly, then perk back up within hours of being soaked. This makes them surprisingly easy to read.
There is a particular beauty in a peace lily kokedama in bloom. The white spathe rising above the wrapped base has a simplicity and purity that feels entirely in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic that kokedama embodies.
Display suggestion: Peace lily kokedamas work best on a surface — a low table, a bathroom counter, a bedroom shelf. They have an upright, composed habit that suits a grounded position. Their tolerance of lower light makes them ideal for rooms that don't get direct sunlight — hallways, bathrooms, north-facing rooms. Place them on a simple ceramic dish and let the contrast between the white bloom and the natural base speak for itself.

Philodendron — The Versatile Shape-Shifter

The philodendron genus is vast, and several species work beautifully as kokedamas. The heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is the most common choice — a trailing species with dark, heart-shaped leaves that cascade from the root ball in a way that is both lush and controlled.
But upright philodendrons work too. Species like Philodendron birkin (with its striking white-striped leaves) or Philodendron congo (with its bold, upright growth) bring a completely different character to the kokedama form. The variety within this genus means you can find a philodendron that suits almost any display style.
Care is generally easy. Philodendrons are adaptable, tolerant of a range of light conditions, and their root systems behave well in the confines of a compact kokedama. They are robust enough for beginners and interesting enough for experienced plant keepers.
Display suggestion: Trailing philodendrons are natural candidates for hanging — treat them similarly to pothos, with plenty of room for the vines to cascade. Upright philodendrons work better on a surface, where their distinctive leaf shapes can be appreciated at eye level. A Philodendron birkin on a dark wooden tray, its white-striped leaves glowing against the natural fiber base, is a genuinely beautiful composition.

Succulents — The Surprising Choice

Succulents in kokedama form might seem counterintuitive. These are plants that store water in their leaves and prefer dry, well-drained conditions — the opposite, you might think, of what a compact root ball provides.
And yet, with the right approach, certain succulents work surprisingly well. The key is the soil mix: a succulent kokedama should use a much higher proportion of akadama and gritty, fast-draining material than a standard kokedama. The outer layer should stay light, and the watering frequency should be much lower — soaking briefly and infrequently, allowing the ball to dry out almost completely between waterings.
The visual effect is striking. A rosette-forming succulent like an echeveria, its pale geometric leaves emerging from a simple natural sphere, creates a contrast that is unexpected and genuinely eye-catching. It is not the easiest kokedama to maintain, but for someone who enjoys the challenge and appreciates the unusual aesthetic, it is worth trying.
Display suggestion: Succulent kokedamas belong on a surface, in bright light. A sunny windowsill, a south-facing shelf, a bright kitchen counter. Display them on a mineral surface — a flat stone, a concrete tray — that echoes their arid origins. These are statement pieces, best appreciated individually rather than in groups.

Herbs — The Functional Kokedama

Herbs bring kokedama into the kitchen. Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, parsley — all can be grown in kokedama form, turning a functional plant into a beautiful one. There is something deeply satisfying about reaching for a hanging kokedama above your kitchen counter and pinching off a sprig of basil for a dish.
Herbs are not the longest-lived kokedama plants. Annuals like basil will complete their life cycle in a single season. Perennials like rosemary and thyme will last longer but may eventually outgrow the ball. This is not a problem — it is simply a different relationship. Herb kokedamas are seasonal, practical, and refreshingly unprecious.
Care is similar to growing herbs in any other container: plenty of light (most herbs want direct sunlight), regular watering (herbs are thirsty), and occasional harvesting (which actually promotes bushier growth). The kokedama form adds beauty to what is otherwise a purely utilitarian plant.
Display suggestion: Hang herb kokedamas in a kitchen window, or arrange them on a wooden board on the counter. Group several different herbs together for a functional herb garden that doubles as a living sculpture. The combination of textures — the rough moss, the different leaf shapes, the varied greens — creates a display that is as beautiful as it is practical.

How to Choose Your Kokedama Plant

Choosing the right plant for your kokedama comes down to three questions.
What light do you have? If your space is bright and sunny, almost any kokedama plant will work — ficus, succulents, herbs, and pothos will all thrive. If your space is lower light, lean toward ferns, peace lilies, and philodendrons, which tolerate shade more gracefully.
How do you want to display it? If you want to hang your kokedama, choose a trailing plant — pothos, philodendron, or Boston fern. If you want it on a surface, choose an upright plant — ficus, peace lily, or bird's nest fern. The display method should feel natural for the plant's growth habit.
How much attention do you want to give it? If you want a forgiving, low-maintenance kokedama, start with pothos or philodendron. If you enjoy a more attentive relationship, ferns and herbs will reward your care. And if you want a single, sculptural, long-lived object that becomes a genuine centrepiece, a ficus is the answer.
Whatever you choose, remember: the kokedama form transforms any plant into something more intentional, more tactile, and more beautiful than a pot can offer. The plant you choose is the beginning of a relationship — and the right choice is the one that suits your life.

Start with our signature piece — the Ficus Kokedama, handmade in Lisbon. Or explore our full collection.