Care Instructions for some of our plants

Every MORI kokedama is a living thing. This page gives you plant-specific guidance for some of our plants, so you can care for yours with confidence — whatever's growing inside your home.

For general kokedama care visit our Care Hub. This page goes deeper, covering the specific needs of some plant types we work with.

🌿 General Care Principles (All Kokedamas)

Before diving into plant-specific guidance, these rules apply to every kokedama we make:

• Water by submersion — fill a bowl with room-temperature water and submerge for 15–20 minutes. Never pour water on top.
• Drain thoroughly — hold the kokedama over the sink after soaking and squeeze gently. It should feel moist but not dripping before you return it to its spot.
• Test weight to judge watering time — a dry kokedama feels noticeably lighter. When in doubt, lift it.

🍃 Pothos Kokedamas

Watering

Pothos are forgiving and adaptable. Water by submersion once or twice a week in summer and every 7–10 days in winter. Allow to start drying out slightly between waterings — pothos don't like to sit in permanently wet conditions.

Light

One of the most adaptable plants we carry. Pothos tolerate low light well, but their growth will be slower. For the best colour and vigour, give them medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can bleach the leaves.

Humidity

Comfortable in average household humidity. No special attention needed, though they'll reward occasional misting with lush growth.

Temperature

Comfortable between 15–29°C. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.

Common issues

• Yellow leaves: Overwatering is the most common cause. Let it dry slightly before the next soak.
• Leggy, sparse growth: Move to a brighter spot.
• Brown spots: Could be too much direct sun, or underwatering.

🌿 Peace Lily Kokedamas

(Spathiphyllum)

Watering

Peace lilies are vocal about their thirst — they'll droop dramatically when dry, which is their way of telling you it's time. Water by submersion once or twice a week. The kokedama should never fully dry out; keep it consistently moist.

Light

One of the best performers in low light. Peace lilies will grow in quite dim conditions, though they'll produce more flowers with medium indirect light. Avoid direct sun — it scorches leaves quickly.

Humidity

They appreciate humidity. Bathroom windowsills, kitchens, or near a humidifier are ideal spots. Mist the leaves regularly to keep them healthy and dust-free.

Temperature

Keep between 15–26°C. They're sensitive to cold — don't place near drafty windows in winter.

Flowering

Peace lilies flower best in bright indirect light. If your plant isn't flowering, try moving it to a slightly brighter position. Deadhead spent flowers by cutting the stem at the base.

Common issues

• Drooping leaves: Almost always underwatering. Soak immediately — they recover quickly.
• Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Try using filtered water occasionally.
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering or too much light.

🌳 Ficus Kokedamas

Includes: Ficus Benjamina, Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant), Fiddle Leaf Fig

Watering

Ficus prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Water by submersion once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. The kokedama should feel almost dry before the next soak.

Light

Ficus like bright, indirect light. Fiddle Leaf Figs especially dislike low light — position them near a large window but out of direct sun. Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant) is slightly more tolerant of shade.

Stability is key

Ficus don't like to be moved. Once you've found a spot that works, leave it there. Frequent repositioning causes leaf drop. If you must move it, do so gradually.

Temperature

Keep between 16–24°C. Avoid draughts, air conditioning vents, and cold windowsills in winter.

Common issues

• Leaf drop: Usually caused by relocation, overwatering, or a cold draught. Once settled, it should stabilise.
• Brown, crispy edges: Underwatering or low humidity. Soak and mist.
• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering. Let it dry out more between soaks.

🌿 Monstera Kokedamas

(Monstera Deliciosa)

Watering

Monstera like a good soak followed by a period of drying. Water by submersion once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. The kokedama should feel dry before the next watering.

Light

Medium to bright indirect light produces the best growth and fenestration (those distinctive splits in the leaves). In low light, leaves grow slower and may not develop their iconic holes. Avoid direct sun.

Humidity

Monstera appreciate moderate to high humidity. Mist regularly, or group with other plants to create a naturally humid microclimate.

Temperature

Comfortable between 18–27°C. They're tropical plants — they don't enjoy the cold.

Common issues

• No leaf splits on new growth: Usually insufficient light or the plant is still young. Improve light conditions and be patient.
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering. Allow more drying time between soaks.
• Brown tips: Low humidity. Mist more often.

🌿 Spider Plant Kokedamas

(Chlorophytum comosum)

Watering

Spider plants are easy-going about water. Water by submersion once or twice a week in summer and every 7–10 days in winter. They're tolerant of some neglect — better slightly underwatered than overwatered.

Light

They adapt to almost any light condition, from low to bright indirect. Their variegation (the white stripes) is most vivid in brighter light. Avoid harsh direct sun.

Offshoots (Spiderettes)

Spider plants produce trailing offshoots — small plants dangling on long stems. These can be left to trail decoratively, or removed and propagated in water to grow new plants.

Temperature

Hardy between 10–27°C. One of the more cold-tolerant plants we have.

Common issues

• Brown leaf tips: Often caused by fluoride in tap water. Use filtered or rainwater occasionally.
• Pale, washed-out colour: Move to a brighter spot.
• No offshoots: The plant may need more light or to be slightly root-bound — common in kokedamas, which will encourage offshoot production

🌿 Fern Kokedamas

Includes: Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Bird's Nest Fern, Asparagus Fern

Watering

Ferns are one of the thirstiest of our range. Water by submersion 2–3 times per week in summer, and 1–2 times per week in winter. The kokedama should feel consistently damp — never bone dry. If the fronds begin to droop or turn crispy, water immediately and mist the foliage.

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Ferns hate direct sun — it scorches fronds quickly. A north or east-facing windowsill, or a spot a metre or two back from a south-facing window, works well. They also thrive in bathrooms with natural light, where humidity is naturally higher.

Humidity

Ferns love humidity. Mist the foliage regularly, or place your kokedama near a water source. Central heating is their enemy — keep them away from radiators and AC.

Temperature

Keep between 15–24°C. Avoid cold draughts from windows or doors in winter.

Common issues

• Brown, crispy frond tips: Usually underwatering or low humidity. Increase misting and watering frequency.
• Yellow fronds: Often overwatering or too much direct light. Let it dry slightly between soaks and move it to a shadier spot.
• Drooping fronds: Classic sign of drought — soak immediately.

🌿 Ivy Kokedamas

Watering

Ivy like consistent moisture but dislike sitting waterlogged. Water by submersion 1-2 times per week in summer and every 7–10 days in winter. The kokedama should feel lightly moist — never bone dry, but not heavy and saturated either. Allow the surface to dry slightly between soaks.

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Ivy will tolerate lower light, but growth becomes thinner and less compact. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their colour. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Humidity

They appreciate moderate humidity, especially indoors where heating can dry the air. Occasional misting helps keep foliage fresh and discourages crispy edges.

Temperature

Comfortable between 10–24°C. Ivy prefer cooler conditions than many tropical houseplants and do well in bright, airy rooms. Avoid placing near radiators or strong heat sources.

Growth habit

Naturally trailing or climbing. Allow it to cascade freely, or guide stems around hooks or supports for a fuller look. Trim occasionally to encourage bushier growth.

Common issues

• Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering. Allow slightly more drying time between soaks.
• Dry, crispy leaves: Air too dry or underwatering. Increase humidity and watering consistency.
• Leggy growth: Not enough light — move to a brighter position.

🌿 Olive Tree Kokedamas

Watering

One of our hardcore plants, olive trees prefer a thorough soak followed by proper drying. Water by submersion once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. The kokedama should feel completly dry to the touch before the next watering. They tolerate slight drought far better than excess moisture — overwatering is the quickest way to cause problems.

Light

Full sun is essential. Olive trees need several hours of direct light daily to stay healthy and compact. A south-facing window is ideal indoors. In low light, growth becomes sparse and weak.

Humidity

They prefer dry air and do not require misting. Average household humidity is perfectly fine. Avoid overly humid environments.

Temperature

Comfortable between 10–30°C. Olive trees enjoy warmth and light but also appreciate cooler winter conditions. Protect from frost if kept outdoors.

Growth habit

Naturally slow-growing and architectural, with silvery-green foliage. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. They respond well to trimming.

Common issues

• Yellowing leaves: Usually overwatering or insufficient light. Allow more drying time and increase sun exposure.
• Leaf drop: Often caused by sudden environmental changes or low light. Keep conditions stable.
• Soft stems or dark patches at the base: Excess moisture — reduce watering immediately.

🌿 Peperomia Kokedama

(Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia caperata, Peperomia argyreia)

Watering

Peperomia prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Water by submersion once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. The kokedama should feel light and nearly dry before the next soak. Their fleshy leaves store moisture, so they tolerate mild drought better than excess water.

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. They adapt to medium light well, but growth may slow. Avoid strong direct sun, which can scorch or fade the leaves — especially on variegated varieties.

Humidity

Comfortable in average household humidity. They appreciate occasional misting, but it’s not essential. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Temperature

Keep between 16–26°C. They dislike cold temperatures and should be kept away from draughty windows or doors in winter.

Growth habit

Compact and slow-growing, making them perfect for smaller spaces. Some varieties grow upright, while others trail gently. Trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.

Common issues

• Soft, yellowing leaves: Overwatering. Allow more drying time between soaks.
• Wrinkled leaves: Underwatering — soak thoroughly.
• Faded colour or stretched growth: Not enough light. Move to a brighter position.

🌵 Succulent Kokedamas

(Includes: Echeveria, Haworthia, Crassula)

Watering

Succulents prefer a full dry cycle between waterings. Water by submersion every 10–14 days in summer and every 2–3 weeks in winter. The kokedama should feel completely dry and light before the next soak. When in doubt, wait — succulents cope far better with underwatering than excess moisture.

Light

Bright light is essential. Place in bright indirect light or a few hours of gentle direct sun. A south or west-facing window works well. In low light, growth becomes stretched and compact rosettes lose their shape.

Humidity

They prefer dry air. No misting required. High humidity can increase the risk of rot, especially in cooler months.

Temperature

Comfortable between 15–30°C. Protect from frost and prolonged cold below 10°C.

Growth habit

Slow-growing and compact. Many varieties form tight rosettes, while others grow upright or branch slightly. Remove dried lower leaves occasionally to keep the plant tidy.

Common issues

• Soft, mushy leaves: Overwatering. Allow longer drying periods immediately.
• Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves: Underwatering — soak thoroughly and resume a steady schedule.
• Stretched, pale growth: Insufficient light. Move to a brighter position.

Seasonal Care Tips

Spring and Summer (Growing Season)

This is when your kokedama is most active. Water more frequently, consider feeding with a diluted liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks, and enjoy the growth. 

Autumn and Winter (Rest Season)

Growth slows. Water less frequently and stop feeding entirely from October to February. Move plants away from cold windowsills and draughts. Keep heating consistent — sudden temperature drops cause stress.

Quick Reference Summary

Need more help?

Visit our Care Hub for detailed watering and display guidance, or contact us directly — we love talking about plants and we're always happy to help your kokedama thrive.