Care Instructions

Every MORI kokedama is a living thing. This page gives you plant-specific guidance so you can care for yours with confidence — whatever's growing inside the moss.

For general kokedama care (watering method, moss health, displaying your plant), visit our Care Hub. This page goes deeper, covering the specific needs of each plant type 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 the moss ball 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.
  • Avoid direct sun on the moss — the moss prefers indirect light. Harsh direct sun will dry it out and cause browning.
  • Mist occasionally — lightly misting the moss (not the foliage) between waterings helps maintain humidity and keeps the moss green.

🌿 Fern Kokedamas

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

Watering

Ferns are the thirstiest of our range. Water by submersion 2–3 times per week in summer, and 1–2 times per week in winter. The moss 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.

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.

🍃 Pothos Kokedamas

Includes: Golden Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, Neon Pothos

Watering

Pothos are forgiving and adaptable. Water by submersion once or twice a week in summer and every 7–10 days in winter. Allow the top of the moss 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 the moss 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 moss 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 top of the moss 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 moss should feel dry a centimetre or two down 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 carry.

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.

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 (half strength) every 4–6 weeks, and enjoy the growth. If the plant outgrows its moss ball, this is the best time to re-wrap it.

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

Plant Type Watering (Summer) Watering (Winter) Light Humidity
Fern 2-3x per week 1-2x per week Bright indirect High
Pothos 1-2x per week Every 7-10 days Low to bright indirect Average
Peace Lily 1-2x per week 1x per week Low to medium indirect Medium-high
Ficus 1x per week Every 10-14 days Bright indirect Average
Monstera 1x per week Every 10-14 days Medium to bright indirect Medium-high
Spider Plant 1-2x per week Every 7-10 days Low to bright indirect Low

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.