How to Make a Moss Ball: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moss balls are a fun craft project and beautiful addition to home decor. Also called kokedama in Japanese these mini gardens wrapped in moss are living art. With just a few simple materials you can easily make your own moss balls.

Read on for a complete step-by-step tutorial on crafting moss balls from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from choosing plants and moss to shaping, securing, and displaying your creation Let’s get started!

What is a Moss Ball?

A moss ball consists of a plant’s roots encased in a ball of soil or other growing medium, all wrapped up in a covering of live moss. The moss thrives in the humid microclimate next to the soil and helps retain moisture. Mosses naturally grow in clumps or mats, so forming it into a ball shape takes some doing.

This charming living art form originated centuries ago in Japan. Moss balls are also known as kokedama which translates to “moss” (koke) and “ball” (dama).

Materials Needed

To make your own moss ball, you will need:

• Small indoor plant like African violet, orchid, or fern
• Sheet moss or Spanish moss
• Sphagnum peat moss
• Bonsai soil or potting mix
• Floral stem wire and cutters
• Long wooden floral pick
• Scissors
• Bowl of water
• Mist spray bottle (optional)

Step 1 – Choose a Plant

Select a small houseplant that will thrive in the humid environment inside a moss ball. Consider compact houseplants like:

• Air plants
• African violets
• Mini orchids
• Small ferns
• Peperomia
• Nerve plants
• Creeping fig
• Prayer plants

Succulents and cacti don’t do well as they require excellent drainage. Avoid plants prone to rotting like African violets.

Step 2 – Make the Soil Base

Combine equal parts peat moss and bonsai soil or potting mix in a bowl. Gradually add water, mixing constantly with your hands until you achieve a firm yet malleable consistency. Form the mixture into a ball about the size of a small orange or grapefruit.

Step 3 – Add the Plant

Gently remove the plant from its pot. Shake off any old soil clinging to the roots. Make a hole in the soil ball and carefully place the plant’s roots inside. Push soil around the root mass, leaving just the top of the plant exposed.

Step 4 – Wrap in Moss

Soak sheet moss or Spanish moss briefly in water until pliable. Place the moss on a flat surface. Put the soil ball in the center and lift the edges of the moss up around it. Wrap moss over the soil, enclosing it completely so no soil shows. Mist with water to help the moss adhere if needed.

Step 5 – Secure the Moss

Use floral wire to wrap around the moss-covered soil ball. Begin at the top and wind downwards, making at least 2 crisscrossing passes over the surface. Twist the ends of the wire together once the ball is fully wrapped. Trim off any excess.

Step 6 – Add Support

Poke a long wooden floral pick down through the center of the ball for stability and support. Angle it if hanging the ball.

Step 7 – Display Your Moss Ball

Show off your handmade moss ball in a wood bowl, hanging from fishing line, atop driftwood, or displayed in a clear vase or jar. Keep away from direct sun which can dry it out.

Caring for Your Moss Ball

• Water by submerging the entire moss ball in room temperature water when it feels lightweight and dry.

• Soak for 10 minutes then allow excess water to drain off before returning to its spot.

• Mist occasionally between waterings to boost humidity.

• Give weak fertilizer monthly.

• Repack in fresh moss annually as the old moss dies off.

• Repot in a larger moss ball or pot if the plant outgrows its space.

Tips for Making Perfect Moss Balls

• Choose small, slow growing plants that like humidity.

• Mix clay-heavy bonsai soil with peat for the growing medium.

• Wrap moss over the ball very thoroughly leaving no gaps.

• Use floral wire for a seamless hold and clean look.

• Support larger moss balls with a pick or driftwood piece.

• Display out of direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Allow new moss balls to stabilize for 1-2 weeks before watering.

• Check moss balls daily and water at first sign of dryness.

Get Creative with Moss Balls!

Once you get the basic technique down, let your creativity run wild! Here are some fun ways to use your homemade moss balls:

• Make a moss ball terrarium or bottle garden for a self-contained ecosystem.

• Craft a moss ball bonsai tree for a miniature garden.

• Group them together for a striking moss ball centerpiece.

• Hang moss balls at varying heights from fishing line.

• Nestle moss balls into a tray of pebbles and gravel.

• Display them in clear glass bowls or jars to showcase the moss.

• Give made-to-order moss balls as gifts to fellow plant lovers.

The possibilities are endless when you make your own moss balls. It’s a soothing activity and they bring a natural, earthy feel to indoor decor. With proper care, these living works of art can thrive for years!

Hopefully you now feel equipped to begin crafting your own gorgeous moss balls. Just take it step-by-step and have fun making mini planted worlds encased in green. Your homemade moss balls will be a lovely addition to any home.