One of my favorite ways to bring my holiday houseplant decor to life is by using real plants, foliage, and flowers. From a wreath full of seasonal greenery to my latest obsession, festive kokedama, this Japanese tradition is transforming how I decorate for Christmas.
Kokedama offers a creative alternative to traditional hanging baskets by growing plants in moss balls, allowing you to elevate them from ceilings, pergolas, or other structures. By choosing Christmas plants to make kokedama, you can craft stunning living hanging ornaments for your home, or even place them as a table centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
While there are many moss ball planter ideas for the season, three plants stand out as perfect for creating eye-catching festive kokedama: Poinsettia kokedama, Hyacinth kokedama, and Orchid kokedama. Below, I’ve compiled my top picks along with tips to make this seasonal DIY a success, ensuring your Christmas decorations feel alive and vibrant.
3 Festive Kokedama Plants
The beauty of festive kokedama is that it works with nearly any plant, meaning you can use a variety of Christmas plants to create your living ornaments.
However, for beginners and those wanting an instant holiday vibe, these three plants are my top picks. They are easy to care for, visually striking, and perfect for hanging ornaments or a tablescape centerpiece.
If this is your first time learning how to make kokedama, be sure to gather the essential supplies, including moss, soil, and twine. Alternatively, a ready-to-use kokedama kit (available on Amazon) makes the process simple and fun, especially for holiday crafting.
Live Mixed Moss
Perfect for terrariums, bonsai, or kokedama, this living mixed moss adds a lush, green touch to your indoor plants. Two flats cover three square feet, making it easy to create moss ball planters or simple, natural displays for your home.
Nature Jute Twine
This durable natural jute twine is perfect for crafts, gift wrapping, gardening, macrame, and DIY projects. Measuring 2mm thick and 600 feet long, it’s ideal for kokedama, plant tying, or home décor projects, offering both strength and rustic charm.
Indoor Potting Mix
This indoor potting mix is specially blended for a variety of houseplants, providing essential nutrients that feed for up to 6 months. Ideal for kokedama, potted plants, and indoor gardening, it ensures healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
1. Poinsettia
There’s no better holiday houseplant to turn into a festive kokedama than a poinsettia. Its bright red bracts bring instant Christmas cheer, and styling it as a poinsettia kokedama adds a unique twist to your indoor plant display.
To keep your kokedama healthy, ensure it stays hydrated, warm, and in a bright spot. Soak the moss ball when it feels dry, especially if it’s hanging, as it dries faster. Maintain a room temperature between 60 and 72°F for optimal growth.
You can buy a poinsettia at Walmart or use a moss ball planter from Amazon for an easy kokedama setup. For extra festive flair, add warm white LED string lights, pinecones, or dried orange slices around your kokedama to make it a stunning holiday centerpiece.
2. Hyacinth
Although hyacinths are traditionally spring bulbs, they are a favorite indoor bulb to force for Christmas. Turning a hyacinth into a hyacinth kokedama gives a festive, creative twist to your holiday decor.
Even if you don’t hang the kokedama, it works beautifully as a tablescape centerpiece. The bright blooms emerging from moss create a natural and elegant holiday display.
For best results, force the hyacinth in soil first using a hyacinth bulb forcing kit from Walmart. Once ready, wrap its root ball in moss using a moss sheet from Amazon to complete your festive kokedama.
3. Orchid
Orchids are one of the most elegant plants to transform into festive kokedama, especially when you want a holiday twist with Christmas orchids. The popular moth orchid (from The Sill) works beautifully, and there are several other orchids that bloom around Christmas, perfect for a seasonal display.
Top picks include the Star of Bethlehem orchid and the Mayflower orchid, both ideal for creating a striking living hanging ornament. To care for your orchid kokedama, regularly mist the moss ball to keep the roots hydrated. A glass plant mister from Amazon is perfect for this task.
Orchids also need a specialized potting mix to thrive. Use well-draining orchid bark (available on Amazon) or make your own orchid potting mix to ensure your festive kokedama stays healthy and blooms beautifully.
FAQs
1. Where can I hang my kokedama?
Anywhere with bright, indirect light works! Poinsettias and hyacinths love it; orchids prefer medium to bright light. Avoid harsh direct sun.
2. How do I water a hanging moss ball?
Soak it in water for 5–10 minutes, squeeze gently, then rehang. Orchids benefit from regular misting.
3. Can I use other plants?
Yes! Almost any houseplant works. Evergreens, ivy, or small succulents make fun holiday kokedama, too.
Shop Indoor Plant Accessories
Glass Plant Mister
This vintage-style plant sprayer is perfect for keeping indoor plants, including kokedama and orchids, hydrated. The one-hand pump delivers a fine mist for gentle watering, helping your plants thrive. Ideal for home gardening and plant care.
Hand Pruners
Compact and precise, these hand pruners are ideal for trimming houseplants. Featuring a durable carbon steel blade, they resist rust and ensure long-lasting, reliable use.
