Why Sphagnum Moss is the Heart of This Kokedama

If you’ve ever wanted to add a living piece of green art to your home, few things are as charming and earthy as a kokedama. In our recent YouTube Short, we shared a step-by-step guide to creating a kokedama using high-quality New Zealand sphagnum moss. While the final result is a beautiful, soil-wrapped ball of roots and moss, the real magic lies in one ingredient: sphagnum moss.

So what exactly is sphagnum moss, and why does it work so perfectly in kokedama?

1. What Is Sphagnum Moss?

Sphagnum moss is a soft, spongy, and moisture-retaining moss harvested primarily from peat bogs. Ours is sustainably sourced from pristine environments in New Zealand and is widely regarded for its purity, cleanliness, and exceptional ability to retain water.

In plant care, sphagnum moss is a versatile material used for moisture retention, propagation, and in our case, creating kokedama — the Japanese art of binding a plant’s roots in moss instead of planting it in a pot.

2. Why Use Sphagnum Moss in Kokedama?

In our kokedama tutorial, the moss plays several essential roles:

1. Root Protection – Sphagnum moss provides a soft, breathable cushion around the roots, protecting them while allowing airflow.

2. Moisture Management – The moss holds water incredibly well, ensuring that the plant's roots stay evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.

3. Structure & Shape – When wet, sphagnum moss becomes pliable, making it easy to mold around the roots and bind with twine into a firm ball shape.

4. Natural Aesthetic – It gives a beautiful, earthy finish that blends seamlessly with the greenery of the plant. Unlike synthetic materials or soil-based alternatives, it’s fully biodegradable and natural.

3. How to Use It

To make your own kokedama like in the video, soak a handful of sphagnum moss in water until fully hydrated. Wrap the moss around the plant’s roots and shape it into a ball. Use natural string or twine to secure the moss in place — you’ll see in our video that this step gives the kokedama its final structure and character.

Our kokedama was made using a snake plant, which is known for being hardy and low-maintenance — and paired with sphagnum moss, it becomes an easy-care plant that doesn’t require traditional pots or soil.

Have a peep of our YouTube Short about making a Kokedama!

4. Final Thoughts

At the center of this craft is sphagnum moss — a natural, sustainable medium that not only makes kokedama possible but elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re looking to create kokedama, propagate houseplants, or improve your potting mix, high-grade New Zealand sphagnum moss is a plant lover’s best friend.