From orchids and air plants to monsteras and sansevierias — discover which tropical plants thrive in a Tropical Orchids coco fibre kokedama, and how to care for them in Nairobi.

"Most people assume kokedamas are only for small ornamental plants. The reality is far more exciting."

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What Plants Can Grow in a Kokedama?

One of the most common questions we receive at Tropical Orchids is: "What plants can actually grow in a kokedama?"

The answer surprises many people. A properly constructed coco fibre kokedama can support an enormous range of tropical plants — from flowering orchids and anthuriums to dramatic monsteras, elegant dracaenas, lucky bamboo, bromeliads, ferns, air plants, and even large statement trees.

At Tropical Orchids, we handcraft our kokedamas using sustainable Kenyan coco fibre and carefully customised growing media designed specifically for the plant growing inside. The result is a healthier, more sustainable, and more beautiful display system that allows plants to become living works of art.

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Why Some Plants Thrive in Kokedamas

Many tropical plants naturally grow on trees, in leaf litter, or in loose organic material with excellent aeration. A Tropical Orchids Coco Fibre Kokedama recreates many of these natural conditions — providing excellent root aeration, consistent moisture, good drainage, and beautiful natural aesthetics.

Because every plant has slightly different requirements, we customise the growing mix inside each kokedama according to the needs of the species.

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Orchids

Few plants look more natural in a kokedama than an orchid. Many orchids are epiphytes — they naturally grow attached to trees rather than rooted in soil, with roots enjoying excellent airflow. A coco fibre kokedama closely mimics these conditions.

Popular varieties: Oncidiums, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, Cambrias, Ionopsis

Light: Bright indirect light. East-facing balconies are ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Watering: Soak for 10 minutes when the ball feels noticeably lighter. Drain completely before returning to display.

"Few plants combine flowers, elegance and architectural beauty as effectively as orchids."

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Air Plants

Air plants are among the most unusual members of the tropical plant world. Unlike traditional plants, Tillandsias absorb much of their moisture and nutrients directly through specialised leaf structures.

Popular species: Tillandsia Funkiana, Balbisiana, Schiedeana, Bulbosa, Ionantha, Stricta

Light: Bright filtered light. Morning sun is beneficial.
Watering: Mist daily and soak periodically. Good airflow is essential.

"They allow extraordinary creative styling possibilities while occupying minimal space."

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Monsteras

Monsteras have become one of the most sought-after houseplants in the world. Their large split leaves instantly create a tropical atmosphere. In larger coco fibre kokedamas, Monsteras become living sculptures.

Popular varieties: Monstera Deliciosa, Thai Constellation, Aurea

Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Watering: Soak-and-drain method whenever the kokedama begins to dry.

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Pothos

Pothos are among the easiest and most rewarding plants for beginners — forgiving, adaptable, and beautiful. Fast growth and trailing foliage create a lush jungle effect very quickly.

Popular varieties: Golden Pothos, Variegated Golden, Manjula, Marble Queen, Neon Pothos

Light: Bright indirect light. Adaptable to lower light.
Watering: Allow slight drying between watering cycles. Water thoroughly by soaking.

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Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo has been grown for centuries as a symbol of prosperity, harmony, and good fortune. Its elegant upright form makes it particularly effective in kokedama displays — ideal for homes, offices, and apartments.

Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid strong direct sun.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture. Do not allow the root zone to remain dry for extended periods.

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Dracaenas

Dracaenas are among the toughest tropical plants available. Their strong vertical form provides structure within plant displays, with excellent drought tolerance and low-maintenance beauty.

Popular forms: Brazilian Dracaena, Marginata, Compacta

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade.
Watering: Allow moderate drying between watering cycles.

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Bromeliads

Bromeliads bring colour, texture, and architectural interest. Close relatives of air plants, they often thrive in similar conditions and create immediate tropical impact with minimal maintenance.

Popular species: Aechmea Gamosepala, Werauhia Sanguinolenta, Quesnelia Quesneliana

Light: Bright filtered light.
Watering: Keep the root zone lightly moist with excellent airflow.

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Ferns

If your goal is a lush rainforest atmosphere, ferns are essential. Their soft foliage provides texture and movement — nothing softens a space quite like a fern.

Popular options: Bird's Nest Fern, Tassel Ferns, Boston Ferns

Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering: Prefer consistent moisture. Do not allow to become completely dry.

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Anthuriums

Anthuriums combine beautiful foliage with long-lasting flowers — among the most luxurious flowering plants available. They flower for months and perform exceptionally well indoors.

Light: Bright indirect light.
Watering: Maintain even moisture without keeping the kokedama permanently wet.

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Sansevierias

Few plants are tougher than Sansevierias. Their upright leaves create strong architectural lines and require very little maintenance — ideal for beginners, busy professionals, and low-maintenance interiors.

Popular forms: Whale Fin, Starfish, Braided Sansevieria

Light: Extremely adaptable — tolerates both bright and lower light.
Watering: Allow the kokedama to dry significantly between watering cycles.

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Styling Multiple Kokedamas Together

One of the greatest advantages of coco fibre kokedamas is the ability to create layered living displays. At Tropical Orchids, we combine plants across four layers:

Hanging Layer — Orchids, Air Plants, Ferns, Pothos
Mid-Level Layer — Anthuriums, Bromeliads, Lucky Bamboo
Statement Layer — Monsteras, Dracaenas, Large Ficus Topiaries
Structural Layer — Wooden Stands, Metal Stands, Hanging Frames

By combining different heights, textures, and leaf forms, even a small Nairobi apartment balcony can become a tropical sanctuary.

"A kokedama transforms an ordinary plant into a living work of art."

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The Tropical Orchids Difference

Every Tropical Orchids Coco Fibre Kokedama is handcrafted in Kenya using sustainable local coco fibre, built using plant-specific growing media, designed for local growing conditions, and created by plant experts with over 10 years of horticultural experience.

At Tropical Orchids, that is exactly what we strive to create every day: beautiful, sustainable living art inspired by nature and handcrafted in Kenya.

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Continue Reading

The Living Art Revolution: Kenya's Coco Fibre Kokedama
Discover what a coco fibre kokedama is, why we use Kenyan coco fibre instead of moss, and how these living sculptures are transforming homes across Nairobi.

The Art of Watering: How to Keep Your Coco Fibre Kokedama Thriving in Nairobi
Master the Tropical Orchids soak-and-drain method and learn exactly how often to water your kokedama based on your plant species and Nairobi balcony direction.

The Lush Standard: How Tropical Orchids Keeps Every Kokedama Looking Immaculate
Learn the exact nursery routine we use every day — placement, misting, neem oil, and seaweed feeding — to keep hundreds of kokedamas thriving.

 

Written by Suraj Shah, Chief Executive Gardener at TropicalOrchids254.

Suraj Shah has over 10 years of experience growing orchids, air plants, Kokedamas, tropical plants, edible gardens and landscape projects across Kenya.

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