Spanish Moss T.Usneoides

Spanish Moss Old Man's Wiskers

This amazing plant is a wonder of nature; in habitat it appears to live only on air. Tillandsia usneoides is a member of the air plant family. A plant consists of hundreds if not thousands of individual plants, growing in long strings, with new plants forming at the tip. Small green flowers and unusual long seed pods appear in summer.

Spanish Moss does not produce roots and can be tied or draped on objects, the moss grows well in shade outdoors or in good filtered light indoors. Avoid hot or dry environments and full sunlight unless sprinkler systems are installed or regular watering is available. Spanish moss will tolerate full sun in moist climates; in arid climates it must be sheltered.

Watering is essential for good growth, a soaking a few times each week during summer and fortnightly in winter will keep the plant at peak condition. Occasional fertiliser in the water will speed up growth. Spanish moss does not suffer from diseases or pests other than birds that can use the plant as nesting material during spring.