Graybeard Tillandsia usneoides

Spanish moss is an epiphytic, evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae).  It is native to the southern USA, along with Mexico, Central and much of South America. The species epithet means “like Usea,” which is a genus of lichen.

Spanish moss is noted for its pendulous silver leaves and stems that dangle down from the limbs of trees, especially live oaks. The adult plant has no roots, and the gray scales on stems and leaves are its means of obtaining moisture and nutrition. It needs high humidity and pollution-free conditions to grow. It will need occasional pruning to prevent it from becoming too heavy and causing branch breakage or causing too much shading for the tree. It is readily propagated by division by tearing off a piece of the plant and placing it on a suitable support, such as a tree limb, driftwood, or wooden basket. Spanish moss needs no watering or fertilizing when grown outside. It can be grown indoors with bright light and humid conditions. Indoor plants will need occasional watering (allowing the plant to dry between waterings) and will benefit from periodic application of liquid fertilizer (diluted to half-strength or less).

The slender long stems attach themselves to trees, either when the seed germinates on the limb or when a fragment of the plant blown by the wind lodges in the tree. The plants produce small, green flowers that are seldom noticed. It can be used as mulch, a packing material and insulation or for arts and crafts.

Grow this plant outside in the appropriate hardiness zone or as a houseplant. Indoor plants can spend the summers outside under trees or pergolas. 

Quick ID

• Dense, drooping, gray moss-like clump has no roots
• Leaves are cylindrical & covered with gray scales

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: none.

More information on Tillandsia.