- Easy-Care Air Plant
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Above Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 2.5 feet
- Pet Safe
Tillandsia usneoides is an epiphyte in the Bromeliad family and can be grown successfully as a houseplant. Commonly known as Spanish Moss, it is not a parasite and does not cause any harm to the host plant it grows on. Native to the Southern United States and Mexico, Spanish Moss grows from trees and absorbs all of its nutrients from bark and rainwater.
Best Locations For Growing Usneoides Spanish Moss
Spanish moss can be grown in just about any location of the house. It does not need soil to live and can be used to decorate shelves, a fireplace mantle, the top of a pot for another plant, and terrariums.
Usneoides Spanish Moss Sunlight Requirements
Spanish Moss thrives in indirect or filtered bright light. Direct light is too intense and will scorch the leaves. Low light may make Spanish Moss go dormant, but it will come back as soon as it is moved to a brighter location.
Usneoides Spanish Moss Care
Spanish Moss can be grown outdoors in temperatures down to 25 degrees F. USDA zones 7-11 are typically warm enough for year-round outdoor growing. The lower hardiness zones can grow Spanish Moss outdoors in the summer months and bring it inside before nighttime temperatures dip below 40 F.
Watering Usneoides Spanish Moss
Spanish moss is an air plant that gets all the moisture it needs from the air and regular rainfall. Indoors, this plant can be misted with water regularly or given a “shower” once a week. If Spanish Moss is small enough, submerge the whole plant in a basin of collected rainwater, or tap water that has been left to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Dunk the plant in and out a few times. Let the plant dry out completely in between waterings. Many varieties of Spanish Moss will turn green briefly after watering and dry out to the familiar silvery hue.
Feeding Usneoides Spanish Moss
Fertilizing is rarely needed. A liquid bromeliad or Orchid fertilizer can be used if the growth seems slow. Dilute the feed to one-quarter the recommended strength and only apply once or twice a year.
Usneoides Spanish Moss Air Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Above Average - Water-loving. Mist 3-4 times a week or soak twice a week. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: High |
Habit: Clumping |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 2.5 feet |
Mature Spread: 5-25 feet |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): Blue, Green |
Flower Shade/Description: Blue,Green |
Fragrant: Yes |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver |
Foliage Description: Green, Silver |
Temperature: 50° - 95°F (10° - 35°C) |
Humidity: |
Common Name: Usneoides Spanish Moss Air Plant |
Other Name(s): Spanish Moss, Old Man's Beard, Long Moss, Black Moss |
Scientific Name: Tillandsia usneoides |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Air_Spanish.Moss
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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2" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-4"
Pot Size:
~ 1.9"H x 2"W
Volume:
~0.12–0.15 quarts
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3" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 3-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 2.5"H x 3"W
Volume:
~ 0.3 quarts
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4" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 5"-10"
Pot Size:
~ 3.5"H x 4"W
Volume:
~ 0.75 quarts
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6" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6-12 months
Plant Size:
~ 8"-16
Pot Size:
~ 5"H x 6"W
Volume:
~ 1.5 quarts
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8" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1-2 years
Plant Size:
~ 12"-24"
Pot Size:
~ 6"H x 8"W
Volume:
~ 3 quarts
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10" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 years
Plant Size:
~ 16"-36"
Pot Size:
~ 7.25"H x 10"W
Volume:
~ 4.5–5 quarts
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