Spanish moss
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish moss
- Lichen-like appearance
- Forms silver-grey curtains and "beards"
- Suitable for subtropical humid forest terrariums
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Description
The "Spanish moss" or "Old man's beard" is widespread throughout warmer America, from Virginia to Argentina and Chile, in areas with high air humidity and without strong frosts. Its long, grey beards are characteristic for the southern states of the U.S.; it occurs in cool, humid mountain forests as well as in the hot lowlands of Latinoamerica, but rather in areas with a dry season and not in the actual rainforest. T. usneoides is an epiphyte that forms long beards and curtains in trees. It is the most distinctive Tillandsia, it hardly seems like a flowering plant but more like beard lichen (Usnea), hence its species name. The adult plant is rootless and merely tangles in the branches with its elastic stems. Only the seedlings form some adhesive roots. Occasionally inconspicuous, small, yellow-green, night-scented flowers appear and, after successful fertilisation, elongated fruits with flying seeds.
Tillandsia usneoides is one of the "grey Tillandsias", the extreme "air plants" that only take up water and nutrients via absorbent scales on the stems and leaves. Hang them in a bright place, but not in the blazing midday sun if they are grown in daylight. Spraying two to three times a week with soft water is optimal; every second time you can add an orchid and Tillandsia fertiliser. Dipping is also possible. Higher humidity of over 60 % is favourable, but air movement is important. The plant should be allowed to dry off after spraying. Tillandsia usneoides grows at temperatures between about 15 to 30 °C and can also be overwintered in a cool place, but above 0 °C. It should be kept drier at cooler temperatures. Outdoor keeping is also possible as long as there is no frost. The Spanish moss grows slowly but steadily and branches at each stem node. To propagate, simply tear or cut off strands.
Tillandsia usneoides is a striking hanging epiphyte that is particularly suited to tropical or subtropical humid forest terrariums. Dense, long "beards" and curtains on branches are particularly impressive in large terrariums and greenhouses. But also in smaller quantities or in combination with other epiphytes, the Louisiana moss contributes to a wild impression. In closed, very humid containers with stagnant air, it can be used temporarily, but should not be used permanently.
Profile
| Tillandsia usneoides | |
| Cultivation possibilities | Suspended in a bright location, but out of direct midday sun; suitable for tropical or subtropical moist forest terrariums |
| Watering | Spray two to three times a week with soft water, every other time with an orchid and tillandsia fertiliser; soaking is also an option |
| Humidity | Above 60% preferred, but air circulation is crucial to allow the plant to dry after spraying |
| Light requirement | Bright location without direct midday sun |
| Temperature | 15 to 30°C; cooler overwintering above 0°C possible, keep drier at cooler temperatures |
| Propagation | By tearing or cutting off strands |
| Suitable for | Tropical or subtropical moist forest terrariums, impressive in dense drapes; also for outdoor cultivation as long as there is no frost |
| Cultivation possibilities |
| Suspended in a bright location, but out of direct midday sun; suitable for tropical or subtropical moist forest terrariums |
| Watering |
| Spray two to three times a week with soft water, every other time with an orchid and tillandsia fertiliser; soaking is also an option |
| Humidity |
| Above 60% preferred, but air circulation is crucial to allow the plant to dry after spraying |
| Light requirement |
| Bright location without direct midday sun |
| Temperature |
| 15 to 30°C; cooler overwintering above 0°C possible, keep drier at cooler temperatures |
| Propagation |
| By tearing or cutting off strands |
| Suitable for |
| Tropical or subtropical moist forest terrariums, impressive in dense drapes; also for outdoor cultivation as long as there is no frost |
Terrarienpflanzen
Our terrarium plants give every terrarium an individual, natural atmosphere and at the same time provide a healthy environment for all terrarium inhabitants. Our wide range of tropical, subtropical and even arid plants are easy to combine and enhance any terrascape. Whether it's strong succulents, subtle tillandsias, eye-catching neoregelias or wonderful orchids - we offer terrarium plants for different terrascapes from rainforest to desert.
General information
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