Spanish moss guide
Tillandsia usneoides, also called old man's beard, Tillandsia usneoides
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Mist several times a week, or dip it every few days
- Humidity
- 50% or higher
- Temperature
- 10 to 32°C (50 to 90°F)
- Soil
- None. Grows on wood, rock, or in an open dish.
- Feeding
- Air plant fertilizer at quarter strength in the soak water, monthly
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Strands 30 cm to 2 m (1 to 6 ft) long
- Propagation
- Pull off the pups once they are a third of the mother's size
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes Spanish moss different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the air plant care guide.
What it is
Spanish moss is not a moss and not from Spain. It is an air plant, Tillandsia usneoides. It grows as long, thin, gray strands that hang from tree branches in the southern United States. Select-A-Plant lists its foliage as white-gray, with strands from 90 cm to 6 m (3 to 20 ft) in the wild.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Form | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish moss | Long gray hanging strands | Thin, curly strands, no rosette |
| Blushing air plant | Small rosette | A single small rosette |
| Real moss | Low green carpet | Green and soft, grows on soil or rock |
Care differences
Spanish moss dries out faster than rosette air plants. Mist it several times a week, or dip it in water every few days. Shake it out and let it dry in good air.
It needs bright light and moving air. A bright bathroom works well.
Pet safety
Air plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Spanish moss is sold at plant shops and craft stores. Craft store moss is often dried and dead. Buy live strands that are soft and silver-green.