One of the most familiar sights of the Deep South in the USA is the comportment ofSpanish moss(tillandsia usneoides ) on trees . Those gray , capillary strands dangle from countless branches , create an almost surreal atmosphere .
The term ‘ moss ’ , infloriography , represents the sentiment of maternal love . Spanish moss comes in different change , has different uses , is easy to uprise and has interesting characteristics . Read on to discover truths about it and how to originate it in your own garden .
Facts About Spanish Moss
Spanish moss ( tillandsia usneoides ) total from the Bromeliaceae ( Bromeliads ) family .
It ’s more suitably called ‘ tree hair ’ or ‘ itla - okla ’ by aboriginal American tribe and it ’s anepiphyte . This means that it call for other trees to thrive , but unlike parasites , it does n’t derive their nutrients . alternatively , it gets its wet and nutrients through sun , rain , rubble , fog , and the air whilst hang on tree .
The plant is made up of svelte stems with scaled parting that grow to make a hanging structure on a tree . Although it produces brown , light-green , or yellow blossom , they are difficult to recognise .
This Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree whisker is n’t just peculiar to look at , it also has some entrancing facts .
What You Might Not Know About Spanish Moss
Is Spanish moss actually moss ?
It is n’t a moss at all . It ’s a flowering plant belonging to the same family aspineapplesandsucculents . And is part of the usneoides family .
Does it come from Spain ?
Despite its name , Spanish moss is aboriginal to the American continent . It can be launch in Mexico , Central America , the Caribbean , and parts of southern USA .
Where can you find it in these regions ?
It boom in tropical swampland areas where there ’s heap of wet . In the United States , it can be found from Virginia to Texas .
How did it get its name ?
The name ‘ Spanish moss ’ was given by French explorers . It ’s said that they were inspired by the impressive beards of conquistadors .
How does it absorb water supply ?
modest gray scales are found all over these plant . These are able to retain wet before it ’s eat up by the plants . Its tissues are also able to keep water stored up for when dry menses occur .
What do Spanish moss to grow on tree ?
It break up itself far and encompassing throughfestoons – tiny piece that latch onto a patronise frame of reference . Once these festoons country on suitable anchorage such as Tree , they begin to develop into fuzz that is used to hang on , or decorate , a tree .
Spanish Moss Varieties
There are several types of Spanish moss and its hybrids that do well in home garden . The followingvarietiesare some of the more pop variation in the species .
What is Spanish Moss Good for?
Spanish moss serve different purposes for different animal :
As for humans , we use it more for decorative and landscaping reasons than anything else . Commercially , Spanish moss is used in arts and slyness and as a bedding for flower garden .
Is Spanish Moss Harmful to Humans?
There are n’t many pesterer that affect it because it has little nutritional value . However , many animate being like to call this works their home . Because of this , you must be deliberate when harvest Spanish moss . get into gloves and layers to protect your skin .
It ’s a hardy plant and is not susceptible to disease . It only becomes a problem for other flora if it grows heavyset enough to block the leave of the host works . If this happens , then the growth of the master of ceremonies might be stunted .
“ Spanish moss should be heated through in the oven for at least half an hour before exercise to wipe out fungus , mold or plague . When used in landscaping for mulching , skip the heating but be careful of snakes when harvest and spreading it . ” – Flora Lawn
How To Cultivate and Care for Spanish Moss
Ideal Growing Conditions
The biggest requirement require as an air works is a tree diagram or bush to grow from .
Spanish moss also need the affectionate humidity of a tropic or subtropical clime to boom . Because of its climate preference , Spanish moss uprise beneficial in zones seven through 11 . It need bright but not unmediated sun .
The best way to accommodate it is to make certain that it gets morning and evening sun . It also needs good atmosphere circulation , as it receives all of its nutrient from the air .
When growing it outdoors , keep it aside from hot windows or walls . It may steep the heat and dry out or even burn off .
check that it has something to grow on , indoors , such as driftwood , or other decorative items . verify to place it near a windowpane — but not where it ’s divulge to verbatim sunshine during the summer .
Planting: How to Start Spanish Moss
The easy direction to plant Spanish moss in your garden is to propagate it through division . This carve up the dissimilar side shoots and plantlets .
If you live in the Deep South of America it should be well-to-do to encounter one in the wild to take a cutting from . If not , you’re able to buy live moss from specialization stores or online .
To cultivate it from seeds is a slow cognitive operation postulate a mass of solitaire . It can often take month for the Spanish moss to rise a individual centimetre .
you could sow Spanish moss semen in a substratum with good drainage and put them in a cheery windowsill so they can farm . humidness will serve seed germinate , but once they do , too much humidity may sometimes stimulate the sprouts to rot .
If you are growing Spanish moss indoors , then humidity is a cardinal factor in its care in this surroundings , too . As when grow it outdoors , verify to irrigate Spanish moss on all sides to keep it from drying out .
Keeping Spanish Moss Alive
When lacrimation , ensure to use purified , distil , or rain . Do not use chlorinate water .
Keep your moss moist as much as possible – mist the flora whenever it is dry . Avoid misting if the plant is already damp , as too much wet is not dear for the plant life either .
Humidity is also very important for survival as an outdoor industrial plant . To keep it from dry out , make certain to irrigate it on all sides .
Because the plant expend itself as fertilizer , it does not typically need to be fertilized . However , if it looks discolored or is farm poorly , spray it with acompost teamade with one part compost and one part water supply .
If you are produce Spanish moss indoors , then humidity is a key factor in its care in this environment , too . As when growing the flora outdoors , make certain to water it on all side to keep it from dry out out .
Indoors , these plants might need a little extra help , as there are few nutrients to get from the air . Use a gamy - phosphorus fertilizer mix at half the common strength .
Learn More
To learn more about Spanish moss , check out this related information :
Photo fromFlickrbyKbiv3000
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