Spanish Moss - Tillandsia Usenoides

Family: Bromeliaceae 

Genus: Tillandsia 

Origin: Native to a very wide range from the southern United States all the way to Argentina growing in thick colonies among trees. 

Form/Color: These plants grow in thick hanging mattes and crawl across surfaces of branches to form elegant drapery. They can easily cover a tree and are sometimes considered pests, but it takes a very long time for them to become an actual nuisance to the tree. They are one of the only truly green colored flowering plants with short tubular blooms forming in summer. They are mildly fragrant. 

Water Requirements: Daily misting outdoors is optimal, they can handle dryer conditions but may burn in direct sun in hotter western zones like mine. If growing indoors I keep them fairly watered. They enjoy a more humid tropical environment but can handle growing anywhere with decent shade and airflow. 

Mounting: They will not root like other air plants and will need to be fixed into place or strung across surfaces.

Growing Tips:  Best suited for medium to strong natural light and shaded areas or full sun with high air flow.