Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1762
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl., ed. 2. : 411 (1762)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000586340
Common Names
- Spanish-Moss
- Old-Man's-Beard
- Tree-Moss
Synonyms
- Tillandsia usneoides filiformis André [unknown]
- Tillandsia usneoides longissima André [unknown]
- Tillandsia usneoides ferruginea A.Cast. [unknown]
- Tillandsia usneoides crispa André [unknown]
- Tillandsia usneoides major André [unknown]
- Tillandsia usneoides genuina André [invalid]
- Tillandsia usneoides filiformis (André) Mez [valid]
- Tillandsia usneoides longissima (André) Mez [valid]
Description
Tillandsia usneoides (also called 'Spanish Moss', among many other common names) is a perennial epiphyte native to Central and South America. It has thin, wavy leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in humid, tropical forests and can be found clinging to tree branches.
Uses & Benefits
Tillandsia usneoides is a popular air plant that can be used as an ornamental plant in homes and gardens. It is also used as an ingredient in traditional medicines for treating various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Tillandsia usneoides is a small, white or yellowish flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, hard-shelled seed. The seedlings are small, with a single stem and a few leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tillandsia usneoides can be propagated by division or seed. To propagate by division, separate the offsets from the mother plant and replant in a well-draining potting mix. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep moist. Cultivation of Tillandsia usneoides requires bright, indirect light and temperatures of 65-85°F (18-29°C). It should be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Tillandsia usneoides
Tillandsia usneoides is found in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Tillandsia usneoides FAQ
What is the scientific name of Tillandsia usneoides?
Tillandsia usneoides
What is the common name of Tillandsia usneoides?
Spanish Moss
What type of environment does Tillandsia usneoides prefer?
Tillandsia usneoides prefers warm, humid environments with plenty of indirect sunlight.
Species in the Tillandsia genus
Tillandsia abbreviata,
Tillandsia abdita,
Tillandsia achyrostachys,
Tillandsia acuminata,
Tillandsia adamsii,
Tillandsia adpressiflora,
Tillandsia aequatorialis,
Tillandsia aeranthos,
Tillandsia afonsoana,
Tillandsia aguascalientensis,
Tillandsia aizoides,
Tillandsia albertiana,
Tillandsia albida,
Tillandsia alfredo-lauii,
Tillandsia alvareziae,
Tillandsia andicola,
Tillandsia andreana,
Tillandsia andrieuxii,
Tillandsia angulosa,
Tillandsia antillana,
Tillandsia araujei,
Tillandsia archeri,
Tillandsia arenicola,
Tillandsia arequitae,
Tillandsia argentea,
Tillandsia argentina,
Tillandsia arhiza,
Tillandsia ariza-juliae,
Tillandsia atenangoensis,
Tillandsia atroviolacea,
Tillandsia atroviridipetala,
Tillandsia aurea,
Tillandsia australis,
Tillandsia bagua-grandensis,
Tillandsia baileyi,
Tillandsia bakiorum,
Tillandsia balbisiana,
Tillandsia baliophylla,
Tillandsia balsasensis,
Tillandsia bandensis,
Tillandsia barbeyana,
Tillandsia barclayana,
Tillandsia barrosoae,
Tillandsia barthlottii,
Tillandsia bartramii,
Tillandsia bella,
Tillandsia belloensis,
Tillandsia bergerii,
Tillandsia bergiana,
Tillandsia bermejoensis,
Species in the Bromeliaceae family
Acanthostachys pitcairnioides,
Acanthostachys strobilacea,
Acanthostachys calcicola,
Aechmea abbreviata,
Aechmea aculeatosepala,
Aechmea alba,
Aechmea alegrensis,
Aechmea alopecurus,
Aechmea ampla,
Aechmea andersonii,
Aechmea angustifolia,
Aechmea anomala,
Aechmea apocalyptica,
Aechmea aquilega,
Aechmea araneosa,
Aechmea arenaria,
Aechmea aripensis,
Aechmea azurea,
Aechmea bahiana,
Aechmea bambusoides,
Aechmea biflora,
Aechmea blanchetiana,
Aechmea blumenavii,
Aechmea bocainensis,
Aechmea brachystachys,
Aechmea bracteata,
Aechmea brassicoides,
Aechmea brevicollis,
Aechmea bromeliifolia,
Aechmea bruggeri,
Aechmea caesia,
Aechmea callichroma,
Aechmea calyculata,
Aechmea campanulata,
Aechmea candida,
Aechmea cariocae,
Aechmea carvalhoi,
Aechmea castanea,
Aechmea castelnavii,
Aechmea cathcartii,
Aechmea caudata,
Aechmea chantinii,
Aechmea coelestis,
Aechmea colombiana,
Aechmea comata,
Aechmea conferta,
Aechmea confusa,
Aechmea conifera,
Aechmea costantinii,
Aechmea contracta,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1169665-2: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].