Tree Moss

[HighSeas]

Here in Florida, we have an abundance of tree moss. I always gather it up every year and use it to decorate our Christmas Tree, along with grape vine and big pine cones, cinnamon sticks tied with jute .....you know....earthy stuff. Never had any problems with it actually.

SO...I had a brain storm and decided to hang some around in the orchid house! (Besides, I liked the way it looks in Squirrels grow house) That said....has anyone ever done this? Should I somehow prep it first?

Anyone done it?

[MattWoelfsen]

Are you talking about Spanish moss? That is endemic to upstate Florida and throughout the Deep South. It is Tillandisa. I have a Vanda coerulea growing in a basket with Tilandsia strung up in the basket. It makes an excellent companion plant. The Tillandsia helps with humidity.

[HighSeas]

THAT's it! I've used for stuff here and there but I've never had it around my orchids. What do you think? Why can't I go snatch some out of a tree and use it?

Question is...does it have critters?

[Fairorchids]

It helps kerp the humidity high (we use it in orchid GH here in NJ). However, if you just grab it from the outside, you are likely to get some unwanted critters too.

[RJSquirrel]

you can soak it in consan triple action 20 in a bucket and then dunk it in another bucket of 1tbsp amdro fire ant killer and 1 tbsp palmolive dish soap for dispersant...should take care of any bacteria fungus or critters seen or unseen. that same mix is what I use on the orchids for same. Its safe for just about anything but succulents.

it really should be hung and not laid around the bench tops. I do that for you all . I dont leave it there.
It will die unless its hanging in some breeze staying moist. Some metals will also kill the plant if they contact it.You have to pick thru it on occasion pull off the dead matter but it does grow well if you keep it moist and lots of air.They feed off the air. Air plants.

good luck and make sure you dont go moss pickin in the parks. you can get a ticket for that in texas

[Cym Ladye]

I have a thriving colony of this in Northern Ca hung along a beam in my Cymbidium shade house. It just keeps growing and I just keep thinning it and sharing it! I call it the "poor mans' hygrometer" because if it is happy in your orchid growing area, your humidity is acceptable for the orchids.

[HighSeas]

Funny you should mention that Squirrel! I get mine from a park just down the road! I'm not sure that anyone here in this little port town cares much one way or the other though. I'm surely going to try your "brew", cleaning it up a little and then see how this goes! I've always liked the look of the moss hanging around...and then I saw YOUR pictures!

Thanks!