Spanish moss - Tillandsia usneoides BLOOMS!!!

[backyarder1]

I just went to an orchid demo a few weeks ago. The guy giving the talk told me to never use Spanish moss that isn't still in the tree. In other words, once it lands on the ground, it is prone to critters getting in it. I thought he said mites but he might have said chiggers. I know with some things, if you freeze it you can kill critters. So could be if you put Spanish moss in Ziploc bags and stuck it in the freezer for awhile, it might kills bugs. I'm not sure though.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by backyarder1

I just went to an orchid demo a few weeks ago. The guy giving the talk told me to never use Spanish moss that isn't still in the tree. In other words, once it lands on the ground, it is prone to critters getting in it. I thought he said mites but he might have said chiggers. I know with some things, if you freeze it you can kill critters. So could be if you put Spanish moss in Ziploc bags and stuck it in the freezer for awhile, it might kills bugs. I'm not sure though.

Most of mine is from the trees, it is hanging all over here in Florida, also, I do NUKE it in microwave for few sec, I am pretty sure if anything would live in it, will die in microwave. It works for me for sure! I just came back from the balcony, and II am just surprised that nearly all my Spanish moss is blooming now, I have never seen this in prior years, not sure why:-)))

[emg53]

Hi, I am new to this board and have just started growing orchids. I live in central Florida and have a lot of Spanish Moss around. What exactly do orchid growers do with it?

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by emg53

Hi, I am new to this board and have just started growing orchids. I live in central Florida and have a lot of Spanish Moss around. What exactly do orchid growers do with it?

Hi and welcome. It is great for Vandacious, to hang it around the roots, keep the moisture better, I do use it also for all my leafless orchids, etc! You can find many great uses for Spanish moss!