Where to Buy Spanish Moss Plants: A Complete Guide

Spanish moss is an elegant, wispy plant that adds a romantic, old-world look to gardens and indoor spaces. If you want to add this unique plant to your home, you may be wondering – where can I buy a live Spanish moss plant?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing Spanish moss for sale, including the best places to buy it and what to look for when selecting plants.

What is Spanish Moss?

Spanish moss, also known by its scientific name Tillandsia usneoides, is an epiphytic bromeliad plant native to parts of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southeastern United States. It gets its common name from its long, hanging gray strands that resemble the beards of Spanish conquistadors.

Despite its name, Spanish moss is not a true moss. It’s an air plant that absorbs water and nutrients through its scales instead of roots. In the wild, it grows hanging from tree branches Indoors, it can be displayed in a similar draping fashion

Spanish moss produces tiny greenish-white flowers. However, it is mainly grown for its distinctive foliage effect rather than blooms.

Benefits of Spanish Moss Plants

Here are some of the top reasons to add Spanish moss plants to your home or garden:

• Unique, eye-catching look
• Thrives in humid conditions
• Tolerates partial sun to full shade
• Low maintenance
• Helps provide shelter for birds and insects
• Air purifying
• Simple propagation from cuttings

Spanish moss is a great way to add tropical flair even if you don’t live in the humid south. Let’s look at the best places to buy these intriguing plants.

Where to Buy Spanish Moss Plants

Spanish moss can be purchased from a variety of sources Here are some of the best places to buy live Spanish moss plants

Online Nurseries

Purchasing Spanish moss online is often the easiest and most affordable option. Reputable online sellers offering live Spanish moss plants include:

• Etsy – Many independent growers sell Spanish moss on Etsy. Listings often include reviews you can browse.

• eBay – Spanish moss plants are frequently available on eBay from established sellers. Check seller ratings.

• Air Plant Supply Co – Specialist seller offering different Spanish moss varieties.

• Glasshouse Works – A wide range of air plants and tillandsias, including Spanish moss.

• Ecuagenera – Large selection of air plant species and hybrids to choose from.

Check reviews and shop policies. Only purchase from sellers experienced in shipping live plants.

Big Box Stores

Large retailers may sporadically carry Spanish moss seasonally. However, availability is often limited. Watch for it at:

• Walmart – Occasionally stocks potted Spanish moss plants.

• Target – Air plants sometimes show up here seasonally around spring.

• Ikea – Another retailer that infrequently sells Spanish moss. Check the seasonal offerings.

Call ahead to ask about availability if making a special trip. Supply and selection is not guaranteed.

Local Nurseries

Your local independent garden center may carry Spanish moss seasonally. This allows you to hand select plants. However, not all nurseries sell it. Scout out options in your area. The benefit of purchasing locally is you can inspect plants before buying.

Collect Your Own

In some southern states like Florida and Georgia where Spanish moss grows wild, it’s legal to collect your own with permission or permits. This allows free sourcing, but require a road trip to moss-growing regions. Also research regulations first.

What to Look for When Buying Spanish Moss

To help your Spanish moss thrive, select robust, healthy plants. Here are signs of quality when buying:

• Gray-green color – Avoid plants with large amounts of brown or excessive yellowing
• Firm, pliable texture – Stems shouldn’t feel overly dry, brittle, limp, or rotten
• Intact tips – Damage at stem tips often indicates rough handling
• Good stem length – Look for strands at least 6 inches long
• Minimal debris – Excess leaves or sticks indicate lack of grooming

Also check that plants arrived overnight in moist paper and protective packaging. Spanish moss is very perishable and doesn’t last long dry.

How Much Does Spanish Moss Cost?

Expect to pay around $5 to $15 for a small pot, bundle, or package of Spanish moss. Larger, more robust plants may cost $15 to $40. Prices vary based on supply, demand, and where you purchase from. Buying online tends to offer the lowest prices.

For comparison:

• Single small Etsy plants – $5 to $10
• 3 pack at Target – $12
• 8 inch hanging basket at specialty nursery – $40

Join loyalty programs and watch for plant sales around spring to get the best deals. Price doesn’t always guarantee larger or better quality plants.

Should I Purchase Established Potted or Unrooted Cuttings?

Spanish moss plants are sold both as potted specimens and as unrooted loose cuttings. Here are some pros and cons of each to consider:

Potted Plants

• More mature and established
• Can be displayed immediately
• Higher price

Loose Cuttings

• Must be rooted before displaying
• Lower cost
• Allows inspection of each stem
• Risk of higher mortality

For most beginners, opting for established potted Spanish moss is recommended for the easiest care until you gain some experience. Or start with a small amount of cuttings to try propagating some yourself.

Quarantining New Plants

Whenever introducing new plants into your home or collection, it’s smart quarantine practice to isolate them for a few weeks. This prevents pests or disease from spreading to existing plants.

For Spanish moss, simply keep your new plant in a separate room away from other tillandsias and orchids for 4-6 weeks. Inspect it routinely for signs of problems and treat if found.

Quarantining protects both your new plant and current collection. It’s an easy prevention step.

Growing Spanish Moss Successfully

Caring for Spanish moss properly isn’t difficult once you understand its needs:

• Light – Bright, indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun.
• Water – Mist frequently. Soak occasionally. Let dry between waterings.
• Humidity – Prefers 60% or higher. Increase levels around plant.
• Temperature – Average room temps of 60-80°F. Avoid frost.
• Air Circulation – Good airflow prevents fungal disease.
• Fertilizer – Use a bromeliad or orchid fertilizer occasionally.

Meet these conditions and your new Spanish moss will thrive beautifully!

Enjoying Your Spanish Moss at Home

There are endless ways to display Spanish moss plants creatively:

• Drape over tree branches or bamboo sticks
• Include in terrariums and dish gardens
• Place in sea urchin shells or hanging nests
• Frame in shadow boxes or glass terrariums
• Wrap around wreaths and outdoor columns
• Layer in flower arrangements
• Use to accent tabletop fountains and water features
• Incorporate into desktop Zen gardens

Let your imagination run wild when styling with this versatile plant. The graceful, whimsical look of Spanish moss complements almost any decor.

Rooting Spanish Moss Cuttings

Once you have an established Spanish moss plant, propagating more through cuttings is easy. Just snip stems a few inches long and stick into sphagnum moss or soil. Keep warm and moist, and new roots will emerge in a couple months.

Pruning your plant for cuttings allows you to easily multiply your Spanish moss for free! Share extras with other plant-loving friends.

The Takeaway

With its flowing, elegant look, Spanish moss is a unique indoor plant that provides a tropical feel. While availability fluctuates seasonally, you can often find good deals purchasing Spanish moss online.

Select plants with healthy gray-green color and firm texture. Providing the right growing conditions keeps your Spanish moss looking its best. And propagating new plants from cuttings lets you multiply your collection.

Bring a touch of Old South romance and charm to your home or garden with Spanish moss. This distinctive plant offers lovely aesthetic appeal at an affordable price.