The Old Man's Beard ( Tillandsia usneoides ), and sometimes called "Spanish Moss" is one of the easiest plants to grow. It does'nt require watering , fertilising or weeding, it just survives on air, and all it really needs is somewhere to hang...a support. This plants natural habitat is as an Epiphyte in trees.... it uses the trees only for support, and gets it's nutrients and water from whatever falls on it, or blows in the wind, such as regular rain, dust , bird droppings and anything else that comes its way. This plant is a member of the Bromeliad family, which are also Epiphytes. Old Man's beard is native to the Americas - the South -East USA, and down through Central America to Argentina, and it likes an atmosphere with humidity.
Plants which grow too long can break off in the wind, and fall on to another branch, and start growing there, or alternatively, the Tillandsia spreads by seeds which develop after the tiny green flowers are pollinated. The best spot for it is under trees, in a semi-shaded position, and it dislikes cold climates with frost, so temperate to warm climate with humidity suits best.
Use some imagination and you can create some interesting garden features when growing the Old Man's Beard and you are sure to impress your Grandfather ! I took these photos in various Sydney gardens.
