Ball Moss

Tillandsia recurvata

Family: BromeliaceaeNative: Southern United States, Central America, and South AmericaIdentified: Oct 9, 2026

An epiphyte with narrow, curving, grey-green leaves covered in tiny scales, growing in ball-like clumps often attached to tree branches.

Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun, approximately 6 to 8 hours per day
Water: Mist frequently or submerge the entire plant in water for 15-20 minutes every week, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings.
Growth: Perennial epiphyte forming rounded clusters or clumps, typically ranging from 3 to 12 inches in diameter with a slow growth rate.

Care instructions

Mount on a piece of bark or wood, provide bright indirect light, mist thoroughly with water 2-3 times a week, and ensure good air circulation.

Bright indirect light to partial sun, approximately 6 to 8 hours per day

Mist frequently or submerge the entire plant in water for 15-20 minutes every week, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings.

Epiphytic, does not require soil; grows attached to surfaces with specialized anchoring roots.

USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11

Perennial epiphyte forming rounded clusters or clumps, typically ranging from 3 to 12 inches in diameter with a slow growth rate.

Spring to early summer, producing small, pale blue or violet flowers on a slender stalk.

Propagated by separating offsets or 'pups' that form around the base of the mature plant, or from seed.

Generally resilient, but susceptible to rotting if left in standing water or lacking sufficient air movement.

Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides), which has a hanging, pendant growth habit rather than forming rounded tufts.