Spanish moss Plant Care

Spanish moss (Tinnea barbata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Tinnea genus. Spanish moss is native to South Africa and Eswatini. Spanish moss is also known as Florida moss, long moss.

Spanish moss displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Spanish moss produces small purple tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spanish moss every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spanish moss thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tinnea barbata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Spanish moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Spanish moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spanish moss every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spanish moss is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spanish moss can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spanish moss while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spanish moss is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spanish moss can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african violet plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spanish moss is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spanish moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Spanish moss is native to South Africa and Eswatini. In cooler regions, grow Spanish moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.