Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - July 28, 2011
From: Dunnellon, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: Air layering with Spanish moss from Dunnellon FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is it possible to air layer plant cuttings using Spanish Moss instead of Sphagum Moss? I have a yard full! ThanksANSWER:
We searched on sites about air layering (listed below, with links) and found no mention of using any other material than sphagnum moss, apparently because it soaks up moisture and holds it around the area. If you feel like experimenting, you could always try it, we have no personal experience in the process, nor with Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss), which is native to your area. In spite of the similarity in their common names, they are not closely related; Spanish Moss is a member of the Bromeliaceae or airplant family, and sphagnum moss is a member of the Sphagnaceae family. More information and pictures on sphagnum moss.
Texas A&M Horticulture Air Layeriing
Iowa State University How to air layer a houseplant
Florida Gardener Air Layering
From the Image Gallery
More Propagation Questions
Propagation of Texas grapes
November 11, 2015 - What is the best way to propagate wild Texas grapes?
view the full question and answer
Dogwoods cross-pollinating from Snyder, CO
October 24, 2012 - I have a red twig and a yellow twig dogwood. Will they cross-pollinate to produce berries? Thank you
view the full question and answer
Variety of colors in bluebonnet seeds from Houston
November 18, 2013 - Bluebonnet seeds I have collected are a variety of colors, from the sandy/tan color to a grayish color and black color. Are all variations viable? Are they equally viable?
view the full question and answer
Grafting Pecan Trees
July 05, 2013 - I have planted two pecan nuts and now they are about 4 feet tall trees, they have not been grafted but can I graft one of the trees to the other and vice versa and expect pecans from then, they are he...
view the full question and answer
Source for Texas Olive Tree from Tucson AZ
August 10, 2013 - Can one start a Texas Olive Tree from the olives it produces? How can you start one. I am having difficulty finding a nursery, but do see the trees around.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |