Tillandsia recurvata aka Ball Moss

Tillandsia recurvata, or ball moss, is in the bromeliad family. Despite its common name, it is not a true moss. It grows in small, gray-green tufts with a round, mounded shape. The RHS lists it as not native to Britain or Ireland. In Florida, gardeners find it on trees in the landscape. Its small, compact form makes it useful as a specimen plant.

Ball moss is an epiphyte: it uses another plant for support. It does not feed on its host like a parasite. It gets water and nutrients from the world around it. Water flows over leaves and branches, carrying minerals dissolved in it. This lets the plant live without roots in the soil. The tree gives it a perch, not a food source. Ball moss may grow on a tree whose health is failing. This does not mean it caused the tree's poor health.

The Chicago Botanic Garden lists blue blooms from May through August. Its profile puts the plant in USDA zones 8–11. It lists full sun and part shade as suitable light levels. The University of Florida says ball moss prefers strong light. Trees with few leaves can thus give it a good perch. Chicago lists dry conditions for this plant. This describes where it grows, not a need for soil.

Ball moss can add interest without the need to remove its host. Its presence alone does not mean that a tree is sick. Poor drainage, packed soil, or disease may cause the host's decline. The University of Florida says ball moss seldom causes harm. Removing it may cost money yet leave the tree's real problem unsolved. An arborist, a tree care expert, can check the tree's health first.

You can remove growth by hand if it looks too thick or untidy. A ladder or pole may give access to small trees. Large trees may need a raised work platform. Copper products labelled for ball moss offer another way to control it. Most cases do not need these treatments. They can also harm tender new growth on oak trees. Killing ball moss does not clear it from the branches. Dead clumps stay in place and still need removal. Sprays can drift onto nearby plants and harm them. Any use of chemicals must follow the product label.