Tillandsia usneoides aka Old Man's Beard

Old Man's Beard presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Old Man's Beard does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

To ensure the health of your Old Man's Beard, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

To ensure optimal growth, the Old Man's Beard prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

During the wintertime, it's common for Old Man's Beard to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Old Man's Beard prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

The growth rate of Old Man's Beard is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Old Man's Beard’s native range is the Americas.