Native Plants

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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

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
Has Texas Black Persimmon been crossed with non-native persimmons from Austin
August 17, 2013 - Hi. I just found a Texas Black Persimmon in my neighborhood. The fruit is olive green and then black, then it explodes into a black slurry of seeds and syrup. The color is so strong I find myself wond...
view the full question and answer
Seed planting of Crossvine from Orlando FL
September 12, 2011 - Seed planting of Bignonia capreolata - Tangerine Beauty. I have seed pods. Do I plant how deep and should I put in a plastic bag with a wet papertowel in the refrigerator and let it sprout? ...
view the full question and answer
Separate pups on Manfreda variegata in Tucson
July 20, 2009 - Can you tell me the best way to separate pups on a Manfreda variegata? The first ones we tried were very close to the main plant. Your help is appreciated.
view the full question and answer
Starting yucca from seed from Austin
December 24, 2012 - I would like to start a soft leaf yucca recurvifolia from seed. Is that possible?
Also, I've looked for seed on dried flower stalks, and I'm not sure that what I'm finding is the seed, and I ...
view the full question and answer
Choosing the right Coreopsis species for Tennessee
November 28, 2015 - I live in Bristol Tennessee and have replaced most of my lawn with native plants. I have been trying to learn more about the Coreopsis genus. In TN, we have C. auriculata, grandiflora, lanceolata, m...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |