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 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
Propagation of Asclepias tuberosa
June 18, 2012 - Re: Asclepias tuberosa, "butterfly weed" bush -- I have a bed in a mix of Shoal Creek well-drained caliche, soil, and some enrichment of mulch that gets almost full sun and low water. After 4 yrs a...
view the full question and answer
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) frost tolerance, making cuttings
October 08, 2007 - Dear Madam or Sir,
It would be very kind, if you could answer my questions about the “Thuja Plicata atrovirens” alias “Western Red Cedar”.
I need the information because a good friend of mine ...
view the full question and answer
Adventitious sprouts on oak tree in Austin
April 26, 2010 - Hello, I have an Oak tree which was planted in about 2002, which has adventitious sprouts. The tree has always sent these up, and we cut them off below ground. The tree has always been a 'runt', b...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of evergreen sumac by cuttings from Cedar Creek TX
March 02, 2011 - I seek an ”Evergreen Sumac” propagation method by cuttings.
view the full question and answer
Transplanting an immature Sweet Bay Magnolia
May 30, 2006 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants:
I just found what I think is a Magnolia Sweet Bay growing wild next to an oak and a pine tree in my back wooded yard. It has blooms on it and is about 2 feet tall. There are tw...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |