Are Tillandsia Harmful to Trees?

Tillandsias, a member of the Bromeliad family, are related to the pineapple. The bromeliad with a bright flower spike, Spanish moss and ball moss are all tillandsias. All of these can safely grow on trees with no harm to their host.

Air Plants

Epiphytes: Bromeliads

Tillandsias are termed epiphytes or air plants. According to the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, in the United States tillandsias grow primarily in the Southeastern states and are considered a native plant in Florida.

Tillandsia Nutrition

Tillandsia on the Ground

Tillandsia derive nourishment from moisture, organic debris that collects where they cling to the tree and from minerals in the air. Many tillandsias provide a home, water and protection for insects. In some varieties of tillandsia the leaves form a cup which collects a pool of water. Spanish moss has scales that trap moisture.

Tillandsia and Tree Health

Swamps are home to a number of epiphytes.

Trees with tillandsia on them can develop problems. The tillandsia may be blamed for tree rot, disease or death, all of which occur whether the tillandsia lives on the tree or not. The tillandsia appears rooted into the tree, even though it takes its nourishment independently without affecting the tree at all.

Mounted Tillandsias

Because the tillandsia uses a tree for support rather than nourishment, some plant retailers sell live tillandsias on pieces of tree bark.

Safe for Trees

Tillandsias thrive in damp environments.

Despite common myths, these plants are not parasites sucking the life out of trees. No harm will come to a tree with tillandsia on it, except for being upstaged by the tillandsia's colorful blooms or the atmospheric effect of Spanish moss or ball moss.

References

• University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: Air Plants
• University of Florida: Sarasota Extension--Epiphytes Brochure

Resources

• University of Wisconsin: Horticulture--Bromeliads