Can Spanish Moss Be Used Safely Indoors?

Spanish moss feeds on organic matter found on trees.

Spanish moss hanging from trees is an iconic image of the American South. Spanish moss does not feed on trees and will not harm them. It will not harm your home if you bring it inside.

Spanish Moss

Spanish moss, with its long gray springy filaments, can be an attractive addition to an indoor plant arrangement. It is not toxic to humans or animals, so it is safe to use inside your home, so long as it is properly prepared. Pre-packaged Spanish moss from a craft supply shop is safe to use out of the package.

Preparation

If you live in a southern region of the U.S. and Spanish moss grows wild, you can pick it and use it in your home. Because it is a home for a variety of insects and spiders, boil the moss for several minutes, then put it in the sun to dry. This will remove dirt and kill any insects that you do not wish to bring into your home.

Considerations

If you do not clean Spanish moss and allow it to dry thoroughly before bringing it into your home, it can dirty the other elements of your arrangement so they cannot be used again in the future.

References

• "The Nature Handbook"; Ernest Herbert Williams; 2005