Spanish Moss & Mulching

Spanish Moss as Mulch

• Mulch is any material used to enrich garden or landscape soil. Organic mulches constitute plant matter used for such purposes, while inorganic mulch comprises items like crushed stones, plastic and woven cloths. When used properly, organic mulches decay in soil. The soil absorbs the nutrients and moisture of the decaying mulch. Plants in the vicinity of mulch take these nutrients and moisture from the soil. Amateur and professional growers in Spanish moss' natural range use the plant as a mulching material when growing all manner of plants.

Using Spanish Moss as Mulch

• Due to the nature of Spanish moss, using it as mulch entails nothing more than removing it from a tree or other growing habitat and placing it on the desired surface. Spanish moss does not grow roots and does not climb like vines do. If placed on the ground, it simply sits there. Spanish moss helps soil and plants retain moisture. Eventually, the plant absorbs into the soil and provides nutrients to plants in the area. In outdoor gardens, spread as much Spanish moss as needed around individual plants or across large areas. Spanish moss also makes good container mulch.

Spanish Moss in Floral Arrangement

• Florists throughout the native range of Spanish moss use the plant in floral arrangements. Spanish moss provides two uses in floral arrangements, aesthetic and practical. Aesthetically, Spanish moss adds a droopy, draping element to floral arrangements that increases form and color contrasts and complements. Practically, Spanish moss helps floral arrangements retain moisture, thus increasing the longevity of the arrangement. Arrangements of living flowers benefit from Spanish moss because it assists in moisture retention and, as it decays, makes a potent mulching material.

More on Spanish Moss

• Spanish moss historically serves a number of purposes beyond its application as a mulching material. Residents of the American southeast have used the plant as livestock feed, packing material, home insulation, an ingredient in medicinal teas, a material for cloth, a strengthening agent in concrete mortar and stuffing for furniture like couches, mattresses and chairs. It also serves as decoration or screening material on fences or wires.

  Always use caution when attempting extraction of Spanish moss from the trees on which it grows. Countless animals make their homes in the plant, including bats, birds, amphibians, lizards and red bugs. Red bugs bite and may cause a rash.