With its wispy , threadlike tendrils , Spanish moss adds a whimsical touch of nature to floral arrangements , wreaths , and menage decor While spectacularly beautiful , this finespun plant dries out quickly when trim back save Spanish moss enables craftsman to enjoy its agrestic charm long after it ’s harvested . There are several methods for keep and tinge Spanish moss to maintain its beauty .
What is Spanish Moss?
Spanish moss , whose scientific name is Tillandsia usneoides , is not actually a moss but a flowering flora in the bromeliad kin . It grows abundantly in the southeast United States , hanging from tree branches in long , convoluted gray strand up to 20 metrical foot foresighted .
Spanish moss is an epiphyte , meaning it arrive water supply and nutrients from the air and rainfall rather than drawing sustenance from its emcee tree . It spread via lilliputian seminal fluid and also spreads vegetatively . The hairsbreadth - similar structures are specialized leaves adapt to absorb wet .
In nature , Spanish moss appears grey or pale dark-green - yellow . When used in crafts and decor , it is often dyed other colors like fatal , purple , red-faced or chartreuse for dramatic event .
Drying Spanish Moss for Short-Term Use
To dry out Spanish moss for use in projects within a month or two these simple air drying methods work well
Hang big money upside down in a dry well - ventilated country out of direct Sunday . dry takes 1 - 2 weeks .
Place moss loosely on meshing sieve or burlap in a warm spot with good airflow . Stir the moss day by day to expose all sides .
apply a dehydrator on the low mise en scene . Check every few hours until moss feels teetotal and crispy .
Once dried , keep moss in sealed bags or boxes until needed . Dry Spanish moss is fragile and fragile , so manage cautiously . Mist with water to rehydrate if it becomes too unannealed before use .
Preserving Methods for Long-Lasting Spanish Moss
For Spanish moss that retains its softness and tractableness over many months or years , extra preservation is require after air drying . Here are some top methods :
Glycerin Treatment
Soaking moss in glycerin solution uphold suppleness and color . meld 1 part glycerine with 2 parts spicy water . Submerge dried moss for 1 - 2 weeks , replacing liquid every few day as it absorbs . Rinse well before use .
Ironing Between Layers
Sandwich moss between cloth and gently press with a lovesome Fe to seal in wet . practice steam setting but deflect high heat . Repeat every few months .
Freezing
This shocks moss into quiescency so it remains preserved for 1 - 2 days when unfreeze . Place dry moss in a undivided level in zipper bag and halt . Defrost in electric refrigerator before using .
Air-Tight Storage
Vacuum seal dried moss in shaping bags with desiccant pack . The bags prevent wet red . Refrigerate or block for retentive ledge life .
Chemical Treatment
Dried moss is sprayed with or dipped in chemicals like glycerine , paraffin wax or acrylic spray . This surface the material to seal off in moisture and keep it pliant .
Coloring Preserved Spanish Moss
born Spanish moss is pale and somewhat grim . Coloring preserved moss with cloth dyes or commercial-grade moss dyestuff before crafting give it more visual charm .
Submerge dried moss in dye bath for 30 - 60 minutes until it absorbs the desired hue . Rinse well and dry out again before using . Any all - role framework dyestuff works well , but specialised moss dyes last longer without bleed or fading .
Some options for coloring preserved Spanish moss include :
Rit All - Purpose Liquid Dye – Available in a wide spectrum of colours from bold primaries to soft pastel . Use as directed .
Jacquard Acid Dyes – Specifically formulated for silk , wool and other natural fibers . bring forth percipient , bright color .
Custom Moss Dyes – Specialty dye only for preserved mosses . Long - live on and colorfast . More circumscribed color selection .
Uses for Preserved Spanish Moss
With proper drying and conservation , Spanish moss stick around vibrantly beautiful for months or days . Here are some fun ways to apply preserved moss in foxiness and home interior decoration :
With the right saving and colour techniques , originative crafter can enjoy work with Spanish moss for many seasons to come . Its wispy beauty enhances any nature - inspired project !
DescriptionSuperMoss Preserved Spanish Moss is a company staple. It grows in a swirly, spaghetti-like fashion and makes for an excellent touch to floral displays, creative projects, and your garden. Our product is responsibly procured and comes in its natural color as well as a variety of enhanced colors to match your home decor. Our product is durable and reliable to provide long-lasting beauty. It is ideal for covering soil or dressing container plants, bulbs & orchids. Spanish Moss is also a great natural fill for gift baskets.*Cleaned before packaging to remove small particles.Available in SuperMoss packaging or in bulk quantities.
Preserved Spanish Moss SKU P00002
Clear
Spanish moss treatment
FAQ
How to scavenge and keep up Spanish Moss ?
How long does preserved Spanish moss last ?
How to preserve moss at home ?
Can you dry out out Spanish Moss ?
