PlantFiles: Needle-leaf airplant
Tillandsia setacea

While most resources tell us this air plant grows in moist places, it is also found in very dry scrubs that haven't burned in a long time. Here's the proof in my photo taken at Archbold Biological Station in Lk. Placid, Florida.

T. setacea is native to the cypress swamps, hammocks, wet low habitats and similar, varied habitats throughout most of central and southern Florida. It is easily distinguished from other native species of Tillandsia in Florida by it's small size and very thin, somewhat stiff leaves (much thinner than Ballmoss, known as Tillandsia recurvata). On viewing it, it appears to have a soft look.

T. setacea is frequent to common in the wild. It is an attractive, small Tillandsia. It may be found growing pretty profusely in many areas with suitable habitat.

T. setacea grows well in zones 9a through 11. Habitat destruction, some collecting and potentially other threats can harm the survival of T. setacea. It likes moist conditions, but can survive in slightly drier conditions as well.

Currently common in south Florida's hammocks and swamps, but numbers are reducing due to habitat destruction.