"Ball Moss" is commonly seen attached to trees in the deep south. It is not parasitic as some believe, deriving only physical support from the host plant that it clings to. It can hinder tree growth by competing for light and nutrients and restricting surface area for new branch formation but doesn't usually affect a healthy host plant. Ball Moss photosynthesizes its own food, receiving water from rain and nitrogen from bacteria. The blooms are rather bland but interesting.

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This Tillandsia grows well with the low light, little airflow, and high humidity commonly provided by Southern shade trees, particularly the Southern Live Oak, where it can frequently be found.

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