The length of the distance between nodes appears to be an indicator of the plants' response to its habitat. The plant reproduces both by seeds and by vegetative growth. Dissemination of Spanish moss through vegetative reproduction is greatly accelerated by violent storms. Seeds appear to disperse between December and March. While little is known about conditions necessary for germination, the seeds do germinate and become fixed to their new growth site after being distributed by the wind.
Flowers appear in spring on the terminal ends of Spanish moss strands.
Flowers in most bromeliads are terminal. They may appear to be on side strands, but once a strand flowers, a new branch is formed at the node above, sending growth responses along an alternate path which had on ly supported a simple leaf. Flowers blossom in April in Florida, usually a single flower on each plant. The yellow-green blossoms are relatively inconspicuous, but have a pleasant, subtle fragrance when many are massed together. Flowers last about four days and are followed by development of a seed capsule.