Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Epiphytes

Ah, the wonderful world of plant life up in the trees.

Have you ever wondered how an air plant can survive without soil?
Or marveled at the beauty of a moth orchid?

Well, then you’ve begun to ponder the world of epiphytes. Derived from the Greek "epi” (upon) and “phyte" (plant), the term is used to refer to species that coexist harmoniously with other plants—while obtaining the nutrients they need from the air, dust and debris around them. There are over 30,000 species of epiphytes, each with its own unique adaptation for survival. 

In this article, we’ll explore how life up in the air happens, then share what you need to know when keeping an epiphyte as a houseplant.

The wonderful world of plant life up in the trees
Since epiphytes aren’t bound to the earth, many use their roots to cling to the surface of trees. Latching onto their chosen tree, plant, moss or debris, they’re able to absorb nutrients from rainwater, air moisture and solid debris on and around them.

As rainwater runs down a tree, it picks up minerals from things like dead leaves and animal droppings and delivers them to hungry epiphytes below. Many epiphytes capture the nutrients they need using special leaves, and others with trichomes—which are basically tiny hairs that can collect beneficial particles from the surrounding air. Others rely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi or bacteria, exchanging photosynthesized sugar for nitrogen and amino acids. 

Epiphytes grow in temperate climates all over the globe. They’re particularly concentrated in the high canopy of tropical forests, where high humidity levels help ensure their survival. Unlike parasitic plants, they’re not usually damaging to their hosts. When cultivated as houseplants, some epiphytes can grow independently, not needing a host to latch onto at all.

Six Epiphytes You Might See On Instagram
—In the past few years, Tillandsia have taken the world of houseplants by storm. Better known as air plants, these bromeliads (AKA tropical plants in the pineapple family) have become super popular for how easy they are to care for and how versatile they can be. Since they don’t need to be potted, air plants can be arranged on coffee tables and nightstands, hung from the ceiling in glass terrariums, or otherwise turned into living art. 

—Tillandsia ionantha, commonly known as the Sky Plant, is one of the most popular species of airplants, with tons of different varieties available. The ‘Huamelula’ cultivar, for example, is one of the largest ionanthas, growing 3 to 5 inches tall and prized by collectors for its outstanding fuchsia blooms. The ‘Silver Trinket’ is another type of ionantha, bred for the metallic sheen of its leaves.

—Beyond ionanthas, Spanish moss, Tillandsia juncea, and Tillandsia xerographica are other popular species of air plants. Spanish moss, in particular, is famous for being a symbol of the Southern Gothic aesthetic, hanging over moonlit bayous on the twisting branches of ancient oaks. There, its tiny gray scales plump up after it rains, giving it a richer green hue that then fades as the plant goes through its water supply. Regular mistings are key to keeping this one happy as a houseplant.

—Not all epiphytes are cultivated as air plants. Some have longer roots that allow for potting, including bromeliads like Guzmania and Neoregelia—which have evolved a central cup for water collection, instead of the trichomes found on Tillandsia. Since their roots are usually minimal and mainly used to grip tree bark, this cup allows bromeliads to catch and store rainwater that’s then released slowly, as needed.

—The majority of orchids are also epiphytes in the wild, growing in the understory between the ground and the canopy. Orchid species are incredibly diverse and found in almost every habitat type in the world. Many are unique to hyperlocal regions, like on certain mountain ranges or tropical islands. To survive away from the ground, many orchid species have developed thick stems called pseudobulbs to store water. When grown indoors, it’s important to let an orchid’s roots breathe like they do in the wild, while also keeping them humid with a slightly moist, airy potting mix.

—While most species of ferns are terrestrial, there are some amazing epiphytic ferns that have become really popular among decorators. The Staghorn Fern is the most striking of these, often mounted on a panel of moss, where it looks like the head of a buck or a moose. If you’re looking for a woodsy addition to your home but don’t want beady eyes watching you sleep, the Staghorn Fern is the perfect alternative.

Caring for Your Epiphytic Houseplants
There are so many reasons to take home an epiphyte: they’re more rare than many common houseplants, can thrive where other plants might not, and don’t require soil or run the risk of hosting soil-dwelling pests. Plus, keeping them healthy is pretty simple. 

Because of their shady natural habitat, many epiphytes prefer bright indirect light to strong, direct sunlight. They prefer a humid environment, so if you notice yours drying out, you may want to invest in a decent humidifier. (Unfortunately, misting doesn’t increase humidity in any measurable amount, contrary to what you may read elsewhere online.) Temperature wise, most will do just fine in the common home—if you’re comfortable, your epiphyte is probably comfortable. 

Overwatering can be an issue with these plants, since their roots are used to being exposed to air and are susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. When potting epiphytes (like orchids or Guzmania), be sure to use a well-draining potting mix with lots of sand, perlite, or fine bark. For mounting, pieces of dry driftwood, bark, or peat moss will work well—just make sure that whatever substrate you choose won’t be likely to rot. Lastly, most air plants love a good weekly soak. Place yours in a bowl for 15-30 minutes, shaking off any excess moisture when done.

The world of epiphytes is absolutely fascinating. After all, they're an eclectic mix of species that have evolved with amazing adaptations to survive up in the air. From mosses and ferns, to cacti and bromeliads, you’ve got plenty of options when choosing one to add to your plant family. Find an epiphyte that piques your interest, and add something strikingly unique to your plant collection.

Just be ready to do some explaining the next time someone points to the living pile of moss and fronds dangling off your apartment wall.