What is an epiphyte?

Epiphytes are plants that naturally grow on other plants, most commonly in the crooks of trees and large woody plants. They are not parasitic though, they do not take any nutrients from the host plant. Epiphytes absorb the nutrients and water they need from the air, and can survive outside of a pot for this reason.

Air plants can be considered a broad category that cover all epiphytes, while others only consider Tillandsia sp. air plants. So, depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer. In this blog, we will be discussing the general category of epiphytic plants. Air plants make wonderful houseplants that can be hung, or mounted on the wall to add some diversity to potted plants on shelves. 

What does an epiphyte need to be happy?

As mentioned above, epiphytes don’t need their roots planted in soil to survive. They prefer a very humid environment, so you need to ensure they have adequate moisture.  When grown indoors, using moss or a coarse bark mix will help supplement the moisture the plant needs, since most houses are not as humid as a tropical jungle. Epiphytes are highly adaptable and many can survive being potted up. For example Staghorn Fern, Bromeliad, Anthurium and Holiday Cactus can be grown in potting soil mix with adequate drainage. It is very common to see any of these plants sold as a regular, potted houseplant.  Or you could wrap the aerial roots in moss and mount the plant on a wooden plaque perhaps. Orchids prefer a coarse bark mix to be planted in, and they will still tend to send roots up and out of the pot.

However, it is very important to note that Tillandsia will not tolerate being planted. They need very low moisture and will rot if they are put in soil. 

Epiphytes naturally receive filtered light through the tree canopy. As a houseplant, they prefer indirect, bright light. East and north facing windows will provide adequate light in the summer, but plants in the north window may need to be moved in the winter. Air plants will grow by a south or west facing window as long as they are not kept in direct light. 

Epiphytes tend to be sensitive to especially drafty areas. They still need proper air flow, but they should not be kept by outside doorways or air vents. Small glass terrariums can limit the air flow the air plants receive and may be the best option. If you do place your air plant in a glass globe, make sure it has a large opening and be careful not to leave excess moisture in the globe.

The water needs for air plants vary greatly depending on the atmospheric moisture and humidity, as well as the air temperature. The warmer your home, the more water your air plant will need. If the epiphyte is living in a humid room such as a bathroom or kitchen, you will need to water them less frequently. 

36B8FF13-E6B0-4AD5-938A-F60D44C90DB1

To thoroughly water your Tillandsia, submerge them in lukewarm water once a week for 5 minutes or less.  Once removed from the water, let them dry upside down for a few hours to prevent rotting the inside of the plant. On the days in between watering you can spray your plants with a spray bottle every couple days. Placing a room humidifier near your air plants will help to increase the humidity as well.

What epiphytes can I find at Dee-sign?

• Anthurium sp.
• Staghorn Fern, (Platycerium bifurcatum)
• Bromeliad
• Holiday Cactus (Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving, Easter)
• Mistletoe Cactus

If you have any further questions about epiphytes stop in and chat with any of our garden shop staff.