Rebeca Mello/Getty Images
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1218666642-1ca9211c9e9a4ad6a0b66865b1021995.jpg)
Epiphytes: Unraveling the Intriguing Group of Plants That Depend on Supportive Connections
Epiphytes form a diverse group of plants that rely on external support to thrive, found predominantly in tropical regions where they cling to trees, rocks, and other natural structures. Unlike parasites, they do not harm or exploit their host plants; instead, they simply use them for physical support. As an integral part of various ecosystems, understanding these fascinating plants can greatly impact your approach to plant care.
Defining Epiphytes
Epiphytes are plants that grow upon other plants or objects solely for physical support.
Common Traits of Epiphytes
Perennial in nature, epiphytes often produce attractive flowers to entice pollinators. Instead of rooting into the ground, their fertilized seeds develop root-like structures that attach to trees and other natural surfaces. Dispersal of seeds relies on wind, water, and even transportation by birds and insects. Many species propagate through the production of pups and offshoots.
Certain epiphytes anchor themselves with roots that wrap around rough tree bark, while others root into vegetative mats formed around mosses and lichens. This surrounding environmental debris acts as a surface compost, offering stability to the roots.
Epiphytes obtain moisture from rainfall, humid air, dew, and the surfaces of their host plants. Some have special adaptations, such as cup formations or thick roots and leaves that aid in water absorption. They derive nutrients from environmental debris and establish symbiotic relationships with various bacteria and fungi present in the air or on the host surface.
A Diverse Array of Epiphytes
Epiphytes can be found in more than 80 plant families worldwide, with prominent examples including ferns, mosses, bromeliads, tillandsias, lichens, liverworts, and orchids. These plants showcase unique forms and flowers, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate their beauty and diversity. While tropical species can thrive in greenhouses and make captivating houseplants, others like mosses, lichens, and liverworts naturally grow in temperate zones and find use in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and as ground covers.
Exploring Iconic Epiphytes:
Orchids: A significant portion of the orchid genus comprises epiphytic varieties, often found climbing trees in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Epiphytic orchids, sometimes referred to as ‘aerial’ orchids, boast a rich diversity with nearly 14,000 species. These plants exhibit annual blooms with a wide range of colors and forms. They develop thick roots covered in velamen, which swells to retain moisture and nutrients. Orchids often feature thick and waxy leaves, though some species lack foliage altogether. The popular epiphytic orchid Phalaenopsis is a notable example.
Bromeliads: Thriving in deserts, mountains, and forests across South and Central America, the Caribbean, and West Africa, bromeliads have adapted to subtropical regions of the United States as well. With over 3,000 known species, the terrestrial pineapple is one of the most recognizable types. Bromeliads take the form of both bracts and epiphytes, often growing in colonies through pup production. They bloom only once for three to six months, subsequently giving rise to new young plants. Their unique flowers, arranged in influorescences, add to their appeal. The urn plant or silver vase plant, Aechmea fasciata, is a popular epiphytic bromeliad.
Tillandsias: Commonly referred to as “air plants,” tillandsias belong to the Bromeliacaea family and are native to humid rainforests. Around 600 species can also be found among rocks, cliffs, deserts, and even on cacti. Reproduction occurs through pollination and the production of pups, leading to the formation of colonies. It takes several years for tillandsias to bloom, after which they produce offshoots while the parent plant eventually dies back. Sky Plant, Tillandsia ionantha, is a frequently cultivated houseplant.
Ferns, Mosses, Lichens, and Liverworts: These epiphytes grow naturally in tropical and subtropical jungles and rainforests, as well as temperate zones around the world. Ferns rely on root systems to absorb moisture and nutrients, while mosses, lichens, and liverworts are non-vascular and photosynthesize through tiny hair-like structures that depend on surface moisture. They reproduce through spores and do not produce flowers, though some mosses exhibit luminescence. Lichens represent a unique symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae (or occasionally cyanobacteria). Several ferns, such as the Rabbit’s-foot fern (Davallia denticulata) and Stag fern (Platycerium), make attractive houseplants. While mosses, lichen, and liverworts can thrive in terrariums, they are less commonly seen in houseplant collections.
Caring for Epiphytes
From the resilient tillandsias to the more delicate orchids, epiphytes vary significantly in their care requirements. Nonetheless, certain general guidelines apply when cultivating them as houseplants. They thrive in filtered or indirect light, provided there is ample moisture in the environment. A loose potting medium ensures sufficient circulation for the roots, which derive nutrients from the surrounding air. Regular fertilization schedules are crucial to supporting healthy growth and blooming.
Achieving success with epiphytes heavily relies on creating adequate growing conditions. Understanding the native habitat of your particular plant is essential in recreating those conditions within your home. By providing the right care, these unique and captivating plants can flourish and add a touch of natural beauty to any living space.