Info on Epiphytes

Epiphytes are basically plants that grow on a host – another plant or an object. Most are not parasitic. They simply use the host for physical support rather than for nutrition which parasitic plants are known for. They are commonly called “air plants” because they don’t require soil to root like most plants do.



This type of plant is quite common in tropical forests. They include native tropical orchid plants, bromeliads, and some cacti and ferns. Lichens, algae and several mosses are also considered to be epiphytic plants.

How to Grow Them

Most of these plants require a warm, humid environment and quite a bit of water. Temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees are good for most. Temperatures above 95 and less than 50 will usually damage them or kill them. In cold climates, they will do better if you bring them inside during the winter, or grow them in a greenhouse.

The humidity level should be kept between 50 and 80 percent for most of these plants and they require constant air circulation, so using fans inside or in a greenhouse is recommended.

Most require fertilization at least once a month and bright light, although direct sunlight is not recommended.

Before growing a specific plant, I suggest that you research the growing conditions thoroughly on that particular plant to ensure the best results.

If you have grown this type of plant, we would like to post your photographs of flowers or plants and your experience in the flower garden ideas section of this website.

Interested in Growing Tropical Flowers?

Return to Flower Garden Lover Home Page from Epiphytes