Epiphytic plants: Key facts

See also: What is Hibiscus and how to grow it in your home?

Living on Air: Exploring epiphytic plants

Epiphytic plants grow without soil. They cling to trees and rocks in tropical rainforests, cloud forests and even deserts. These get their nutrients and water from air and rain with the help of aerial roots and water-absorbing scales.

Medinilla speciosa

Horn spikes 

Orchid flower

Dischidia oiantha Schltr

Epiphytic plants: Distinguishing features

An epiphytic plant doesn’t grow on the ground and is not dependent on direct nutrient sources. They are mostly found in dense tropical regions on tall trees, giving them access to ample sunlight. These plants gather nutrients from leaves and other organic debris that collect on tree tops. 

Source: Pinterest

The growth of epiphytic plants depends greatly on moisture, so they need frequent rainfall and a humid climate for the best growth. Hence, watering them 2-4 times a week is very important if you plan to grow them at home. Some key features of epiphytic plants are:

1. They are not parasitic and do not harm the host plants. There are some exceptions to this, like mistletoe.
2. These plants grow in dense tropical forests because of high humidity, and they are usually present high on trees to get ample sunlight.
3. Epiphytes are non-poisonous, and most of them are even edible.
4. Leaves of some types of epiphyte plants are modified to collect water.
5. These plants multiply by dispersing their seeds from one plant to another.
6. Some epiphyte plants never come in contact with soil. They are called Holo-epiphytes. In comparison, some spend half of their life in the soil and the other half on a plant. They are called Hemi-epiphytes.

See also: Garden roses: Facts and tips to grow

Hanging gardens: The world of epiphytic plants

• Terrestrial epiphytes: As the name suggests, Terrestrial epiphytes grow above or on the ground. Most terrestrial epiphytes are angiosperms or flowering plants. They can again be divided into three categories:

• Holo-epiphytes: They never come in contact with the soil and depend on their host for nutrition. Example: Orchid.

• Hemi-epiphytes: They spend half of their life on the ground and the other half without coming in contact with the soil. Example: Strangler fig.

• Proto-epiphytes: They are entirely dependent on their host for nutrition. Example: Orchid.

• Marine epiphytes: Marine epiphytes grow on water and have much faster generation than terrestrial ones. A few examples of Marine epiphytes are alga, bacteria, fungi, etc.

Epiphytic plants: How to grow?

Epiphytic plants are grown on vertical surfaces like tree bark, rock or any object they can attach to for support. For growing an epiphytic plant at home, a wooden surface is best for mounting as it gives a very nice touch to the house’s interior.

The first step in mounting would be choosing a base that will vary depending on the plant you are growing. For example, orchids and tillandsias tend to grow on specific trees, so choosing the wood of those plants as the mounting material would be best. One should also consider the size of the plant and its weight because the mounting material should be able to support the plant.

Source: Pinterest

The second step will vary from plant to plant and is the most critical part. Take your plant, moisten its roots, and tie sphagnum moss around it. You can use fishing line, wire, or twine for the step. Finally, attach the plant to the base using glue, wire, or twine and place it in a pot.

Do note it is essential to water the plant frequently because the epiphytic plant needs a lot of moisture. Depending on the temperature at your home and humidity, water the plant 2-4 times every week. You can also spray the plant with water if the weather is arid.

Epiphytic plants: Surviving without soil

Maintainence

Epiphytic plants are different from regular trees as their roots are exposed to the air, and how they are grown is also different. So, various species of epiphytic trees need specific care for growing them at home. Here’s how you can take care of your epiphytic plant.

• When you mount an epiphytic plant, research and try to mimic the growing conditions of the species. For example, Orchids grow in shredded bark and less moderate sunlight and moisture, so do not overwater them or place the plant under direct sunlight.
• Choose the growth medium carefully so that the plant’s roots get ample nutrients and can keep growing. 
• Allow the plant’s roots to breathe, and do not constantly soak them in water.
• Do not fertilise the plant more than twice a month. You can use an all-purpose liquid fertiliser that works for all species of epiphytes.
• Ensure the plant doesn’t face harsh cold temperatures or strong winds.

Maintaining an epiphytic plant is much easier than normal soil plants. One needs to focus on getting the humidity, moisture, and sunlight right.

Epiphytic plants: Uses

In nature, epiphytic plants contribute to a diverse ecosystem by growing on trees, rocks and other moist areas where they can find support. They also make great decor for homes, as the maintenance for epiphytic plants is less, and they create a great tropical vibe in the house. Most epiphytic plants are also edible as fruits, and their seeds are often dispersed by animals and birds.

Epiphytic plants: Benefits

Plants not only give your home a great look and vibe but also have many physical and mental benefits. It improves the quality of life and boosts productivity, focus and happiness. Here are some of the advantages of keeping an epiphytic or some other plant at your home.

1. Improves air quality

Plants release oxygen, improving the air quality and keeping the atmosphere in the house fresh. Some plants, like orchids, spread a calm and peaceful vibe, making them great additions to one’s bedroom. Even NASA uses plants at the space station to keep the air clean and fresh.

2. Prevents physical and mental illness

Plants keep the house humid and reduce toxins from the air, which helps in maintaining good physical health. Having some green in the house can also calm your nerves, reduce stress and improve your mental health.

3. Increases attention

Research shows that having real plants in your study room or at the workplace improves attention and increases concentration. 

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