Epiphytic plants are a true botanical treasure that many people are unaware of, despite being present both in nature and in many homes. They are the protagonists of numerous stories in Latin American forests, and their unique characteristics have earned them fame for both their beauty and their important ecological role. Although we tend to associate them with ornamental plants or the famous orchids, the truth is that the world of epiphytes is much broader and more fascinating than it appears at first glance.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what they look like, why they grow on trees, how they adapt to these microhabitats, which are their most representative species, and, of course, how you can successfully grow them at home. We'll do this by combining information from various specialized sources, discoveries from passionate biologists, and practical advice, so that both botany enthusiasts and those looking for a simple guide have all the keys at hand.
What exactly are epiphytic plants?
Epiphytic plants are those that grow on other plants, mainly on the branches and trunks of trees, but without parasitizing them or extracting nutrients from them. They use their hosts as a simple support, a natural scaffolding that helps them reach better-lit and humid areas of the forest canopy or other habitats. They should not be confused with parasites: the latter harm their hosts, while epiphytes merely use them as a life support platform.
Their adaptability is amazing. They have developed aerial roots that absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the environment, without the need for fertile soil. Thus, they can colonize spaces where other species would fail, creating authentic miniature gardens on tree bark. In addition to trees, it is also possible to find epiphytes growing on rocks when we talk about lithophytes, although their specialty remains the arboreal kingdom.
Diversity: main groups and examples of epiphytic plants
The variety of epiphytic plants is enormous and ranges from very beautiful species to tiny and inconspicuous ones. The main epiphytic groups found in the tropics and subtropics (although there are also representatives in more temperate climates) include:
- Epiphytic orchids: Probably the best known to the general public, with hundreds of genera and thousands of species, many of them exclusive to certain countries or forests. They adapt to multiple forest strata and have specialized organs such as pseudobulbs and velamen-covered roots to absorb water.
- Bromeliads: They are the queens of the tree canopy. Many bromeliad species, especially in the Americas, develop a rosette shape with concave leaves, forming small water reservoirs that shelter all kinds of insects and small creatures. They absorb water and nutrients through leaf scales and grow without harming the tree.
- Ferns: There are numerous epiphytic ferns, such as Pleopeltis macrocarpa, common in humid and misty forests. Their fronds adapt to both intense light and shade, and their spores germinate in the bark where they find moisture.
- Mosses and lichens: Although more discreet, they are essential in ecosystems, helping to retain moisture and serving as a refuge for microfauna.
- Other epiphytic species: We find epiphytic cacti (such as the "Christmas cactus"), some araceae, peperomias, and even certain succulents in suitable environments.
In Mexico, for example, there are more than 300 species of epiphytic bromeliads, many of which are consumed in the cut flower trade and endangered due to uncontrolled extraction. In Colombia, epiphytes are part of the most valuable and threatened biodiversity, with an enormous wealth of orchids and bromeliads.
Where do epiphytes live? Habitats and adaptations to the environment
Epiphytic plants are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, where humidity and sunlight are abundant. They usually settle in the crowns and branches of adult trees, although they can also appear on shrubs, rocks (lithophytes) and, very occasionally, on artificial structures.
To survive in these elevated environments, they have developed a number of impressive adaptations:
- Aerial roots: They allow them to absorb water and nutrients directly from the air, dust, and organic matter deposited on the bark. In some cases, the roots can be loosely anchored to the trunk, without penetrating it.
- Adapted sheets: Many epiphytes have thick, waxy leaves or even hairy leaves. These adaptations help retain moisture during dry periods.
- Water storage structures: This is the case with bromeliads, which, thanks to the shape of their leaves, create small "tanks" to collect rainwater. These reservoirs are veritable microhabitats for insects, frogs, and even small mammals.
- Absorption of nutrients from the environment: They also use bird droppings, decomposing organic matter, and even waste carried by the wind or rain.
These strategies allow epiphytes to colonize inhospitable places, thrive in tree canopy, and withstand temporary droughts. Some, especially in humid environments, may rely almost exclusively on misty water and air condensation.
Epiphytes and parasites: fundamental differences
A common confusion is identifying epiphytes as parasitic plants. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although both live on other plants, there is an essential difference.
- Epiphytes: They use the tree solely as a physical support. They don't extract sap or nutrients from the host, but rather take advantage of the light, moisture, and particles that reach the bark.
- Parasitic plants: They insert specialized organs (haustoria) into the host plant tissues to directly absorb water and nutrients, damaging or even killing their host.
For this reason, epiphytes do not cause damage to the tree on which they live, except in exceptional cases where their weight becomes excessive and causes branches to break. In general, their presence is harmless and, in fact, beneficial to local biodiversity.
The ecological value of epiphytes: much more than ornamental plants
Beyond their beauty and rarity, epiphytes play essential ecological roles in the ecosystems where they live. They are responsible for providing a significant portion of the diversity in mature forests, especially in tropical environments such as those in Colombia, Central America, and Mexico.
What functions do they perform?
- They create unique habitats and shelters: Frogs, beetles, worms and other small creatures find a safe home in epiphytes, even at high altitudes.
- They provide food and water: Bromeliad rosettes, for example, can store water used by monkeys, squirrels, birds, and even larger mammals like the spectacled bear.
- They promote pollination: Many epiphytes, especially orchids, have co-evolved with certain specialized pollinators. A striking example is orchid bees, whose males absorb the scent of flowers while also assisting in cross-pollination.
- They contribute to the retention of water and nutrients: By capturing water and suspended particles, they help maintain the water balance of the forest and the fertility of mature ecosystems.
In some old tropical forests, up to 20% of the plants present may be epiphytes. Their disappearance means a loss of biodiversity and the breaking of very delicate ecological chains.
Conservation and threats to epiphytes
Epiphytes are endangered in many areas due to deforestation, unregulated trade, and climate change. Old-growth forests, where they thrive, are becoming increasingly scarce due to logging and population pressure. When large trees disappear, so do the epiphytes that lived in them, often with no way back, as their dispersal is slow and depends on very specific conditions.
Excessive trade, especially of wild orchids and bromeliads, is another of the most serious threats. Many species have been overexploited, extracted from forests for sale, sometimes without any oversight or respect for natural balance.
Ecological restoration and reintroduction of specimens These are practices that can help in the recovery of these species, but they require patience and proper identification of habitats and microclimates. The eastern hills of Bogotá are representative: after years of logging and planting exotic species, many epiphytes disappeared, and now only a few species adapted to current conditions remain.
Famous epiphytes and their stories: bromeliads, orchids, and ferns
When it comes to notable epiphytes, bromeliads and orchids take the spotlight. The former are true ecological engineers, transforming any tree branch into a small aquatic ecosystem: everything from worms to poison dart frogs can take advantage of the water accumulated in their leaves to reproduce or survive in dry periods.
The epiphytic orchids They have developed very close relationships with pollinators. In Colombia, terrestrial species that survived the transformation of the landscape stand out, as do the large epiphytic orchids that have been disappearing due to the lack of old-growth forests.
The epiphytic ferns, such as Pleopeltis macrocarpa, have managed to survive in areas where other epiphytes have disappeared. Meanwhile, it is estimated that dozens of original species have been lost forever in the most disturbed areas.
Growing epiphytes at home: a basic guide
Bringing the world of epiphytes into your own home is possible and a rewarding experience. However, it requires understanding their particular needs, which are very different from those of traditional potted plants.
Species selection
The most popular and easy to find for home cultivation are epiphytic orchids (such as Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium), bromeliads (Guzmania, Tillandsia, Vriesea), some species of ferns and tillandsias known as "air carnations."
Light and humidity requirements
- Light: They need plenty of indirect light, never intense direct sunlight that could burn them. Indoors, a spot near a window but protected by a light curtain is ideal.
- Humidity: They require humid environments, so it is advisable to spray water on the leaves or install humidifiers, especially in dry climates or during the winter in heated homes.
- Ventilation: Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases and dry the roots between waterings, which is essential for species like orchids.
Substrates and supports
Epiphytes do not need normal soil. They are grown on special supports: pine bark, logs, porous stones, or in mesh pots with very loose substrate (coconut fiber, sphagnum, perlite). The goal is for water to drain quickly and allow the roots to breathe. For tillandsias, simply place them on wood or coconut husks, without any substrate.
Irrigation and fertilization
- Irrigation: Watering by immersion (submerging roots in water for a few minutes) or by frequent misting is preferred. Watering intervals depend on ambient humidity and the specific species, but it's better to water too little than too much; too much water rots the roots.
- Fertilizer: Very diluted liquid fertilizers, specially formulated for epiphytes or orchids, are used during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can be harmful, so less is always better.
Reproduction and propagation
Natural reproduction occurs by seeds (in the case of orchids, with the help of symbiotic fungi) or by separation of lateral shoots (in bromeliads and tillandsias).
Under growing conditions, the easiest way is to divide adult plants or separate offshoots. It's important not to damage the roots and maintain high humidity levels during the first few weeks.
Practical tips and curiosities
- Always observe the roots and leaves: A light green color and silvery roots indicate good health; brown roots or wrinkled leaves may indicate watering or moisture problems.
- Do not use conventional pots for pure epiphytes: They need air and drainage, so you mount them on logs or in mesh baskets.
- Spray with the purest water possible: Mineral salts from hard water can accumulate on leaves and roots; if possible, use rainwater or filtered water.
- Avoid the use of harsh pesticides: They are sensitive plants and it is best to prevent problems with good ventilation and taking care with excess humidity.
- Some epiphytes can live for years on the same support and bloom several times with proper care.
Thanks to the passion of naturalists and biologists, today we have more practical and engaging information about these very special plants. Photographic documents and field guides, such as those developed in Central and South America, are an inexhaustible source of ideas for those who want to discover or cultivate them. Furthermore, ecological restoration is making it possible to recover some of the lost epiphytic flora, although the process is slow and requires everyone's commitment.
Epiphytic plants are a formidable example of adaptation and beauty in nature. Not only do they beautify our homes, but they also play a fundamental role in the health of forests and the richness of biodiversity. Learning to recognize, distinguish, and care for them connects us more with the natural world and teaches us to value those "green islands" that decorate trees and create unique microcosms in the heights. If you're looking for a unique plant for your home or garden, choosing an epiphyte can be synonymous with success and satisfaction.
