Epiphytes are some of the coolest plants around and can be considered “Freeloaders” thriving on other plants, especially trees, without ever touching the ground or sinking their roots into the soil. Their ability to sustain themselves solely on air, light, and the little moisture they can capture makes them true marvels in botany. Their unusual growth habits and fascinating appearances make them unique houseplants, bringing a fun touch of nature indoors. 

If you’re ready to welcome some quirky, beautiful, and low-maintenance plants into your space, epiphytes might just be what you’re looking for! Read on to learn what they are, seven varieties you can grow at home, and helpful care tips for these beauties.

What is an Epiphyte? 

High up in the canopies of rainforests, you will find some unusual plants that grow on trees and other objects, such as cliffs and rocks. These plants are known as Epiphytes. 

Epi = On top of
Phyte = Plant

They get their nutrients from the air, water, and organic debris, such as fallen leaves in tree crevices. Unlike parasitic plants, epiphytes don’t harm their host; they use trees, rocks, or other surfaces as a perch to get closer to the light, particularly in dense canopies. This clever adaptation allows them to access more sunlight and avoid competition for resources on the forest floor.

Some places, like the Amazon, where soil nutrients are notoriously lacking, are another reason many varieties of plants in these regions have evolved an epiphytic lifestyle to maintain and grow their populations in such harsh conditions.

Examples of epiphytes include a variety of orchids and ferns, bromeliads, and jungle cacti.

What is the difference between a Parasitic and Epiphytic plant?

As we now know, epiphytes have evolved to try to maximise the amount of light they receive through the thick jungle and forest canopies by bringing themselves closer to the light and ultimately away from the competition at floor level. The way they have achieved this is by attaching themselves to host trees, making their homes often on high branches where they can bask in occasional streams of sunlight without damaging or drawing nutrients from the comfortable skyscraper they have chosen as their home.

Parasitic plants are far less kind than epiphytes. They exploit their host, much like a scammer preying on a trusting elderly person, slowly draining them of resources. By syphoning off the nutrients the host plant has worked to produce, parasitic plants gradually weaken, damage, and some ultimately kill their hosts. Though for most, their goal is to keep the host alive as long as possible.

Fun Fact: Many vining plants begin their journey at ground level, using their roots to "climb" trees as they grow. These plants, known as hemiepiphytic plants, typically cause little harm to their host, relying on them merely as a support structure. Great examples include various species of Anthuriums, Monsteras, and Philodendrons.

How do you tell the difference between a parasitic and epiphytic plant? 

It can be hard to tell, but often Epiphytes will have visible roots that grow downwards towards the ground or upwards if they are at floor level. Where parasitic plants use a structure called a haustorium, this organ forms a bond between the two plants, letting the parasite tap into the other plant's system and hijacking their water and nutrient supplies. 

Two examples of parasitic plants include Hydnora africana and a wide variety of Ficus commonly known as Strangler Figs or Banyan Trees; a good common example is Ficus Benjamina.

Hydnora africana, also known as Jakkelskos, is a root parasite on Euphorbia and is often found from the Cape Peninsula up to Namibia. It has such an unusual structure that it can easily be classified as a fungus but is actually a plant. They tend to grow beneath the soil and bloom above ground, releasing a pungent odour of faeces to attract pollinators such as flies, dung beetles, and carrion beetles. They produce no chlorophyll, hence their reliance on a host plant species to thrive.

Hydnora obtain their nutrients by using an enzyme to dissolve the roots of the host plant; they then attach themselves and draw up nutrients produced by the host plant via photosynthesis.

Meaning they mainly hijack but try not to kill their hosts too quickly.

Strangler Figs can pose a significantly more deadly threat to their host plants. Usually, an animal deposits the sticky seed of these tree varieties high up in the tree canopy. As the seed develops and matures, it sends down long aerial roots that snake along and attach themselves to the host tree. As the young strangler grows, its roots get larger, forming trunk-like structures, which in time squeeze the life out of the host tree. Although Strangler Fig varieties can be deadly, they are also key stone species that provide a large variety of fauna with a reliable food and shelter source in the forest, such as bats, birds, and insects. 

7 Common Houseplant Epiphytes

1. Staghorn Fern 

Native Habitat: Staghorn ferns make their home in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, namely Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Why They Are Epiphytic: This Fern variety tends to attach themselves and grow on tree trunks and branches in jungles and forests. They collect water and organic debris using their flattened, shield-like fronds, known as basal frands, that also help attach themselves to the trees they have chosen to live on. Their antler-shaped fronds, hence their name, help them capture light and some water, making them well-adapted to the dappled sunlight found in the forest canopy. 

Looking to add a Staghorn to your collection? Shop here.

2. Jungle Cacti and Rhipsalis

Native Habitat: These funky “Jungle Cacti” are native to rainforests in Central and South America, including Brazil, Rhipsalis and lepisimum are found in high-humidity environments, which help them supplement their moisture needs. 

Why They Are Epiphytic: These semi-succulents grow on trees in their native habitats, using their trailing, often pencil-like stems to sprawl over branches. This positioning allows them to access light above the dense forest floor, while their succulent nature helps retain moisture during dry spells.

They are a wonderful addition to any mounted or hanging plant display, adding character and a sense of intrigue.

Add a funky touch to your plant collection today, and check out our Jungle cacti range here.

3. Moth Orchid

Native Habitat: Moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis, are native to tropical Asia, including India, China, and the Philippines, often found in humid, lowland rainforests.  

Why They Are Epiphytic: Like many other types of orchids around the world, moth orchids grow on trees and rocks, where they can benefit from the filtered light in the forest canopy. Velamen, a soft sponge-like tissue covering their aerial roots, absorbs water and nutrients from the air. This makes them very good at getting what they need without touching the ground.

Moth Orchids are a wonderful way to add pops of colour to your indoor display. Consider mounting them on unique pieces of driftwood for a true statement piece. Shop an orchid today!

4. Bromeliad

Native Habitat: Bromeliads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most eye-catching foliage or flowers. Making their home in the tropical and subtropical Americas, especially in the rainforests of South and Central America, where they not only benefit themselves but a variety of other living species.

Why They Are Epiphytic: Bromeliads attach to trees with thin roots, and their tough, overlapping leaves make a "tank" in the middle that stores water and dead plant matter. This ability allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor environments and gain access to light and air without competing on the forest floor.

FUN FACT: Pineapples are a variety of bromeliad.

Bromeliads are a great addition to patios and balconies, as well as a colour pop in a bathroom. Shop yours here.

5. Spanish Moss and Air Plants

Native Habitat: Spanish Moss and air plants are native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, often seen attached to trees. Air plants, in particular, thrive in diverse environments, ranging from sea level to temperate forests and cloud forests, where they absorb moisture from morning fog. Some species even survive in desert conditions, relying on dew for sustenance for up to eight months without water. This is achieved by a mechanism called CAM photosynthesis, similar to many succulent varieties.

What is CAM photosynthesis?

CAM photosynthesis is a special process that helps plants survive in dry places. At night, the plants open their tiny pores (stomata) to take in carbon dioxide (CO₂), which they store as an acid. During the day, the pores stay closed to keep water from escaping, and the stored CO₂ is used for photosynthesis. This method helps plants live in hot or dry environments.

Why They Are Epiphytic: Tillandsia (the scientific name for airplants and Spanish Moss) It absorbs water and nutrients directly from the air using the tricombs covering the surface of their foliage, thriving in humid environments with good air circulation. They use a small, tiny, hairlike root called Fast Hold to attach themselves to their choice of host plant, which does not harm the host at all.  Making them ideal living decorations for humid spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Fun Fact: Spanish Moss got its name from French Explorers, who likened it to the beards of Spanish conquistadors and is a relative to the bromeliad.  

Get your hands on this delicate beauty here.

6. Bird’s Nest Fern

Native Habitat: Bird’s Nest Ferns are a fabulous easy-care fern variety found in tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, often growing in the rainforests on tree trunks and rocks. 

Why They Are Epiphytic: They grow high in the canopy to capture as much light as they can, which filters through the leaves above. Their broad, wavy fronds form a nest-like rosette that is designed to capture falling organic matter, providing nutrients that help the fern thrive. They also have fibrous roots that form mats, helping them both attach themselves to host plants as well as draw up as much water as they need.

Birds Nest Ferns come in a large variety of sizes with some fun foliage forms. They are a wonderful addition to any plant collection and are great for beginners. Add one to your collection here.

7. Hoya

Native Habitat: Hoyas are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, including India, China, and the Philippines, where they often thrive in many shapes and forms in warm, humid forests.  

Why They Are Epiphytic: Even though you often purchase Hoyas in hanging baskets and nursery pots, they are actually epiphytic in their natural habits. Hoyas attach themselves to tree trunks and branches via their stems and aerial roots, using their thick, waxy leaves to retain moisture. This allows them to survive in places where water is scarce, and their ability to climb makes their flowers more accessible to pollinators and puts them in a position to receive as much filtered light as they can above the forest floor.

We love Hoya because they are available in an incredible variety of leaf shapes and colours. With almost 500 species and countless hybrids available, there is a Hoya that has a flower or leaf that suits all tastes. Shop online and fall in love today!

4 Styling Tips for Epiphytes

When it comes to styling epiphytes, the world's your oyster - or should we say, the canopy is your canvas! These plants thrive on creativity, allowing you to place them in hanging baskets, mount them on driftwood, or even create stunning vertical gardens. The possibilities are endless, as they flourish without the need for soil, making them perfect for unique, space-saving displays.
Here are four fun ways to get creative with you, Epiphytes, and create one of a kind masterpieces that’ll leave others feeling envious of your creative talents.

1. Terrariums

Consider displaying your Epiphytes in a terrarium for a chic, modern look. Terrariums offer you the opportunity to create visually appealing miniature ecosystems, highlighting your epiphytic plants unique roots, structures and blooms. 

Use items such as driftwood and rocks to create your hardscaping canvas, and mount your epiphytes to these. Terrariums are also a wonderful way to maintain most epiphytes, as it is easier to mimic their natural habitat in them. Giving you more choice to where they can be displayed without ill effects to the plants if not in their ideal environments.

Terrariums help regulate moisture by keeping humidity consistent and protect your plants from cool drying drafts.

2. Mount on Wooden Boards 

Wooden boards are a fun way to mount most epiphytes, allowing you to become as creative as you like with the way they look. You can go for a traditional piece of stump cut into a 10 cm thickness for a more rustic appeal, or consider a fun piece of wood board cut into a shape. Customisation opportunities are endless. Wood is also a wonderful way to replicate the epiphytes natural environment, providing them with a familiar surface to cling onto. 

Wood has the greatest ability of all by providing your plant with excellent airflow around the roots, which is essential for avoiding a waterlogged plant. Something Epiphytes really cannot tolerate. They are like succulents, teetering on the edge of being teethotalers. 

The biggest benefit of using wood as a mount is its durability. Properly treated wood has the ability to last for many years, providing your plant with a sturdy, long-lasting base to grow and thrive.

3. Grow them in Mossballs (Kokedama) for a unique, floating plant display.  

Growing epiphytes in Moss balls, is an excellent way to display these air-loving plants creatively and naturally. Epiphytes don’t need soil to thrive; instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, as we well know.

Kokedama provides a visually appealing, minimalist approach to cultivating them. To make a Moss balls, wrap the roots of the epiphyte in a ball of moss, securing it with string or wire. This moss retains moisture, mimicking the natural environments where epiphytes grow attached to trees or rocks. 

Kokedama suspends epiphytes, enhancing air circulation and lowering the risk of root rot. Additionally, the moss ball can be misted to maintain the necessary humidity. Moss balls offer a beautiful and functional way to grow epiphytes indoors, bringing a piece of nature into any space.

4. Driftwood or Decorative Logs for stylish tabletop displays

Mounting epiphytes on driftwood or decorative logs creates stylish, natural tabletop displays that bring an organic charm to indoor spaces. Epiphytes, like air plants or certain orchids, are ideal for these displays because they don’t need soil to grow. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, making them perfect for attaching to driftwood or logs. 

To mount them, you can use a bit of floral wire, fishing line, or glue to secure the plants to the wood, ensuring they're in a spot with good air circulation and indirect light. 

Driftwood pieces add a rustic, sculptural element, enhancing the natural beauty of the plants as well as providing them with a more natural mount similar to what they will get in their native environments. To maintain the display, mist the epiphytes with water a few times a week or soak them in water every so often to keep them hydrated.

These displays are low-maintenance yet stylish, making them perfect for those who want to bring a bit of greenery and artistic flair into their homes without the hassle of regular plant care.

How to Care for Epiphytes as Houseplants

Epiphytes are incredibly versatile and can thrive in a range of creative setups, whether mounted or potted. Try mounting them on cork, driftwood, wood rings, or even shaping them into decorative moss balls. If you prefer keeping them in pots, epiphytes are just as adaptable with the proper care. Let’s explore how to care for them:

Lighting for Epiphytes

Epiphytes thrive in bright, indirect light, much like their natural environments high in forest canopies. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight that can scorch their leaves, but don't be afraid to experiment based on the plant. Always check the specific light needs of your species to give it the best home.

Watering Epiphytes 

Epiphytes often store water in their leaves, so they won’t need constant watering. Wait until the potting mix or moss for mounting is almost dry before giving them a good soak. Mounted epiphytes can be watered by soaking them in a basin for 10-15 minutes or giving them a refreshing shower. Be mindful of signs like puckered leaves - this means they need water!

Potting Mix for Epiphytes

Good airflow is essential. Use a substrate like a lose Palm peat mix amended with bark and Perlite, Orchid Bark, or Sphagnum Moss to keep the roots well-ventilated. If planting in a pot, terracotta is ideal for allowing airflow and managing moisture. Dense soils can lead to root rot, so opt for light, airy mixes that balance moisture retention and aeration.

Humidity for Epiphytes

Epiphytes thrive in humid environments, making it essential to provide them with adequate moisture to flourish. To achieve this, place your epiphytes in naturally humid areas of your home, such as bathrooms or kitchens, where steam can help maintain their moisture levels. If these spots aren't available, consider spritzing your plants 2 to 3 times a day to keep them looking vibrant and healthy. However, don’t rely solely on misting—regular watering is crucial as well. Ensure that the substrate or mounting material is kept moist, allowing your epiphytes to absorb the water they need. This combination of humidity and proper watering will keep your epiphytes thriving beautifully.

Epiphytes are perfect for adding greenery to unconventional spaces. Their unique growth habits, low maintenance, and stylish appeal make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring a bit of nature into their home without the fuss. They are also excellent candidates for beginner plant parents or those looking for low-maintenance, easy-care plants. Please share your favourite epiphytes below or any care tips you've gathered for them.