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Are you curious about the many types of epiphytic flora out there ? In this place . We ’ll research some of the most pop varieties that can be grown as houseplant .
Epiphytic plants are organisms that grow on the surface of other plant . They receive their nutrients from the air , rain , and debris accumulating around them , and do not rely on the worldly concern ’s soil .
Because of their resilience , and ability to grow in a variety of conditions , they make great houseplants . They can grow in a miscellany of containers , and are even adaptable to living in terrariums . We specially love epiphytic varieties that can be grown in hanging container .
Below you will find a list of our favored epiphytic ferns , orchids , cacti and bromeliads . We desire you encounter one you like , and adjudicate to add it to yourcollection of wonderful houseplant .
Epiphytic Ferns
Here are somecommon types of fern houseplantsyou can produce .
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
Staghorn Ferns , also known aselkhorn fernor antelope capitulum , ordinarily mature along with different types of trees in the wilderness . They get their name from the unique , antler - like flesh of their foliage , which as you guessed , resembles the horn of elk , antelope , and stags .
These ferns produce spores as reproductive organs on the edge of their lobed fronds . They do not blossom and do not grow in dirt . alternatively , they choose Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bark and other case of woody substrate like peat compost or even hoop . They enjoy low to medium degree of indirect Light Within .
Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
This variety of epiphytic fern is native to tropical rainforest environments . This imply that they savour warmer temperatures . Their foliage boasts a blueish - light-green chromaticity , hence the name , and can sometimes even be speckled with silver and white-haired .
The Blue Star Fern makes for a reliable house plant because it can grow in a variety of sunlight condition , and requires slightly less humidity than other epiphytic ferns . Plus , it only tends to grow to about 2 feet tall , piss it idealistic for smaller spaces .
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
ThisAsplenium nidusfern can be identify by its bright green , spoon - like fronds that can originate upwards of 5 feet long , and that roughly form the conformation of a Bronx cheer ’s nest . However , indoors as a houseplant , the fronds tend to grow no longer than 2 feet in length . compare to some other epiphytic ferns , the Bird ’s Nest Fern , also known as the Nest Fern , has a relatively wearisome growth charge per unit .
When the Nest Fern is to the full mature , it can grow to be 3 to 5 feet tall , and 2 to 3 feet wide . If you are wanting to add a Nest Fern to your aura plant life collection , you might consider doing so during the Springtime for good effect . They opt partial sun and subtlety , and are happy in loamy , well - draining substratum .
Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
The Rabbit ’s Foot Fern is a pop epiphytic houseplant because it tends to be less finicky than other ferns . It ask a less humid surround than other varieties .
This fern is aboriginal to the island of Fiji , and is easy identifiable by its lacey and furry rhizomes that lean to hang over the border of the pot , which , with a bit of imagination , attend like the furry foot of rabbits .
These challenging - front fern prefer bright , but collateral sunlight . picture to direct sunlight tends to scorch the fragile fronds of the Rabbit ’s Foot Fern . With routine , hebdomadal tearing , and some scant fertilizing , this fern will impress you and your mansion node for eld to come .
Squirrel’s Foot Fern (Davallia trichomanoides)
At first glance , the Squirrel ’s Foot Fern could be mistaken as a Rabbit ’s Foot fern . But in actuality , it ’s quite different . The rhizomes of this flora are covered in white and gilt fuzz , and the lacey fronds spread along the rhizome themselves , alternatively of arching out from the center of the plant .
If give the correct conditions , the Squirrel ’s Foot Fern can successfully be grown outside in your garden . However , it is most democratic as a houseplant due to its gentle and grim maintenance nature .
These plants grow great in containers , especially in hang baskets where their hazy rootstalk can grow freely and dangle . Unlike other epiphytic ferns , the Squirrel ’s Foot is drouth tolerant , making a strict lacrimation schedule less of a necessity .
Strap Ferns (Campyloneurum phyllitidis)
In nature , Strap Ferns are most commonly find in the shady and moist understories of forest - like environments . They mount themselves on fallen logs , rocks and particularly prefer Republic of Cyprus tree .
Like other epiphytic fern , they meet their nutrients from the moisture and other particulates in the airwave around them .
Mature Strap Ferns can arise to be about 2 to 3 feet in height . Which is an ideal size for a home plant . Their recollective , slender and almost blackguard foliage grows upwards from the center and boast an attractive light ( almost lime tree ) green . They go abeyant in the winter time , and can be propagated from division , or with their spore during the Springtime .
Epiphytic Orchids
Many case of orchidaceous plant are also epiphytic and can be grown indoors in containers .
Crimson Cattleya (Cattleya labiata)
The Crimson Cattleya Orchid is an epiphytic perennial that is sometimes also call the Ruby - Lipped Orchid . They are not unmanageable to care for , making them an ideal orchidaceous plant for beginner gardener .
Cattleya Orchids make capital houseplant , but they can also be kept outside year - one shot as long as you live in an area that has tropical climate and does not experience Robert Frost .
This mintage of orchid is medium - sized and produces big , delicious blossom that alter in color from pink , red , and lilac . Hence the name . It was first discover in 1818 in Brazil , and since then , has become a staple species for orchid growers around the world .
Sweet Sugar Orchid (Oncidium oncidesa)
The Sweet Sugar Orchid is see to be one of the dance lady orchid varieties . If you look close , the labellum of the orchis resemble a annulus , the two sepal on each side are her blazon , and the third sepal on top is her head . When the orchidaceous plant really takes off and bloom all along its slender stems ( sometimes up to 15 peak ) , it look like a full array of professional dancer .
These flowering plants need to be water once a week , and sometimes more if you find the substrate to be drying out more quickly . Because these orchids like warmer temperatures , they should never be kept in an field that can get lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit . Their idealistic temperature range is from 60 degree in the winter , and 75 degrees in the summer .
Crispum Orchid (Odontoglossum crispum)
This orchid , also known as the Curied Odontoglossum is consider to be one of the most beautiful orchids . However , it is also infamous for being difficult to grow .
These plants are native to the highlands of Colombia where they grow at altitude of 6,000 to 10,000 feet above ocean level . They mainly raise on trunks of trees , and along the principal outgrowth of oak Tree . They prefer fond shade , but can also tolerate the periodic full sunlight circumstance . They enjoy moist , well - draining uprise medium and should be watered regularly .
Epiphytic Cacti
There are even some types of epiphytic cacti you may grow !
Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum spp.)
The Orchid Cactusis popular for its large , cup - shaped , and showy flowers . The prime bloom at the destruction of the cactus ’ branches and can be a variety show of unlike gloss like , pinkish , white , red , jaundiced , orange , and purpleness . Some can even be bicolored depending on the interbreeding of the plant .
The subdivision of Orchid Cacti are long , serrated , and broad . If leave alone , they can farm up to 2 substructure farseeing . For that cause , these epiphytic cactus do great as attend plant . To further these cacti to bloom , concentrate on the following items :
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
The Mistletoe Cactus is an interesting cactus with slender chain - like branches that requires very small and is well-heeled to develop . For that reason , we think the Mistletoe Cactus is the pure epiphytic cactus for tyro . It enjoy warm and humid environments for the most part because it ’s native to rural area like Mexico and Brazil . This cactus would absolutely love living in Florida .
Unlike other varieties , the Mistletoe Cactus need shadowiness and fond sunshine . This makes it the idealistic houseplant for those shadier , hard - to - turn over locations in your home . It can be pot in a container with a reliable fund - buy cactus mix or mounted on barque or some other woody substrate like orchids .
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
Unlike some other cacti , the Christmas Cactus is not actually aboriginal to dry out and arid desert surroundings . On the other hand , this epiphytic succulent is aboriginal to warm and humid environments constitute in the rainforests of Brazil where it grows along tree branches and souse up dappled sunshine .
The Christmas Cactus gets its name from the colorful and vasiform pinkish flowers that flower along its leg . If the conditions are correct , this cactus actually tend to bloom around Christmas time . Due to its essential for a humid environment , we recommend turn up this cactus in the bathroom or in the kitchen .
Chain Cactus (Rhipsalis paradoxa)
This interesting - looking cactus is also aboriginal to Brazil . It gets its name from the long , skinny , and concatenation - like structure . Because of its sprawling nature , this epiphytic cactus is perfect for window sills and in cling container so that its chain - like branches can spill over and make a hobo camp vibe , almost as if you were in Brazil .
The Chain Cactus is happiest in bright , collateral sun . It can also tolerate fond shade or dappled sunlight .
endeavor to avoid let your Chain Cactus become expose to direct sun , as the intense passion may singe the plant . bet on the space , and the precondition , its branches can rise upwards of five foot long . take off in the late winter and early spring , the Chain Cactus begin to bloom with petite white flowers scattered along the branches , and minuscule red yield .
Epiphytic Bromeliads
There are one thousand of differentspecies of bromeliads . Some look like steady grass specie , while others look like aloe . Even pineapple are bromeliads . But the most popular bromeliads are the ones that add together a tropical and exotic flair to your plate . These also tend to be prosperous to grow and humiliated maintenance which produce them great houseplant .
In general , there are three type of bromeliads :
As you might await , it is this last category we will focalize on below .
See more : Bromeliad plant guardianship
The Common Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)
This species of gentle wind plant originates from countries like Trinidad , Uruguay , Brazil , Venezuela , Paraguay , Guyana , and Northern Argentina . It has been documented growing in a wide variety of environments , including sand dune and tropic forests . This speaks to its adaptability and popularity . It also explains why it is such a great houseplant .
This miscellany matures in the summertime and produces beautiful , pocket-size flowers that can be blue , royal , and even yellow . Interestingly enough , the flowers of this variety of breeze plant only last one solar day . After it has flower , it create “ pup ” . The pup can be removed in edict to spring up more air plants . Or they can be left entire with the mother plant where they break into gravid cluster .
Fireball Bromeliad (Neoreglia)
The Fireball Bromeliad vex its name from the flushed - blistering coloring of its lowly branches . If you want the most red out of your Fireball Bromeliad , then we advocate growing it in bright luminance and using less plant food . This epiphytic bromeliad is splendid for outdoor landscape gardening , in hanging containers , or in terrariums .
Sky Plant (Tillandsia ionantha)
The Sky Plant ( Tillandsia ionantha ) is one of the most pop air - plant species . The Sky Plant is be intimate for being down - maintenance and adaptable , making it an ideal houseplant . For that reason alone , they are perfect for a beginner who is just suffer into tune - plant bromeliads .
Sky Plants protrude out tiny . As Tillandsia plants ripen , their color intensify , their foliation stretches and they take on a playfulness , wavelike artistic . When the Sky plant blooms , it gas little but attractive white or yellow blossom with royal shoots .
Epiphytes for Everyone
As you may see , there is an epiphytic plant to beseem the need of any nurseryman ! see some of the plants list above and enjoy the experience !
FAQs
What are the natural epiphytes ?
The wanderer plant ( Chlorophytum comosum ) is not typically study an epiphyte . It is a terrestrial plant that grows in soil , although it is often grown as a hanging plant in field goal or pots .
Is spider flora an epiphyte ?
Are orchids a type of epiphyte ?
Orchids are a authoritative example of epiphyte . Many orchid species naturally develop on tree or rocks in their native habitats , anchoring themselves to the substratum with aery origin while infer wet and nutrients from the air , rain , and organic matter around them .
Is Fern an epiphyte ?
Some fern species can be epiphytic species . These fern , know as epiphytic fern , grow on trees or rocks in moist , humid environs . They typically have specialized anatomical structure , such as creeping rhizome or hang roots , that allow them to anchor themselves to their host and absorb water and nutrient from the zephyr and constitutional debris .
Are lily epiphyte ?
Lilies , including true lily ( Lilium spp . ) , are not typically classify as epiphytic plant . They are mundane plants that grow in soil and swear on their root systems to absorb H2O and nutrients from the ground . However , some lilies may be accommodate to produce in specific habitats , such as muddy or swampy areas , where they may grow in waterlogged dirt or shallow water .
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