What is an epiphyte?
An epiphyte is a plant that doesn’t grow in soil, but on other plants (usually a tree) with its roots anchoring itself onto the host plant. The name derives from the Greek word epi, meaning ‘upon’, and phyton, meaning ‘plant’. They are not parasitic, meaning they do not harm or cause damage to the host plant. Many houseplants are epiphytes, some examples include: Hoya, Bromeliads, ferns, orchids, Tillandsia (air plants), Rhipsalis (jungle cactus) and many more.
