15 Intriguing Epiphytes to Grow Indoors

Growing epiphytes can be a rewarding experience for plant enthusiasts or for those new to growing houseplants. Epiphytes tend to be easy to grow with minimal care. Unlike many plants that require soil, epiphytes naturally grow on other surfaces, such as among the branches of trees, deeply textured bark, or in the nooks of rocks. They utilize these surfaces for support, but do not derive nutrients from them. Epiphytes are not parasitic and do no harm to the plant surfaces of their host plants.

Epiphytes grown as houseplants are commonly native to tropical rainforests and can include species such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. They obtain moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris that accumulate around them via hairlike root structures. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments where ground space is limited.

Epiphyte Care

Light

When it comes to light, most epiphytes prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so growing them near a window with filtered light is often ideal.

Water

Proper watering is an important aspect of caring for epiphytes. These plants generally require more frequent watering than typical houseplants because they do not have extensive root systems to retain moisture. It’s essential to water them thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. Pots can be placed on a tray of pebbles to catch excess water. Epiphytes will appreciate the increased inthe water in the tray provides as it evaporates.

Soil

While epiphytes do not grow in soil, they benefit from specific growing mediums when cultivated indoors. A mixture of small bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite provides a good medium for supporting healthy growth. Many epiphytes can be mounted to a board or bark and grown on a wall to take advantage of vertical space.

Feed

Epiphytes can be fed once a month during periods of active growth, usually early spring through summer. Use a liquid fertilizer for houseplants diluted to half-strength. Apply to the root zone using a mister.

Epiphytes That Make Good Houseplants

There are various types of epiphytes that make excellent houseplants—including certain orchids, bromeliads, and ferns—each with its own unique care requirements and aesthetic appeal. Understanding these needs will help ensure your epiphytic friends thrive beautifully in your home environment. Here’s a list of twelve epiphytes that are popular for growing as houseplants:

Whisk Fern, Skeletal Fern (Psilotum nudum)

Whisk fern is found growing wild in tropical regions throughout the world including South America, Asia, North America, and Australia. It can be found growing in the ground or as an epiphyte. The Psilotum genus was long thought to be a remnant of the first vascular plants from 400 million years ago. It has more recently been classified as a fern but its primitive form makes it a good fit for a prehistoric garden theme.

Ric Rac or Zig Zag Cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus)

Ric rac cactus is an easy to grow, epiphytic plant native to the humid rainforests of Southern Mexico. The plant produces long, zig-zag shaped, flat foliage that resembles the decorative sewing trim known as ric rac (rick rack). Mature plants produce fragrant flowers with purple petals and creamy white inner bracts. The blooms are big, from 5-6” (12-15cm) in diameter, but they last just one day. This is a night blooming cactus with flowers that open in late afternoon or evening and close by morning.

Hooker’s Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri)

Hooker’s orchid cactus produces a loose mass of long, flat, strappy foliage that results in a lovely sculptural effect. Mature plants produce big, fragrant white flowers in summer, however, because this is a night blooming cactus, the flowers open only at night and close by morning. Looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets. Perfect for growing on a lightly shaded deck, patio, or porch during warm weather.

Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

Rat tail is a beautiful, easy-care epiphytic cactus. This species is native to Central America and Mexico where it grows in the crevices of rocks or hanging from trees. The long, finely-spined stems create a spectacular, sculpture-like display. Under good conditions produces vibrant, long-lasting pink flowers in the spring. Looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.

String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia)

This plant is commonly called “String of Nickels” because its firm, round leaves look like long strands of coins. This is an epiphyte, or “air plant”. Epiphytes are plants that attach to trees, rocks, or other structures instead of growing in the ground. The cascade of fleshy foliage looks great in hanging baskets or mounted to a piece of bark or moss. Native to Singapore.

Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)

This epiphytic cactus is fun and easy to grow. The fishbone cactus produces long, zig zag shaped foliage that results in a lovely sculptural effect. These funky leaves grow up and out, eventually becoming long enough to trail downward. Mature plants produce fragrant white flowers in summer, however, because this is a night blooming cactus, the flowers open only at night and close by morning. Native to Mexico and Central America.

Staghorn Fern ‘Netherlands’ (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn ferns are epiphytes that can be found in Australia growing on the bark of trees, high above the ground. Staghorn Ferns are prized for their distinctly shaped fronds that are reminiscent of antlers. ‘Netherlands’ has flat, pale green fronds with pronged tips. May be anchored to tree bark and boards to hang on a wall.

Lepismium (Lepismium cruciforme)

Lepismium is a rugged epiphytic cactus that can be found growing among the trees in South American jungles. Very easy to grow, they require only minimal watering and a regular supply of bright light. This is a species that does very well in a hanging basket or planter where the stems can cascade over the sides.

Goldfish Plant, Dancing Dolphins Indoors (Columnea species)

Easy to grow, epiphytic plants produce a cascade of foliage splashed with bright orange, tubular flowers that resemble gold fish! Epiphytes are plants that attach to trees, rocks, or other structures instead of growing in the ground. Looks great in hanging baskets or mounted to a piece of bark or moss.

Ant Plant (Dischidia pectenoides)

Ant plant is a fascinating vining epiphyte native to the Philippines. Along with ordinary leaves, it develops large pouch-like leaves containing modified root structures that can absorb nutrients. When grown outdoors ants enter the pouch through a small opening and use the hollow leaves for shelter and food storage. In return the plant is nourished by the carbon dioxide and waste the ants provide. Produces small red flowers year-round followed by interesting seed pods.

Million Hearts (Dischidia ruscifolia)

Million hearts is an epiphytic plant native to Asia where it can be found growing attached to trees or clinging to cliff walls. Epiphytes are plants that attach to trees, rocks, or other structures instead of growing in the ground. Produces long strands of dainty, heart-shaped foliage. Tiny white flowers appear close to the base of the leaves throughout the year. An exceptionally easy-care, no fuss houseplant.

Orchid, Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis species)

Phalaenopsis is a popular orchid for growing indoors. They love warmth and light and should be kept away from cold drafts. Their long-lasting flowers are perfect for a centerpiece or tucked between pots of foliage plants for a bit of color. Moth orchids are very decorative on a small table or windowsill. Makes a lovely gift!

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Epiphytic Bromeliads

Bromeliads are beautiful and so easy to care for. There are terrestrial species of bromeliads and epiphytic types. Here are three of the most popular epiphytic bromeliads for growing indoors:

Blushing Bromeliad (Neoregelia species)

Neoregelia are a beautiful group of bromeliads especially prized for their colorful foliage. These epiphytic plants are native to Brazilian rainforests where they typically grow in trees. Neoregelia plants produce a distinct rosette of leaves with an open center, or “cup”, that collects water and debris. Organic material decomposes in the water and provides nutrients that can be absorbed by the plant. A good choice for adding a tropical feel to a porch, balcony, or patio in the summer. Small species may be used in wall planters. Makes an easy-care, pet-safe gift plant.

Scarlet Star, Guzmania, Bromeliad (Guzmania species)

Guzmania is a popular genus of bromeliads with many beautiful species. These tropical epiphytes are native to warm regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida where they can be found clinging to trees or large rocks. The plant forms a distinct rosette of leaves with an open center, or “cup”, that collects water and debris. Organic material decomposes in the water and provides nutrients that can be absorbed by the plant. Adds an exotic touch to home décor, an office, or outdoor spaces in summer.

Air Plant (Tillandsia species)

Tillandsias are a diverse group of plants known as “epiphytes”, or air plants. In their native habitat of Central and South America, Tillandsias are found growing anchored to tree branches or rock walls. Plants attach themselves with roots, but nutrients are absorbed through the foliage. Plants can be mounted to all sorts of supports for hanging on a wall, such as wooden plaques, branches, or bark. Very popular for growing tucked in a seashell or growing in a glass orb suspended on a cord.

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Tips for Successfully Growing Moth Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, have become incredibly popular for growing as houseplants. Many people don’t realize that moth orchids are epiphytes that can be found growing on the branches and trunks of trees in their natural habitat.

Under the right conditions moth orchids can thrive for years as houseplants. Their incredibly long-lasting blooms bring life to indoor spaces. Learn how you can encourage flowering in your Phalaenopsis with our 7 Tips to Keep Phalaenopsis Orchids Blooming.