Also known as air plants or aerophytes relating to their growth habit, epiphytic plants thrive on another plant for support (not in soil), while getting moisture and nourishment from its surroundings. But even without host plants, the epiphytes can grow on their own which sets them apart from parasitic plants. It is a brilliant option to put epiphytic plants in your garden if you wish to have diversity in your gardening or landscaping projects. As long as you supply their basic growth necessities, growing and caring for these plants would be very easy.
Tips on Caring for Epiphytic Plants
In terms of their growth medium, air plants differ from regular plants. Regular plants root in potting or garden soil while the roots of epiphytic plants are exposed to air. You might have observed that orchid roots adhere to branches of trees. Bromeliads and orchids are some examples of commonly grown epiphytes that yield remarkably beautiful blossoms. Another type of air plants are staghorn ferns which are grown for their gorgeous fronds. In cultivating these epiphytic plants, you need to stick to a specific care and maintenance.
Here are a few tips on caring for your epiphytic air plants.
- Beginning with healthy specimens is one of the most critical steps in effectively cultivating orchids or other epiphytic plants. Regardless of which cultivar you are growing, this is valid for all gardening projects. You may go to your local nursery if possible, and request for the saplings of plants that you like.
- Before buying any plant, pick up each plant and scrutinize the stem, leaves and roots (if visible). The only time that you should decide to buy a plant is when it has lush leaves and stem. You should steer clear of those that have damaged parts. While choosing your young air plants, you can always ask for advice regarding their growth conditions.
- Aerophytes normally grow in their natural habitat such as tree trunks, old buildings and logs. However, you can still grow them in soil-less media if these are not available. Sphagnum moss, porous rock, coir are some of the common choices. You can also mix these components if you like.
- For bromeliads and other epiphytic plants, the growth medium should promote growth of the roots and hold nutrients, and at the same time, ensuring that the root system is not suffocated. Selecting the right growing medium is an essential factor in taking care of epiphytic plants. However, this is one aspect that most hobbyists commit their mistake.
- Providing the correct amount of light is another tip in caring for epiphytic plants. Despite being tropical plants, these plants hardly get sunlight as they grow on the branches of larger trees. It is best to place growing epiphytes in partially shaded areas or areas that get indirect sunlight.
- On the subject of irrigation of epiphytic plants, the root system should never be drenched constantly. Keep in mind that aerophytes require that their roots have good air circulation for optimal growth. Soaking the roots in water for 15 minutes once a week is enough.
- Try to maintain a warm, humid environment since epiphytic plants like bromeliads and orchids develop well in a high level of humidity. You can learn about bromeliad plant care to get a better comprehension of taking care of epiphytic plants.
- The use of fertilizers should be limited to once or twice a month. Apply a low dose of all-purpose liquid fertilizer to promote growth and ensure timely blossoming of aerophytes. For orchids and their related plant types, using fish emulsion fertilizer is most effective.
- Another essential care tip for epiphytic plants is shielding them from strong winds and cold temperature during winter. To reduce the effects of wind, you can make the needed provisions as you see fit. For the duration of the winter season, you can transfer them inside to maintain temperature.