It Grows On Trees – Cultivating Epiphytes & Tree-Dwelling Wonders

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked up at a majestic tree and wondered about the fascinating life that thrives upon its branches? Many gardeners assume that everything needs to grow in soil, but the truth is, a whole world of plants defies this notion. You might think it’s a complicated endeavor, but I’m here to tell you that cultivating plants that naturally attach to or grow on trees can be one of the most rewarding and beautiful additions to your garden.

I agree, the phrase “it grows on trees” often brings to mind fruits like apples or oranges. But for us gardening enthusiasts, it opens up a far more intriguing realm: the captivating world of epiphytes and other arboreal wonders. These plants don’t just hang out; they actively thrive, creating breathtaking displays right before our eyes.

I promise to demystify the art of growing these incredible tree-dwelling plants. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to transform your garden into a vertical paradise, whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your expertise.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of plants that make their home on trees, how to successfully mount and care for them, the amazing benefits they bring, and how to troubleshoot common challenges. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a truly unique and vibrant garden!

Understanding “It Grows on Trees”: The Wonderful World of Epiphytes and More

When we talk about plants where it grows on trees, we’re primarily diving into the incredible category of epiphytes. These aren’t parasitic plants; they simply use trees for physical support, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and decaying organic matter that collects on their host.

Think of them as nature’s living art installations, adding texture, color, and sometimes stunning blooms to otherwise bare branches. They offer a unique way to garden, expanding your green space upwards rather than outwards.

Beyond true epiphytes, some vining plants also use trees as natural trellises, creating lush canopies. While not technically growing on the tree in the same way an orchid does, they certainly make the tree part of their growing story.

What Exactly Are Epiphytes?

Epiphytes, from the Greek meaning “upon a plant,” are non-parasitic plants that grow on other plants, typically trees. They have specialized adaptations to gather moisture and nutrients without soil.

Their roots are often used for anchoring rather than nutrient absorption, and many possess unique structures like specialized leaves or pseudobulbs to store water.

Common Types of Tree-Dwelling Plants You Can Grow

The variety of plants that can make a tree their home is astonishing. Here are a few popular choices perfect for your “it grows on trees” adventure:

  • Orchids: Many orchid species, especially Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobiums, are epiphytic. Their stunning flowers are a true reward.
  • Air Plants (Tillandsia): These incredibly versatile plants don’t even need roots to attach; they simply rest on surfaces, absorbing everything through their leaves. They are excellent for beginners.
  • Bromeliads: Known for their vibrant, architectural foliage and often striking flower spikes, many bromeliads are epiphytic, collecting water in their central “cups.”
  • Some Ferns: Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) are classic epiphytes, forming impressive, antler-like fronds that look fantastic mounted on a tree trunk or board.
  • Mosses and Lichens: While often naturally occurring, cultivating specific mosses can add a beautiful, ancient feel to your arboreal display.

Getting Started: How to “It Grows on Trees” Successfully

Ready to embark on your vertical gardening journey? Knowing how to it grows on trees effectively starts with selecting the right plants and the perfect host. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners, and I’ll walk you through the process.

The key is to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible, providing stable support, appropriate light, and consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Climate

Not all epiphytes are created equal. Research which species thrive in your local climate zone. For example, some orchids prefer cooler temperatures, while others need consistent warmth.

Start with easy-to-grow varieties like Tillandsias or hardy epiphytic orchids if you’re new to this. Local nurseries often stock varieties suitable for your region.

Selecting a Host Tree or Mounting Surface

If you have a suitable tree in your garden, that’s fantastic! Choose a tree with textured bark (like oak or citrus) that can hold moisture and provide grip. Avoid trees with very smooth, shedding bark.

Ensure the host tree is healthy and mature enough to support the added weight without stress. You can also mount plants on pieces of cork bark, driftwood, or even specially prepared wooden plaques if you don’t have an outdoor tree or prefer a movable display.

Mounting Techniques: Your “It Grows on Trees” Guide

Mounting is where the fun begins! Here’s a basic guide for attaching your chosen plant:

  1. Prepare the Plant: Gently remove your epiphyte from its pot, shaking off as much old potting mix as possible. Trim any dead or mushy roots.
  2. Position on Mount: Place the plant firmly against your chosen surface (tree branch, cork bark). Orient it so its natural growth pattern is accommodated – usually upright.
  3. Secure with Soft Material: Use soft, non-abrasive material to attach the plant. Sphagnum moss is excellent for retaining moisture around the roots. You can use fishing line, nylon stockings, or floral wire (covered with a protective layer to prevent girdling) to gently tie the plant and moss to the mount.
  4. Allow to Establish: The plant will eventually grow new roots that adhere to the surface, making the ties unnecessary. You can remove them once established, typically after 6-12 months.
READ MORE  Types Of Household Plants - Your Ultimate Guide To A Thriving Indoor

Remember, patience is a virtue here. Give your plant time to adjust and root in its new home.

The Benefits of “It Grows on Trees” in Your Garden

Beyond their sheer beauty, there are numerous benefits of it grows on trees that make them a fantastic choice for any gardening enthusiast.

These plants offer unique aesthetic and ecological advantages, proving that gardening can truly reach new heights!

Unique Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s be honest: a tree adorned with vibrant orchids or cascading air plants is a showstopper. It adds a tropical, exotic flair that ground-level planting simply can’t achieve.

Epiphytes create visual interest at different heights, transforming ordinary trees into living sculptures and focal points in your landscape.

Space-Saving Solutions

For gardeners with limited ground space, cultivating plants that grow on trees is a game-changer. You can maximize your plant collection without expanding your garden footprint.

This vertical gardening approach is perfect for urban gardens, small patios, or even indoors if you mount them on decorative plaques.

Ecological Advantages

By mimicking natural ecosystems, you’re creating microhabitats. These plants can provide shelter and food for small insects and beneficial organisms, contributing to your garden’s biodiversity.

They also help improve air quality and can increase humidity in their immediate vicinity, benefiting other plants nearby.

Low Maintenance (for Many Varieties)

While some epiphytes require specific care, many, like air plants, are surprisingly low maintenance once established. They often need less frequent watering than potted plants and don’t require repotting.

This makes them an ideal choice for busy gardeners who still want to enjoy unique and beautiful plants.

Mastering “It Grows on Trees” Care: Best Practices for Thriving Plants

To truly succeed with your arboreal beauties, understanding their specific needs is crucial. This “it grows on trees” care guide will give you the it grows on trees best practices for keeping your plants happy and healthy.

Just like any plant, attention to detail in their environment and feeding schedule will yield the best results.

Watering Wisdom for Epiphytes

Epiphytes don’t sit in soggy soil, so their watering needs are different. Most prefer frequent, thorough watering followed by good air circulation to dry out. In their natural habitat, they get daily rain and dew.

Misting daily or every other day is often beneficial, especially in dry climates. For mounted plants, a good soak for 10-20 minutes in a bucket of water once or twice a week (depending on humidity and temperature) can work wonders. Always ensure they dry out relatively quickly to prevent rot.

Light Requirements

The light needs vary greatly by species. Many epiphytic orchids prefer bright, indirect light – think dappled shade under a tree canopy. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, while too little can prevent blooming.

Air plants generally enjoy bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun. Research your specific plant’s preferences for optimal growth.

Nutrient Needs: Fertilizing Your Tree-Dwellers

Since epiphytes don’t get nutrients from soil, they rely on dilute fertilizers. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half or quarter strength, applied regularly during their active growing season.

For orchids and bromeliads, a “bloom booster” fertilizer can encourage flowering. Apply fertilizer when watering, allowing the solution to run over their leaves and roots. Remember, less is often more with these sensitive plants.

Humidity and Air Circulation

High humidity is often key for epiphytes, especially those from tropical regions. If you live in a dry area, consider grouping your plants to create a microclimate or placing them near a water feature.

Good air circulation is equally important to prevent fungal issues and allow roots to dry properly after watering. Avoid stagnant, stuffy conditions.

Pest and Disease Prevention: “It Grows on Trees” Tips

Just like any plant, epiphytes can encounter pests or diseases. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble, such as discolored leaves, sticky residue, or visible insects.

Good air circulation and proper watering are your first lines of defense against most fungal and bacterial issues. For pests like mealybugs or scale, a gentle horticultural oil or neem oil spray can be effective. Always test on a small area first.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly “It Grows on Trees” Gardening

As passionate gardeners, we care about the planet. Embracing sustainable it grows on trees practices ensures your hobby benefits both your garden and the environment. It’s about nurturing beauty responsibly.

Adopting eco-friendly habits for your epiphytes is surprisingly easy and makes a big difference.

Ethical Sourcing of Plants

Always purchase your epiphytes from reputable nurseries that source their plants ethically. Many wild populations of orchids and bromeliads are endangered due to overcollection.

Opt for nursery-propagated plants to ensure you’re not contributing to habitat destruction. Ask your supplier about their sourcing practices.

Harnessing Natural Resources

Collecting rainwater is a fantastic, eco-friendly it grows on trees practice. Rainwater is naturally soft and free of the chlorine and dissolved salts often found in tap water, which can be harmful to sensitive epiphytes over time.

Set up a rain barrel to collect this precious resource for your plants. You’ll be surprised how much you save on your water bill too!

Compost and Natural Fertilizers

Instead of synthetic fertilizers, consider making your own nutrient solutions. Composted tea, made from steeping finished compost in water, provides a gentle, organic boost for your plants.

READ MORE  Landscaping Bushes And Shrubs - Creating Lasting Structure And Beauty

You can also use natural mulches around the base of your host tree to enrich the soil and support its health, indirectly benefiting the epiphytes.

Creating a Self-Sustaining Microclimate

By strategically planting other shade-loving plants or water features nearby, you can increase local humidity. This helps create a more stable, self-sustaining microclimate that reduces the need for constant misting.

A diverse garden ecosystem is a resilient one, supporting your epiphytes naturally.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with “It Grows on Trees” and Their Solutions

Even experienced gardeners encounter hiccups. Knowing the common problems with it grows on trees and how to address them will save you a lot of worry and keep your plants thriving.

Most issues stem from environmental factors, so observing your plants closely is your best diagnostic tool.

Rotting Roots or Bases

Problem: Mushy, discolored roots or a soft, smelly base.

Cause: Overwatering, poor air circulation, or water sitting in plant crevices for too long.

Solution: Immediately reduce watering frequency. Improve air circulation. For severe cases, carefully remove the plant, trim away all rotted parts with sterilized shears, and allow it to dry out for a day or two before remounting. Ensure water drains completely after watering.

Dehydration or Shriveling

Problem: Wrinkled leaves, shriveled pseudobulbs, or brittle roots.

Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun.

Solution: Increase watering frequency and/or duration. Boost humidity with misting or by grouping plants. Move to a shadier location if sunlight is too intense.

Lack of Blooms

Problem: Healthy-looking plant but no flowers.

Cause: Insufficient light, lack of proper temperature fluctuations (many orchids need a cool period to initiate blooms), or inadequate fertilization.

Solution: Ensure adequate bright, indirect light. Research your specific plant’s blooming requirements; some need a distinct day/night temperature difference or a dry rest period. Use a bloom-booster fertilizer.

Pest Infestations

Problem: Sticky residue, small bumps (scale), cottony masses (mealybugs), or tiny webs (spider mites).

Cause: Often introduced from new plants or poor air circulation.

Solution: Isolate affected plants. For mild infestations, a strong spray of water can dislodge pests. For persistent issues, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following product instructions carefully. Regularly wipe down leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cultivating Plants That Grow on Trees

Here are some common questions I hear about growing plants where it grows on trees:

Can I grow any plant on a tree?

No, not every plant is suitable for growing directly on a tree. You need to choose specific epiphytic plants (like many orchids, air plants, bromeliads, or staghorn ferns) that are naturally adapted to grow without soil and derive nutrients from the air and rain. Attempting to grow terrestrial plants on trees will likely lead to their demise and potentially harm the host tree.

Do these plants harm the host tree?

Generally, no. True epiphytes are non-parasitic. They use the tree for physical support and do not draw nutrients or water from the host. As long as the host tree is healthy and mature, the added weight and presence of epiphytes are typically not harmful. Avoid attaching too many large plants that could block sunlight to the tree’s own leaves or girdle branches with mounting materials.

How often should I fertilize my tree-mounted plants?

Fertilization frequency depends on the plant species, its growth stage, and the fertilizer concentration. As a general rule, use a very dilute, balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., quarter strength) every 2-4 weeks during the plant’s active growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during dormancy or cooler months. Always water before and after fertilizing to prevent root burn.

What if I don’t have a suitable outdoor tree?

No problem at all! You can still enjoy these amazing plants. Many epiphytes can be successfully grown indoors or on patios by mounting them on pieces of cork bark, driftwood, or specially designed mounting boards. You can hang these mounts on walls, place them on shelves, or even incorporate them into terrariums, as long as they receive appropriate light and humidity.

Conclusion: Embrace the Vertical Garden!

Stepping into the world of plants where it grows on trees opens up a whole new dimension of gardening possibilities. From the intricate beauty of orchids to the architectural grace of air plants, these arboreal wonders offer a unique way to connect with nature and elevate your garden’s aesthetic.

Remember, the core principles are simple: understand your plant’s needs for light, water, and humidity, and choose sustainable practices. With a little patience and observation, you’ll be amazed at how these fascinating plants thrive, turning your garden into a living, breathing work of art.

So, go ahead! Experiment with different species, find the perfect spot, and enjoy the journey of cultivating these extraordinary tree-dwelling gems. Your garden, and your spirit, will thank you for it. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts