What Grows In Trees – Unlock The Secrets To A Thriving Canopy Garden

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever gazed at a majestic tree in your garden and wondered about its full potential? Beyond providing shade and beauty, trees are incredible ecosystems, capable of hosting a surprising array of life. As gardeners, we often focus on what grows under trees, but there’s a whole world of possibilities when we explore what grows in trees or directly from their branches.

You might be thinking, “But isn’t that complicated?” Don’t worry—this comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the art of cultivating arboreal wonders. We’ll explore everything from delicious fruits and nuts to fascinating air plants and vibrant orchids that call tree canopies home.

Get ready to transform your understanding of vertical gardening. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the insights, tips, and best practices to expand your gardening horizons upwards, adding new dimensions of beauty and bounty to your outdoor space. Let’s dig in!

Beyond the Branch: Understanding What Grows in Trees

When we talk about what grows in trees, we’re actually looking at a couple of exciting categories. It’s not just about the tree itself, but also the incredible plants that either produce on the tree or use the tree as a host.

This guide will help you understand the different types and how to encourage them to flourish. From edible delights to stunning ornamentals, your trees can become multi-layered gardens themselves.

The Two Main Categories: From Trees and On Trees

To truly grasp the potential, it’s helpful to categorize these growths:

  • What Grows From Trees: These are the fruits, nuts, seeds, and pods that are the direct products of the tree itself. Think apples, almonds, avocados, or even cacao pods. These are what we typically associate with tree harvests.
  • What Grows On Trees: This category includes plants that use trees for physical support but don’t typically draw nutrients directly from them (non-parasitic). These are often called epiphytes (like many orchids and air plants) or climbing vines that simply use the tree as a trellis.

Understanding this distinction is the first step in mastering this unique aspect of gardening. Our detailed what grows in trees guide will cover both scenarios, offering actionable advice for each.

Edible Treasures: Fruits, Nuts, and Pods from Trees

One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is harvesting your own food. Trees offer a fantastic opportunity for this, providing a bounty of fruits, nuts, and even unique pods. The benefits of what grows in trees in this category are immense, offering fresh produce, long-term yields, and often less ground space usage.

Choosing the right tree for your climate and space is crucial for success. Let’s explore some popular options.

Fruit Trees for Every Climate

There’s a fruit tree for almost every gardener! From temperate apples to tropical mangoes, the options are vast.

When selecting fruit trees, consider your USDA hardiness zone and chill hours if applicable. Always opt for varieties known to thrive in your specific region.

  • Temperate Zone Favorites: Apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, and figs are classic choices. They require specific pruning techniques and often benefit from dormant spraying.
  • Subtropical & Mediterranean Delights: Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes), pomegranates, persimmons, and olives can flourish in milder climates.
  • Tropical Wonders: Mangoes, avocados, bananas (technically a giant herb, but often grown like a tree), and papayas bring exotic flavors to warmer gardens.

Don’t worry—many dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are perfect for smaller gardens or even large containers, making them accessible for beginners.

Nut Trees: A Long-Term Investment

Nut trees are a fantastic addition to a garden, offering delicious, nutritious harvests for decades. While they take longer to mature than many fruit trees, their longevity and yield make them a worthwhile investment.

Common nut trees include:

  • Walnuts: English and Black walnuts are popular, but require ample space.
  • Pecans: A southern favorite, known for rich, buttery nuts.
  • Almonds: Beautiful flowering trees that produce a valuable crop.
  • Hazelnuts (Filberts): Can be grown as multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees, perfect for smaller spaces.

Many nut trees require cross-pollination, so planting at least two different varieties is often necessary for a good harvest. Check your local nursery for advice on suitable pollinators.

Unique Pods and Seeds

Beyond traditional fruits and nuts, some trees offer fascinating pods and seeds that are edible or have other uses.

  • Carob Tree: Produces long, sweet pods that can be used as a chocolate substitute. Drought-tolerant once established.
  • Moringa (Drumstick Tree): Known as the “miracle tree,” its leaves, flowers, and long pods are all edible and highly nutritious. Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Honey Locust: While not typically a garden tree, its long, sweet pods are sometimes used as animal fodder or for making a sugary syrup.

Exploring these less common options can add a unique dimension to your edible landscape.

Sustainable Harvesting Tips

When it comes to harvesting from your trees, a few sustainable what grows in trees practices can ensure the health of your tree and consistent yields.

  • Harvest Gently: Avoid pulling or tearing branches. Use appropriate tools like fruit pickers or pruning shears for clean cuts.
  • Know Your Ripeness: Each fruit or nut has specific indicators of ripeness. Learn these to ensure the best flavor and quality.
  • Don’t Over-Harvest: Leave some fruits for wildlife if possible, or for the tree to reabsorb nutrients.
  • Prune Thoughtfully: Regular, thoughtful pruning after harvest promotes better air circulation, sunlight penetration, and future fruit production.

The Epiphytic Wonders: Plants That Call Trees Home

Now, let’s explore the truly magical realm of plants that actually grow on trees. These fascinating plants, known as epiphytes, don’t root in the soil but instead cling to branches, trunks, or even rocks. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and decaying organic matter around them.

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They are not parasitic; they simply use the tree for support. Incorporating epiphytes is one of the most exciting what grows in trees best practices for adding unique visual interest and biodiversity to your garden.

Air Plants (Tillandsias): Low-Maintenance Aerial Beauties

Air plants are perhaps the most accessible epiphytes for beginners. These fascinating members of the bromeliad family come in hundreds of varieties, many of which can thrive outdoors in mild climates or indoors in bright, humid conditions.

To integrate them into your garden trees:

  • Choose the Right Spot: Look for a branch or crevice that offers dappled shade and good air circulation.
  • Mounting: You can attach them using fishing line, floral wire, or a bit of non-toxic adhesive (like E6000). Avoid burying their base, as they need air circulation.
  • Watering: Mist them regularly, especially in dry climates. A weekly soak in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes is also beneficial.
  • Fertilizing: Use a specialized air plant fertilizer or a very dilute general fertilizer once a month.

Air plants are perfect for adding a touch of the exotic with minimal fuss.

Orchids: Dazzling Jewels of the Canopy

Many popular orchid varieties, especially Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), Dendrobiums, and Cattleyas, are naturally epiphytic. While they might seem intimidating, growing them on trees outdoors can be surprisingly successful in frost-free climates with high humidity.

Here’s how to what grows in trees when it comes to orchids:

  • Select a Host Tree: Choose a tree with rough bark (like oak or citrus) that offers good drainage and dappled light.
  • Prepare the Orchid: Remove the orchid from its pot, gently shake off excess potting mix, and trim any dead roots.
  • Attach Securely: Use soft, wide strips of cloth (like old pantyhose or strips of burlap) to tie the orchid to the tree branch. Position it so the roots are in contact with the bark, but the crown is not buried.
  • Watering & Humidity: Orchids mounted on trees will dry out faster than potted ones. Water them daily during dry periods, especially when they are establishing. High humidity is key.

Seeing orchids bloom directly on a tree branch is truly a sight to behold.

Ferns and Mosses: Green Carpets for Branches

Epiphytic ferns, such as Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) and Bird’s Nest ferns (Asplenium nidus), can create stunning green displays on tree trunks and branches. Mosses also naturally colonize tree bark, adding a lush, ancient feel.

  • Staghorn Ferns: These are relatively easy to mount. You can attach them to a board or directly to a tree with sphagnum moss around their base, securing them with fishing line until they establish. They prefer filtered light and regular watering.
  • Bird’s Nest Ferns: Smaller varieties can be tucked into tree crevices with a bit of organic matter. They appreciate consistent moisture.
  • Mosses: Encourage natural moss growth by ensuring good humidity and moisture. You can even create a “moss milkshake” (moss, buttermilk, and sugar blended) and paint it onto desired areas of bark to encourage growth.

Eco-Friendly Mounting Techniques

When attaching epiphytes, always prioritize the health of both the plant and the tree. These eco-friendly what grows in trees tips ensure minimal impact:

  • Use Natural Materials: Opt for twine made from natural fibers, fishing line (which becomes invisible), or strips of recycled fabric. Avoid anything that could girdle or damage the tree bark.
  • Avoid Nails or Screws: Do not pierce the tree bark to attach plants, as this can create wounds susceptible to disease.
  • Observe and Adjust: Regularly check your mounted plants. If they look stressed or the ties are becoming too tight, make adjustments.

Climbing Companions: Vines That Embrace Trees

Vines are another fantastic way to add interest and functionality to your trees. Unlike epiphytes, vines are typically rooted in the soil and use the tree for physical support as they grow upwards. They can provide additional harvests, stunning flowers, or dense foliage.

However, it’s important to choose the right vines and manage their growth to prevent them from overwhelming or damaging the host tree. This section will offer a practical what grows in trees care guide for integrating vines responsibly.

Flowering Vines for Vertical Appeal

Many beautiful flowering vines can be trained to climb trees, adding a cascade of color and fragrance.

  • Climbing Roses: While they need initial guidance, climbing roses can beautifully adorn a sturdy tree trunk, offering continuous blooms.
  • Clematis: These elegant vines come in myriad colors and bloom times. They prefer their “feet” (roots) cool and shaded, but their “heads” (flowers) in the sun, making a tree base an ideal spot.
  • Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. Be aware that it can be very vigorous and needs careful management.
  • Wisteria: Famous for its dramatic, fragrant flower clusters. Wisteria can be incredibly beautiful but also very strong and can girdle young trees if not pruned regularly.

When planting, ensure the vine is placed a foot or two away from the tree trunk to avoid root competition. Provide a small trellis or initial support to guide it towards the tree.

Edible Vines: Grapes and Kiwis

For gardeners looking for a harvest, several edible vines can be trained up a robust tree.

  • Grapes: While typically grown on arbors, grapevines can be trained to climb an old, strong tree. They require annual pruning to ensure fruit production and prevent overgrowth.
  • Kiwi Vines: Both hardy and fuzzy kiwi varieties are vigorous climbers. They need sturdy support and often require male and female plants for fruit production.

These vines offer a unique way to utilize vertical space and increase your garden’s edible output.

Common Problems with What Grows in Trees: Managing Aggressive Vines

While vines can be wonderful, some can become a common problem with what grows in trees if not managed. Aggressive vines can:

  • Girdle Trunks: Strong, woody vines (like Wisteria or some types of ivy) can constrict a tree’s trunk or branches, cutting off its circulation and eventually killing it.
  • Shade Out Host Tree: Dense vine foliage can block sunlight from reaching the tree’s own leaves, hindering photosynthesis.
  • Add Weight: Heavy vines, especially when wet, can add significant weight to a tree, making it more susceptible to limb breakage in storms.
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To avoid these issues:

  • Choose Wisely: Opt for less aggressive, well-behaved vines.
  • Prune Regularly: Keep vines in check with consistent pruning. Remove any tendrils that start to wrap too tightly around the trunk.
  • Provide Alternative Support: For very vigorous vines, consider giving them their own arbor or trellis near the tree rather than letting them completely engulf it.

Essential Care for Your Tree-Dwelling Plants

Whether you’re growing fruit from your trees or orchids on them, proper care is paramount. These general what grows in trees tips will help ensure the health and vitality of all your arboreal additions.

Light, Water, and Humidity Needs

These three factors are critical for success:

  • Light: Understand the specific light requirements of each plant. Fruit trees generally need full sun. Epiphytes often prefer dappled or indirect light, especially in hot climates.
  • Water: Trees need consistent watering, especially when young or during dry spells. Epiphytes, mounted on trees, will dry out much faster than potted plants and often require daily misting or soaking.
  • Humidity: Many epiphytes, particularly orchids and air plants, thrive in high humidity. If your climate is dry, consider misting regularly or placing them near a water feature.

Always adjust your watering schedule based on weather, plant type, and the specific microclimate created by your tree.

Nutrient Considerations

How you feed your plants depends on whether they are rooted in the ground or mounted on the tree.

  • Ground-Rooted Plants (Trees, Vines): Fertilize your fruit and nut trees with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost according to their specific needs and growth stage. Vines also benefit from soil amendments.
  • Epiphytes: Since they don’t draw nutrients from the soil, epiphytes need foliar feeding. Use a highly diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids or air plants, applied during watering or misting. Avoid strong fertilizers that can burn their sensitive roots.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to a healthy, productive arboreal garden. This is a crucial part of any what grows in trees care guide.

  • For Trees: Prune fruit and nut trees annually to encourage good air circulation, remove dead or diseased branches, and shape for optimal fruit production.
  • For Vines: Keep vines in check with regular pruning to prevent them from becoming too dense or girdling the host tree.
  • For Epiphytes: Remove any yellowing or dead leaves from orchids and air plants. Trim back spent flower spikes. Inspect regularly for pests.

Being proactive with maintenance will prevent many common problems with what grows in trees before they become serious issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Grows in Trees

Can I grow vegetables in trees?

While you can’t typically grow root vegetables or leafy greens directly in a tree’s canopy, you can train climbing vegetables like pole beans, cucumbers, or even small gourds to use a sturdy tree as a living trellis. Just ensure the tree is strong enough and the vine won’t overshadow its foliage too much.

How do I attach air plants to a tree?

You can attach air plants (Tillandsias) using fishing line, non-toxic waterproof glue (like E6000), or by gently tucking them into natural crevices. Make sure to expose their base (rhizome) to air, as they don’t root into the bark deeply, only for anchorage. Avoid burying them or using harsh wires.

Are all tree-dwelling plants parasitic?

No, not at all! Most plants that grow on trees are epiphytes, meaning they simply use the tree for physical support and absorb nutrients from rain, air, and decaying organic matter. Mistletoe is a notable exception as a parasitic plant, but most orchids, air plants, and ferns are not harmful to their host trees.

What are the best trees to host epiphytes?

Trees with rough, textured bark (like oaks, citrus, or certain palms) are excellent hosts because they provide good anchorage for epiphytic roots. They also tend to have an open canopy that allows dappled light and good air circulation, which epiphytes love.

How long does it take for fruit trees to produce?

The time to first fruit varies greatly by tree type and variety. Some dwarf fruit trees can produce in 2-3 years, while standard-sized trees might take 5-7 years. Nut trees generally take longer, often 7-10 years or more, to reach significant production. Patience is a virtue in arboreal gardening!

Conclusion

Venturing into the world of what grows in trees opens up a whole new dimension of gardening possibilities. From the sweet rewards of homegrown fruits and nuts to the breathtaking beauty of epiphytic orchids and air plants, your garden trees can become vibrant, multi-layered ecosystems.

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding the unique needs of each plant and providing thoughtful, consistent care. Don’t be afraid to experiment and observe how your plants respond to their arboreal environment. With these what grows in trees tips and a little patience, you’ll soon be enjoying a richer, more diverse garden than ever before.

So, look up! Your trees are waiting to become canvases for incredible new growth. Go forth and grow, bringing new life and beauty to every branch!

Rimon Chowdhury
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