Epiphytes are a type of plant that grow on the surface of other plants, with the relationship between them being non-parasitic. These plants have no contact with soil, and get their nutrients from the sun, rain, and air, hence the catch-all name “air plant.” Common examples of these native to Florida are Spanish Moss and Tillandsia sp, what most people know as the Air Plant. Both are a part of the Bromeliaceae Family.

The epiphyte category can be further broken down into holo-epiphytes and hemi-epiphytes. Holo-epiphytes spend the entirety of their life cycle without coming into contact with the ground, whereas hemi-epiphytes start their life on a host plant and make their way down towards the surface (or vice-versa). A common example of this would be a vine starting on a tree and growing down.

More exotic species of epiphytes include Monstera and orchids. As hemi-epiphytes, Monstera germinate on the forest floor and send out runners towards nearby trees. As they climb the tree and leaves form, the plant will send down aerial roots to aid in nutrient collection. The original runner dies off and the Monstera enters the epiphytic phase of its life.

You can find epiphytes, such as monstera and staghorn ferns, throughout your visit at the Zoo!