Most Common Epiphyte
Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis) is an orchid species that is considered aesthetically pleasing and easy to grow. Moth orchid’s blossoms bloom for several months and bloom multiple times if cared for properly. When kept as a houseplant, Moth orchid should be watered regularly and the roots should not be allowed to dry out. This species grows well in bright, indirect sunlight.
Kandyan dancer orchid (Oncidium sphacelatum) is a perennial orchid that blooms from fall to winter. The colorful, ruffled blooms look like the swirling skirts of dancers. Commonly found growing on trees and rocks in coastal areas and tropical regions. Flowers blossom in long spikes and are yellow with brown accents, offering a stunning display.
Indian staghorn fern is a species of staghorn fern featuring uniquely shaped fern fronds that form a basket shape. This fern is native to parts of India, Burma, and China.
The Indian staghorn fern (Rossioglossum ampliatum) is native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. A Indian staghorn fern should be watered when its potting mix starts to become dry. They require fertilizer and bright, diffused light. They may flower at any time, but the heaviest period is in the fall.
Renanthera orchid , or Renanthera coccinea, gets its scientific name from the Latin and Greek words meaning kidney, which describes the shape of the flower. This orchid is usually red, orange, or yellow and originates in India and Asia.
Foxtail orchid is an epiphyte plant that grows on other plants’ trunks. It’s native to tropical regions of Asia and one of its most distinguishing characteristics, besides its distinctive flower spike that resembles a fluffy foxtail, is its spicy aroma released only during warm evenings.
Champion’s diploprora is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It contains two recognized species, native to Asia.
They are medium sized plants, epiphytic, with a thick branched and ascending stem. The leaves are uneven, bi-lobed. It has an inflorescence 15 cm long, erect and unbranched, which has several fleshy flowers 2 cm long. It blooms in spring and summer.
Showy medinilla (Medinilla magnifica) is a perennial evergreen shrub that can grow to be 4 to 8 feet tall. This species is a tropical plant that grows best in shade and has blue-green foliage. It blooms from April to August, when its huge pink flowers droop from the stems.
Japanese bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium antiquum) is a decorative fern that will grow from 2 to 3 feet tall in optimum growing conditions. It prefers shade to filtered sun and should be grown indoors or in a covered patio area. A humidity-loving plant, it prefers moist but not wet soil. Native to Asia, it is commonly found growing on tree trunks.
Wilson’s phalaenopsis are members of the genus, Phalaenopsis wilsonii. These Asian and Australian species often produce large, ornate flowers that have made them among the most popular orchids among gardeners. Though natural Wilson’s phalaenopsis are found almost exclusively in tropical zones, they can adapt to other climates in a garden setting.
Spotted zygopetalum (Zygopetalum maculatum) is a tropical orchid that is fragrant and beautiful. It is a small-sized orchid with 2 inch wide flowers that are green with purple or brown spots. It has long, leathery leaves and sturdy stems. Thrives in warm climates with high humidity. Needs well-drained potting medium like sphagnum moss or fir chips when growing in containers.
Parrot flower (Papilionanthe teres) is a species of orchid that is native to southeast Asia. The genus name is derived from the Latin words for “butterfly” and “flower,” in reference to this plant’s beautiful petals that resemble butterfly wings. One variety of this orchid was the pollen parent to Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, a hybrid cultivar that is the national flower of Singapore.
White nun (Lycaste virginalis) is an epiphyte orchid that will bloom from November to April. Flowers range in color from all-white to varying shades of pink and lavender. Flowers are 6 inches wide and a mature plant will produce between 6 to 12 flowers during its blooming period. Blooms are long lasting and highly fragrant.
Crucifix orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense) is a species of epiphytic orchid, meaning that it grows only on other plants. Epidendrum ibaguense is found in Trinidad, French Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, and northern Brazil.