What Is an Epiphyte, and Why Do Some Plants Grow on Other Plants?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is an epiphyte, and why do some plants grow on other plants?

The Big Idea

An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant without harming it! Ferns, mosses, orchids, and bromeliads often live this way. Up on a branch, they find sunlight that the dark forest floor lacks.

Climb to Light

Step one: climb to the light. An epiphyte lives on a tree branch, instead of in the soil. Up high, it gets far more sunshine than it would on the dark forest floor.

Drink from the Air

Step two: drink from the air. These plants take water from rain and mist. They get nutrients from dust and bits of rotting leaves that collect on the branch.

Just Guests

Step three: just guests. Epiphytes use the tree only for a place to sit. They do not take food from it, so they do not harm the tree.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Ferns hang from branches. Orchids bloom up high. Bromeliads catch rain in their leaves. Mosses cover the bark. A branch can be a whole garden, high in the air.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A single tree can carry dozens of kinds of epiphytes. Their roots are used to hold on, not to take food from the tree. Epiphytes make homes for frogs, insects, and more. Enjoy them with your eyes, and never pull plants off trees.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! On your next walk, look for plants growing on tree bark, rocks, or old logs. Moss and lichen count! Take a photo of each one. Compare them with plants growing on the ground.

Outro

Epiphytes are plants that live up high without harming their hosts. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!