Epiphytic Orchids:

Epiphytic orchids are unique plants that grow without soil and can be found in a range of environments. In this guide, learn about their care, watering needs, and how to properly display these beautiful plants.

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. Click here to learn more.

Epiphytic (pronounced eh·pih·fi·tik) orchids (also known as air orchids) are some of the most popular and beautiful houseplants. According to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, approximately 70 percent of all orchids are epiphytes. They attach their root systems to other plants and objects like trees and rocks. These orchids absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. 

But how do you care for epiphytic orchids? Caring for epiphytes takes some special knowledge. But don’t worry, I’ve got the answers for you! With proper care, these orchids can thrive indoors! 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing healthy, thriving epiphytic orchids in your home. I’ll discuss some common varieties of epiphytic orchids and the 5 most important tips to care for an epiphytic orchid, including watering, ideal light, fertilizer and more. After reading this, you will be able to grow your own successfully!

8 Common Varieties of Epiphytic Orchids

As I noted above, most orchids are epiphytic. Here are ten of the most common varieties that are popular among orchid enthusiasts. You have probably seen some of these many times, even if you don’t know their name.

• Phalaenopsis (or Moth Orchid): Very popular and widely available. They have long-lasting flowers which come in a variety of colors. This is a good beginner’s air orchid.

• Dendrobium: Several types – many are easy to care for and produce stunning blooms. 

• Cattleya: Known as the “Queen of Orchids,” Cattleyas have large, fragrant flowers that come in many vibrant colors. 

• Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids): These are known for their spray of small, delicate flowers that resemble dancing ladies. 

• Vanda: These lovely epiphytic orchids are stunning, with large, showy flowers. 

• Miltonia (Pansy Orchids): Named for their resemblance to pansy flowers, Miltonias have large, flat blooms with a distinctive mask. 

• Masdevallia: These beauties are known for their striking and often brightly colored flowers.

• Brassavola: Brassavola orchids have a distinctive, often nocturnally fragrant flower. They are adaptable to different environments.

The 5 Most Important Tips for How to Care for an Epiphytic Orchid

• The right mount or pot and growing medium
• Correct watering
• The optimal amount of light
• Ideal temperature
• Appropriate fertilizer

Next, I’ll go into detail on each of these tips for growing your own epiphytic orchid.

Choosing the Proper Growing Medium – To Mount or Pot?

In the wild, epiphytic orchids grow anchored to parts of trees and other plants, not in soil. Their roots need a lot of air circulation. Therefore, a mount gives an airy condition where the roots can breathe. However, our homes usually don’t have the optimal humidity for epiphytes. So, a suitable pot is an option as well. 

Option 1: Suitable mounting materials for an epiphytic orchid:

• Hardwood
• Cedar
• Cork slab
• Terracotta
• You may want to wrap the roots for added moisture in an arid environment. Appropriate materials are:
  • Coconut fiber 
  • Sphagnum moss
• AVOID materials that are treated, preserved, or painted, as well as walnut wood and saltwater driftwood.
• See my detailed post on mounted orchids for additional tips.

Option 2: If you prefer to pot your orchid:

• Tips for selecting an appropriate pot:
  • Choose an open, airy, breathable pot. Slotted orchid pots allow maximum air circulation to the roots.
  • Correct pot size: make sure the pot is not too big for your orchid. Otherwise, there may be excess potting material, which can hold too much water. Select your pot size based on your orchid’s root volume – not the size of the plant.
  • Pots made specifically for epiphytic orchids have the right amount and correct size of holes on the bottom for adequate drainage.
  • Clear plastic pots provide visibility to monitor root health, which is the best indicator of a healthy epiphytic orchid. 
  • Make sure that whatever container you choose has sufficient slots or holes for drainage and airflow to the roots.
  • Change orchid pots every 2-3 years as media breaks down.
• Substrate (potting medium):
  • Orchid bark (mix of fir or pine bark pieces) – provides excellent drainage and aeration and mimics the natural growing conditions of epiphytic orchids clinging to tree branches.
  • Coconut husk chips are an alternative to bark, offering good moisture retention and air space.
  • Sphagnum moss has superb moisture retention and is often used for epiphytic orchids since they require more humidity.
  • Perlite and vermiculite are often added to other substrates to improve aeration and moisture retention.
  • Horticulture charcoal is sometimes included in orchid mixes to improve drainage and help remove toxins from the water.

Watering Is Key for Epiphytic Orchid Care

Getting the watering right is the most critical factor for successfully growing epiphytic orchids. They get moisture from humidity, rain showers, and dew in their natural habitat. They store water in their thick stems called “pseudobulbs” to quench their thirst during dry periods. 

Many beginners wonder how often to water epiphytic orchids. While there’s no magic formula, following these crucial tips will help you to get it right:

• Watering frequency depends on your climate and growing environment.  
• Mounted orchids need more frequent watering than potted orchids, as their roots dry out much more quickly. Daily watering may be necessary. 
• However, make sure they are NOT overwatered. Let them get to the point where they’ve just dried completely, then water again.
• The proper technique is to water your plants and then water them a few minutes later, always beginning with the first plant you watered. 
• Use tepid water around room temperature. Cold water can shock the roots.
• For potted epiphytes, water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. This will help prevent the roots from rotting.
• Note: Be sure to find out what specific variety of epiphytic orchid you have to ensure you are watering the proper amount.

Ideal Light Conditions

Proper light conditions are essential for all orchids.

If your air orchid isn’t flowering, it could be due to not getting enough light. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Most epiphytic orchids need bright, filtered light to thrive. 
• A few varieties prefer lower light – make sure you know what variety you have.
• Some thrive better in east- or north-facing windows, but again, it depends on the variety of orchids. 
• Avoid direct afternoon sun exposure.
• Sheer curtains diffuse harsh light and prevent leaf burn.
• If the light is low, you may need to supplement with grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
• Leaves should be a bright green, not yellowish (too much sun) or dark green (too little light).
• Some low-light orchids like Phalaenopsis tolerate less light. Others, like Vandas, need very bright light. Know your variety’s needs.

Temperature Regulation

So aim for these ranges, depending on the variety of epiphytic orchids you are growing:

• Warm-growing orchids:
  • Daytime temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
  • Nighttime temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)
  • 3 examples of warm-growing orchids:
    • Vanda tricolor
    • Phalaenopsis amabilis
    • Dendrobium aphyllum
• Intermediate-growing orchids:
  • Daytime temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
    Nighttime temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)
  • 3 examples of intermediate-growing orchids
    • Oncidium Sharry Baby
      Brassavola nodosa
      Encyclia cordigera
• Cool-growing orchids
  • Daytime temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C)
  • Nighttime temperature: 50–55°F (10–13°C)
• 3 examples of cool-growing orchids
  • Coelogyne cristata
  • Dendrobium cuthbertsonii
  • Anguloa clowesii
• Avoid cold drafts and hot radiator exposure. 
• Monitor conditions with a thermometer to keep your orchids comfortable. 
• A small fan provides gentle air circulation, too; just don’t point it directly at your orchid.

Note: The common grocery store Phalaenopsis orchids prefer temperatures in the following ranges:

• Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Nighttime: 60–70°F (16–21°C)

These orchids are intermediate-to-warm growers, and maintaining this temperature range helps support healthy growth and reblooming. Avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes or drafts, which can stress the plant.

Fertilizer for Healthy Growth

While epiphytic orchids get moisture and nutrients from the air, supplemental feeding is needed for best growth. 

• Keep in mind that orchids do not require very much fertilizer. It’s best to feed too little rather than too much.
• Be sure to water your orchid before feeding it.
• Follow the instructions for the brand of fertilizer you will use.
• Fertilize every week for 3 weeks; on the 4th week, only water.
• Reduce feeding frequency in winter to monthly.
• During the 4th week, flush the orchid pot with clean water to prevent salt buildup.
• Note: First, focus on getting the water, humidity, temperature, and light just right before worrying about feeding your orchid.

You Can Do This!

Epiphytic orchids thrive with the right balance of water, a well-draining potting mix, proper light, and correct temperatures, including a 10–15°F (5–8°C) drop at night. Allowing the mix to dry slightly between waterings keeps roots healthy, while these temperature variations and bright, indirect light encourage repeat blooms. With attentive care, your orchids will reward you with vibrant, stunning flowers.

Growing your very own epiphytic orchid (or air orchid) might seem challenging. But now that you have the right knowledge on care essentials—mounting or potting, watering, lighting, temperature, and fertilization—you’re ready to nurture these unique plants successfully. Have fun, patience, and enthusiasm. I think you’ll fall in love with epiphytic orchids. Go choose one and try it yourself!