air plant

noun

plural air plants

1

: a plant that derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and grows usually on another plant : epiphyte

especially : any of a genus (Tillandsia) of evergreen perennial plants that are found in tropical regions of the western hemisphere and that grow on other plants, have minimal roots, and obtain nutrients and water solely from the air

2

: a succulent perennial plant (Kalanchoe pinnata) native to Madagascar that has bell-shaped pink flowers and elliptical serrated leaves which produce bulblets and that is commonly grown as an ornamental plant

Examples of air plant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the wild, many types of orchids are air plants that grow on trees, so their roots have evolved to absorb rain and then dry out quickly. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2025

The garden is beloved for its orchid collection, air plants and rare plants. —Miami Herald, 16 July 2025

The glass roof is fitted with strands of air plants suspended on stainless steel wires that provide dappled shade while eliminating the need for watering. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025

Close on either side were eerie woods flooded with shallow swamp water, the trees’ shaggy trunks festooned with air plants and the occasional ghost orchid. —Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for air plant

• decant
• descant
• eggplant
• enchant
• explant
• implant
• preplant
• recant
• replant
• secant
• supplant
• transplant

Kids Definition

air plant

noun

1

: epiphyte

2

: any of several kalanchoes