epiphytic
adjective
epi·phyt·ic
ˌe-pə-ˈfi-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or being an epiphyte
2
: living on the surface of plants
Examples of epiphytic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Selby is a Smithsonian Affiliate and serves as the world’s premier source of research and preservation dedicated to epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns.
—
Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
Unlike many of the epiphytic orchids at garden centers and in home collections, this one grows in soil rather than chunks of bark or fibers.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025
While epiphytic orchids may tolerate or even enjoy a dry, dormant period, terrestrial species, in general, need to be kept moist throughout the year.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Terrestrial plants root into the ground, and epiphytic plants root onto surfaces like tree bark or rock.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
This family of cacti are epiphytic plants found growing in the rain forest, sharing space with orchids and bromeliads, not in sandy, dry deserts.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
When the package arrived, those weeds—epiphytic orchids, which don’t need soil to grow—had bloomed into gorgeous purple flowers, of a species later called Cattleya labiata.
—Kendra Pierre-Louis, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2023
Peat moss or one of the coarse fibers, such as osmunda or coir used for epiphytic orchids, are good choices of organic materials that aerate a potting mixture while at the same time retaining water.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Dec. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
Unlike many of the epiphytic orchids at garden centers and in home collections, this one grows in soil rather than chunks of bark or fibers.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025
While epiphytic orchids may tolerate or even enjoy a dry, dormant period, terrestrial species, in general, need to be kept moist throughout the year.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Terrestrial plants root into the ground, and epiphytic plants root onto surfaces like tree bark or rock.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
This family of cacti are epiphytic plants found growing in the rain forest, sharing space with orchids and bromeliads, not in sandy, dry deserts.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
When the package arrived, those weeds—epiphytic orchids, which don’t need soil to grow—had bloomed into gorgeous purple flowers, of a species later called Cattleya labiata.
—Kendra Pierre-Louis, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2023
Peat moss or one of the coarse fibers, such as osmunda or coir used for epiphytic orchids, are good choices of organic materials that aerate a potting mixture while at the same time retaining water.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Dec. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Epiphytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphytic. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share