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
While epiphytic orchids like moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) require frequent applications, terrestrial types like Venus slipper (Paphiopedilum) that grow in a more soil-like potting medium can go longer between fertilizing.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
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
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Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Epiphytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphytic. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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