The MGS Forum

Our gardens, a month-by-month pictorial diary of what's looking good now => Our Gardens => Topic started by: Miriam on July 21, 2012, 12:44:59 PM

Title: Epiphyte plants
Post by: Miriam on July 21, 2012, 12:44:59 PM

Epiphyte plants

The origin of these plants is South and Central America . They grow in various climatic zones -from tropical climate to arid climates, forests and deserts. They grow on other plants, rocks and cacti, but are not parasites.
They absorb water and nutrients through special pores in their leaves.

They can be placed on any surface like stones, shells, statues and trees...

These plants don't require special care in the Mediterranean climate. I grow them outside all year round. they require afternoon or morning light but not direct sun all day.

Title: Re: Epiphyte plants
Post by: Miriam on July 21, 2012, 12:53:48 PM

Here is my Platycerium.
I have it more than 25 years and today its weight is more than 50 kg!

Title: Re: Epiphyte plants
Post by: Alisdair on July 21, 2012, 07:16:04 PM

Wow, Miriam, that Platycerium is amazing! In dry weather do you spray or mist them at all?

Title: Re: Epiphyte plants
Post by: MikeHardman on July 22, 2012, 11:50:01 AM

Wow indeed, Miriam!
And the smaller ones look very healthy, too.
Great topic to post about; thanks.

Title: Re: Epiphyte plants
Post by: Miriam on July 22, 2012, 02:02:53 PM

Thanks Alisdair and Mike  :)

I water the Platycerium once a week with Distilled water (that I collect from the air-conditioner in summer) or rain in the winter.

The other Epiphytes I water once a week and also spray them twice a week in the summer.
It is recommended to add liquid fertilizer(for orchids) once a month.