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Epiphytes: Top 30 Climbing Plants To Grow

Top Climbing Plants to Grow

Epiphytic plants are one of the easiest plants to grow because they usually don’t need soil. Their varying size, shapes and colors will make them a unique ornamental plant in your home or garden. 

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 30 best epiphytic plants you can grow. Read on to know their unique features, growing needs and how they’ll fit your gardening needs.

1. Air Plant (​​Tillandsia ionantha)

Air Plant (​​Tillandsia ionantha)
Image: Happy Sprout
Scientific NameTillandsia ionantha 
Common NameAir Plant
FamilyBromeliaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
Dappled Shade
SoilNone
Height6 inches to 1 foot
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForIndoor
Hanging Plant

Air plants are the best example of an epiphytic plant. It doesn’t have roots or need soil because it absorbs moisture from its leaves and nutrients from the air. 

Air plants are indigenous to Mexico and Central America. As an air purifier, it can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. 

This is also an excellent choice for minimalist planters who want a natural air purifier in their home but don’t want to worry about soil dirt getting on the floor.

Air plants prefer indirect sunlight and humid environments. You can water them by misting them for 20 to 30 minutes weekly. 

2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana)

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana)
Image: North Carolina Plant Toolbox Extension Gardener
Scientific NameSchlumbergera russelliana
Common NameChristmas Cactus
Easter Cactus
Shrimp Cactus
Thanksgiving Cactus
FamilyCactaceae
LightDappled Sunlight
SoilLoam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height6 to 12 inches
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Ornamental Plant

The Christmas cactus is a unique epiphytic plant native to the rainforests of Brazil and known for blooming its tubular bright pink flowers just in time for Christmas. 

Although a cactus, it doesn’t have sharp spines but instead has flat and segmented stems. The Christmas cactus flowers are edible and commonly used as a garnish or to add a pop of color to salads. 

Ironically, the Christmas cactus is not frost-tolerant, even if it’s known to bloom during wintertime. It thrives outdoors, with access to dappled sunlight and warm temperatures.

3. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Image: Joyus Garden
Scientific NameSyngonium podophyllum
Common NameAfrican Evergreen
American Evergreen
Arrow-Head Vine
Arrowhead Vine
Green Gold Naphthysis
Nephthytis
Trileaf Wonder
FamilyAraceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Partial Shade
SoilCactus mix with perlite or vermiculite
Height3 to 6 feet
Growth RateFast
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Ornamental Plant

As its name suggests, the arrowhead plant is known for its arrow-shaped leaves with yellow, white and light green variegations. It’s indigenous to the rainforests of South America.

The arrowhead plant has become a popular houseplant not only because of its attractive foliage but also because it’s low-maintenance. Although not edible, the plant is not toxic to pets, so it’s safe at home. 

This plant is best grown in moist soil with light. You can place the arrowhead plant to add greenery on windowsills, near bookshelves or office tables.

4. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NamePhalaenopsis
Common NameMoon Orchid
Moon Orchids
Moth Orchid
Moth Orchids
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchids
FamilyOrchidaceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Deep Shade
SoilBark mixture with sphagnum moss
Height2 to 4 inches
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Ornamental Plant

They might look like the proboscis (nose) of a moth, but they’re moth orchids. Moth orchids usually have white, pink or purple-petalled flowers with long slender lips like the face of moths. 

Moth orchids are native to the trees and rocks of tropical rainforests in Australia and Southeast Asia. They make great ornamental plants indoors and outdoors as their flowers are non-toxic to pets. 

Moth orchids need dappled sunlight, deep shade, and moist soil for optimal growth. Unfortunately, they’re not frost-tolerant, so bring them indoors when you live in cold climates or during winter. 

5. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Image: Terrace Outdoor Living
Scientific NameMonstera deliciosa
Common NameCeriman
Cutleaf Philodendron
Hurricane Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Mother-in-Law
Split-leaf Philodendron
Swiss Cheese Plant
FamilyAraceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Partial Shade
SoilHigh Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Good Drainage
Moist
Height4 to 8 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Ornamental Plant

Monstera is a popular epiphytic plant sought after for its leaves with holes called fenestrations. These holes help it spread heat and moisture throughout the plant. 

This unique plant is indigenous to Central and South America. Its leaves are also edible and are ingredients in refreshing drinks and fruit salads. 

Monstera plants need only dappled sunlight or deep shade and moist soil. Make sure not to overwater it because it’s prone to root rot which will kill the plant.

6. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Image: India Gardening
Scientific NameEpiphyllum oxypetalum
Common NameDutchman’s Pipe Cactus
Jungle Cactus
Lady of the Night
Night-blooming Cactus
Night-blooming Caereus
Orchid Cactus
Queen of the Night
FamilyCactaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilHigh Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height8 to 10 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Ornamental Plant

Queen of the Night is an epiphytic plant with a unique behavior where its flowers bloom at night and are wild in the morning, hence its name. Its flowers emit a sweet scent you can smell from a distance. 

This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico and Central America, so it needs a lot of sunlight and moisture to live. The Queen of the Night is also a natural medicine to relieve pain and respiratory problems.

The Queen of the Night can grow between 8 to 10 feet, making an excellent container and ornamental plant indoors and outdoors. It’s also a good companion plant as its intoxicating scent attracts pollinators in your garden.

7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Image: The Plant Project
Scientific NameEpipremnum aureum
Common NameDevil’s Ivy
Devil’s Vine
Golden Pothos
Ivy Arum
Marble Queen
Pothos
Taro Vine
FamilyAraceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Deep Shade
Partial Shade
SoilLoam (Silt)
Shallow Rocky
Good Drainage
Occasionally Dry
Height6 to 8 inches
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Ornamental Plant
Hanging Basket Plant

The Pothos plant is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its heart-shaped leaves with white, yellow, and cream variegations. 

Its large waxy attractive foliage and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular houseplant, especially for those living in warm climates. It’s also a great natural air purifier as it can remove toxins. 

Pothos must only be watered once a week and access only to dappled sunlight or deep shade. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to eight inches long, making it a great hanging basket plant.

8. Queen’s Tears (Billbergia nutans)

Queen’s Tears (Billbergia nutans)
Image: The Belmont Rooster
Scientific NameBillbergia nutans
Common NameQueen’s Tears
Friendship Plant
Hardy Queen’s Tears
Hardy Friendship Plant
Hanging Bromeliad
FamilyBromeliaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
Dappled Sunlight
SoilGardening soil with perlite or tree bark mixture
Height20 inches
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor

The Queen’s Tears plant got its name from the drops of nectar that it produces when touched or moved. This plant was first discovered in the tropical rainforests of Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. 

The Queen’s Tears plant has long strap-like, slightly serrated leaves that arch outward, resembling a fountain. Its flowers come in green, yellow, pink and purple, surrounded by red or pink bracts and emit a sweet scent. 

It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 20 inches and needs only dappled sunlight and moist soil. You can quickly propagate this plant by dividing its rhizomes, tubers or bulbs if you want more of them. 

9. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NameHoya carnosa
Common NameHoney Plant
Porcelain Flower
Wax Plant
FamilyAsclepiadaceae
LightPartial Shade
SoilHigh Organic Matter
Good Drainage
Height2 to 4 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent

As its name suggests, the wax plant has thick, shiny oval-shaped leaves with yellow or cream-colored variegations. It’s indigenous to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. 

In the spring, the wax plant also blooms white, pink or purple flowers, which can spread its sweet scent in your garden. It’s also a good air purifier, removing toxins from the air. 

The wax plant is small, slow-growing, reaching only up to 4 feet. It prefers partial shade, warm climates and moist soil.

10. Urn Plant (Aechmea)

Urn Plant (Aechmea)
Image: Plant Care for Beginners
Scientific NameAechmea
Common NameAechmea
Silver Vase Plant
Urn Plant
Vase Plant
FamilyBromeliaceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Partial Shade
SoilLoam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Occasionally Dry
Height1 to 3 feet
Growth RateSlow
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor

The urn plant is easily recognizable for its cup-like structure at its base, which collects all the water and nutrients it needs to survive. It’s indigenous to the tropical and humid environments in South America. 

The urn plant has thick sword-shaped leaves with a gray underside, while it blooms pink or purple flowers every three months.

As an epiphytic plant, make sure you keep the urn-shaped leaves filled with water because this is where it gets all the moisture and nutrients it needs. It also thrives on dappled sunlight, warm temperatures and moist soil.

11. Evergreen Wisteria (Callerya reticulata)

Evergreen Wisteria (Callerya reticulata)
Image: North Carolina Plant Toolbox Extension Gardener
Scientific NameCallerya reticulata
Common NameEvergreen Wisteria
FamilyFabaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilLoamMoist
Height12 to 15 feet
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

Evergreen wisterias are popular ornamental plants native to Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Since they’re evergreen, they retain foliage throughout the year, unlike other wisteria varieties. 

During spring and summer, they bloom pea-like flowers with bluish-purple and yellow centers. These flowers are also edible that can be used in stir-fries and salads, while their leaves can be used to brew tea. 

Evergreen wisteria plants are drought-tolerant and can reach up to 15 feet to get the nutrients and moisture they can absorb from the rain and the air. 

12. Pepper Vine (Ampelopsis megalophylla)

Pepper Vine (Ampelopsis megalophylla)
Image: Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery
Scientific NameAmpelopsis megalophylla
Common NameLarge-leaved parthenocissus
Pepper Vine
Spikenard ampelopsis
FamilyVitaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height13 to 16 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Groundcover
Vertical Wall Plant

The pepper vine plant has huge leaves, as long as 50 centimeters, which come in dark green during summer but turn red, orange or yellow in the fall. It’s a famous ornamental plant native to China. 

In the spring, the pepper vine produces small white flowers that turn into edible berries. As a woody vine, this plant can be used as a ground cover or a vertical plant on walls and fences. 

The pepper vine prefers full sun or partial shade and moist soil. It can also grow up to 16 feet, making it a great climbing plant outdoors.

13. Clematis (Clematis armandii)

Clematis (Clematis armandii)
Image: North Carolina Plant Toolbox Extension Gardener
Scientific NameClematis armandii
Common NameArmand Clematis
Evergreen Clematis
FamilyRanunculaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height15 to 30 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Shade
Scent

Clematis is an evergreen plant native to China. It’s known for its dark green, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of white and pink flowers that bloom during spring. 

The fragrant flowers of the clematis plant can be used as a potpourri, while its leaves are popularly used for brewing tea. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun. 

It’s a woody vine that grows on the ground or other plants. Since it grows up to 30 feet, you can train it to grow on an arch in your garden, use it as a shade plant or for erosion control. 

14. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)
Image: Hill Farm Nursery
Scientific NameLathyrus latifolius
Common NameEverlasting Pea
Perennial Pea
Perennial Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea
FamilyFabaceae
LightFull Sun
SoilGood Drainage
Height6 feet
Growth RateRapid 
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Shade

The sweet pea plant has winged stems and a trailing habit that supports the plant’s weight and height up to 6 feet tall. This plant is native to Europe but has now been naturalized in various places worldwide.

Sweet pea flowers are commonly used as cut flowers with their pea-shaped size and variety of colors such as blue, purple, pink or white. Unfortunately, keep its seeds away from children and animals because they’re poisonous. 

This plant prefers full sun and well-drained, moist soil for optimum growth.

15. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Image: Mainaam Garden
Scientific NameTrachelospermum jasminoides
Common NameConfederate Jasmine
Star Jasmine
FamilyApocynaceae
LightPartial Shade
SoilLoam (Silt)
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height8 to 20 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Scent
Shade

The star jasmine plant is unique for its fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill the air with its sweet scent during the spring and summer. It’s indigenous to eastern and southern Asia. 

Star jasmines usually grow on the ground or on other plants, reaching up to 20 feet long. It thrives in partial shade and in well-drained soil. 

You can train the star jasmine plant to climb an arbor, trellis, wall or fence. It’s also an excellent plant to provide more shade and privacy in your home. 

16. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Image: Apartment Therapy
Scientific NameHedera helix
Common NameAlgerian Ivy
Baltic Ivy
Branching Ivy
California Ivy
Common Ivy
English Ivy
Glacier Ivy
Hahn’s Self-Branching English Ivy
Needlepoint Ivy
Sweetheart Ivy
FamilyAraliaceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Deep Shade
Full Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky
Good Drainage
Moist
Height20 to 80 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceHigh
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Vertical Plant
Shade

The English ivy plant has aerial rootlets that enable it to cling to surfaces and climb over walls, fences and trellises. It’s a popular garden plant native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. 

The English ivy has a dark green, heart-shaped plant that beautifully contrasts the clusters of small white flowers that it blooms every spring season. 

This plant is a popular choice for vertical green walls and fences, and for adding privacy and shade to homes and gardens. 

17. Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala)

Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala)
Image: All About Gardening
Scientific NameHydrangea anomala
Common NameClimbing Hydrangea
Japanese Climbing Hydrangea
FamilyHydrangeaceae
LightDappled Sunlight
Deep Shade
Partial Shade
SoilClay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height30 to 60 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Vertical Plant
Shade

Hydrangea plants are unique because their flowers change color depending on the soil’s pH level. For instance, if the soil is acidic, the flowers turn blue, while if it’s alkaline, it turns pink. 

Hydrangea is a native woody shrub native to East Asia, such as China, Korea and Japan. It has dark green, lobed leaves and blooms white, pink or blue flowers in the summer. 

This shrub grows in the ground up to 8 feet tall. You can train it to climb a trellis, arbor, wall or fence and give your home additional shade and privacy.

18. Climbing Rose (Rosa setigera)

Climbing Rose (Rosa setigera)
Image: Illinois Wild Flowers
Scientific NameRosa setigera
Common NameClimbing Prairie Rose
Climbing Rose
Climbing Wild Rose
Prairie Rose
FamilyRosaceae
LightFull Sun
SoilClay
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height3 to 15 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent

The climbing rose plant has long and arching stems reaching up to 15 feet. Its branches are filled with thorns that help the plant attach itself to any support structure. 

The climbing rose is a native plant from eastern North America. It’s now widely cultivated for its dark green, serrated and fragrant leaves for perfume, potpourri, and pink and red flowers that bloom during spring and summer. 

This fast-growing woody vine grows in the ground and needs moist, well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth. 

19. Honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia)

Honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia)
Image: Fine Gardening
Scientific NameDiervilla sessilifolia
Common NameBush Honeysuckle
Smooth Southern Bush-honeysuckle
Southern Bush Honeysuckle
FamilyCaprifoliaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
Loam (Silt)
Shallow Rocky
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height3 to 5 feet
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

The honeysuckle plant stands out for its stalkless leaves, which give it a compact appearance from afar. It’s a woody shrub indigenous to the eastern United States. 

The honeysuckle plant has dark green, oval-shaped leaves and can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. On the other hand, it produces yellow blooms in the summer. 

It’s a popular garden plant that typically grows in the ground. You can use it as a ground cover or a border for your garden’s walkways.

20. Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla)

Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla)
Image: GWLAP
Scientific NameSollya heterophylla
Common NameBluebell Creeper
Australian Bluebell
FamilyPittosporaceae
LightPartial Shade
Dappled Shade
SoilGood Drainage
Moist
Height6 feet
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Scent
Shade

The Bluebell Creeper is a woody vine native to western Australia. It’s known for its blue, bell-shaped blooms that appear to nod during the spring and summer seasons. 

The leaves of this plant are dark green and lanceolate in shape, while its blue flowers emit a sweet fragrant scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

The Bluebell Creeper can reach up to 6 feet long. You can use its vine features as a ground cover or train it to cover walls, fences, arbors or trellises.

21. True Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

True Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Image: Gardenia
Scientific NameJasminum officinale
Common NameCommon Jasmine
Poet’s Jasmine
True Jasmine
FamilyOleaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilGood Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height10 to 15 feet
Growth RateRapid 
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

True jasmines are woody vines native to South Asia and the Middle East. It produces fragrant white flowers, popular ingredients for perfumes, potpourri, and aromatherapy. 

Its dark green, ovate leaves can be used to make jasmine vinegar, while its white flowers can be used to make jasmine syrup or teas. 

The true jasmine plant usually grows in the ground and can reach up to 15 feet tall. You can train this plant to climb over an arbor, trellis, wall or fence and provide shade and privacy in your home. 

22. Potato Vines (Dioscorea bulbifera)

Potato Vines (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Image: Southern Living
Scientific NameDioscorea bulbifera
Common NameAir Potato
Air Potato Vine
Air Yam
Bitter Yam
FamilyDioscoreaceae
LightFull Sun
SoilGood Drainage
Moist
Height19 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceHigh
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

For starters, potato vines don’t produce potatoes but produce a different type of yam. Still, these vines are native to the tropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia. 

Potato vines are widely cultivated for their edible tubers, which can be roasted, fried, or boiled. It can also be a natural medicine for constipation, diarrhea and fever. 

Potato vine plants usually grow in the ground and can reach up to 20 feet, so you can use them to create a living fence or to add a privacy screen in your home or garden. 

23. Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)

Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NameAkebia quinata
Common NameChocolate Vine
Five Leaf Akebia
Five-leaf Chocolate Vine
Raisin Vine
FamilyLardizabalaceae
LightFull Sun
Deep Shade
Partial Shade
SoilClay
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height15 to 20 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceHigh
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent

Can you grow chocolate flowers? We’ve got the chocolate vine for that.

The chocolate vine plant is a woody vine native to East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. It’s a popular ornamental plant, unique for its chocolate-scented and chocolate-tasting flowers. 

The chocolate vine is also a traditional Chinese medicine for treating diarrhea, coughs and colds. This plant typically grows in the ground and requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

24. Morning Glory (Convolvulus arvensis)

Morning Glory (Convolvulus arvensis)
Image: Ancient Faith
Scientific NameConvolvulus arvensis
Common NameDevil’s guts
Field Bindweed
Field morning-glory
Morning Glory
Small Bindweed
Wild Morning-glory
FamilyConvolvulaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Very Dry
Height3 to 6 inches
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceHigh
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

Morning Glory plants are known for their trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the evening. 

It’s an indigenous ornamental plant from Europe, Africa and Asia. Its flowers are a natural medicine for treating headaches, insomnia and anxiety.

This herbaceous annual plant typically grows on the ground and prefers full sun and soil rich in organic matter.

25. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Image: Horticulture
Scientific NameRudbeckia fulgida
Common NameBlack-eyed Susan
Orange Coneflower
FamilyAsteraceae
LightFull Sun
SoilClay
Shallow Rocky
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height2 to 3 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

The Black-eyed Susan is a popular ornamental plant indigenous to eastern and south North America. It has distinct daisy-like flowers with a dark brown center called the “eye.” 

The flowers come in various colors, including yellow, orange, and red; that’s why it’s grown as ornamental plants in gardens, cut flowers. It’s also a natural medicine to treat wounds, inflammation and fever.

The Black-eyed Susan is a herbaceous perennial plant commonly growing in the ground. It prefers access to full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil.

26. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Image: North Carolina Plant Toolbox Extension Gardener
Scientific NamePassiflora incarnata
Common NameApricot Vine
Maypop
Passion Flower
Passion Vine
FamilyPassifloraceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height10 to 30 feet
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Shade

The passion flower is said to resemble the Passion of Christ. Its flowers have petals that symbolize the five wounds of Christ, while the three sepals represent the three nails used to crucify him. 

This plant is native to eastern North America and is used as a traditional medicine for treating anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Others brew its leaves into a tea for a soothing and sedative effect, while its flowers are used to make potpourri and perfumes.

The passion flower plant is a woody vine that grows in the ground. It requires full sun or partial shade and moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter.

27. Trumpet Vine (Campsis grandiflora)

Trumpet Vine (Campsis grandiflora)
Image: Gardenia
Scientific NameCampsis grandiflora
Common NameChinese Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet Vine
FamilyBignoniaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClay
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height13 to 30 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Shade

The trumpet vine is native to eastern Asia and made famous by its trumpet-shaped flowers in different colors, such as red, orange, and yellow.

It’s commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant. It can also be trained to climb on a support structure and create a living fence or privacy screen. 

The trumpet vine is a woody plant that grows in the ground and thrives under full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

28. Anthurium (Anthurium scherzerianum)

Anthurium (Anthurium scherzerianum)
Image: India Mart
Scientific NameAnthurium scherzerianum
Common NameFlamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Fleabane
Oilcloth Flower
Painter’s Pallet
Pigtail Plant
Tail Flower
FamilyAraceae
LightPartial Shade
SoilLoam
Good Drainage
Moist
Height12 to 28 inches
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent

Anthuriums are brightly colored plants native to Costa Rica. They have heart-shaped leaves and long red spadix, a modified flower surrounded by colorful leaves. 

They make excellent ornamental plants and houseplants, even for floral arrangements. Anthurium flowers are widely cultivated for the variety of fragrances they emit, which attracts pollinators.

Anthuriums are terrestrial plants that grow on the ground. They grow best on partial shade or indirect light and moist, well-drained loamy soil.

29. Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia)

Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia)
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NameBegonia
Common NameAngel wing begonia
Begonia
Belgian Begonias
Dragon Wings Begonia
Rex Begonia
Rex Begonias
Tuberous Begonias
FamilyBegoniaceae
LightDeep Shade
Partial Shade
SoilHigh Organic Matter
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Height1 to 2 feet
Growth RateMedium
MaintenanceMedium
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

Angel Wing Begonias have huge, heart-shaped leaves with white or pink variegations. When you touch their leaves, they feel like soft velvet cloth. 

This type of begonia is indigenous to Brazil. Today, it’s grown as an ornamental plant, houseplant and a common fixture in flower arrangements. 

As a terrestrial plant, the Angel Wing Begonia grows on the ground and thrives on deep or partial shade and moist, well-drained loam soil.

30. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)

Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Image: Gardeners’ World
Scientific NameJasminum nudiflorum
Common NameWinter-flowered Jasmine
Winter Jasmine
FamilyOleaceae
LightFull Sun
Partial Shade
SoilClayLoam (Silt)
Sand
Good Drainage
Moist
Height10 to 15 feet
Growth RateRapid
MaintenanceLow
Best Climbing Plant ForGarden
Indoor
Scent
Shade

Winter Jasmines are native to Japan and China. They bloom in winter and produce small yellow flowers emitting sweet, honey-like aromas. 

Winter Jasmine is grown as an ornamental plant, houseplant or used in floral arrangements. You can also use it to cover walls and fences or as a ground cover. 

This woody vine grows in the ground and prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained loamy soil.

FAQs on Epiphytic Plants

What makes a plant an epiphyte?


A plant is an epiphyte when it grows on another plant without harming them and derives nutrients from the air, rain or other external debris that comes near them. 

Is fern an example of epiphyte?


Ferns are not epiphytes because they get their nutrients from the soil, unlike epiphytes which derive their nutrients from moisture and air. 

What are the benefits of epiphytes?


Epiphytes help support biodiversity by providing food and shelter to wildlife. It also helps conserve water and prevent erosion in forests and gardens. 

What is the main function of the epiphytic roots?


Epiphytic roots anchor the plant to the host tree. These roots are covered by velamen, a thick spongy tissue that helps the plant absorb nutrients from air and moisture. 

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