- They co-exist with their host trees without harming them. The food for most epiphytic orchids comes entirely from the air and water around them with a few nutrients from the occasional bird dropping and bits of old bark
- Most orchids are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on trees. This interesting habit allows them to avoid the darkness of the forest floor. Secured to a tree branch by strong, velvety roots, an orchid plant can receive plenty of airflow vital to its survival, be rained on regularly without sitting in a puddle where the roots would rot, and can find continuous dappled sunlight.
