epiphyte , unremarkably called " melodic phrase plants , " thrive in the State Department of Florida . The large family of epiphytes let in bromeliads , lichens , orchids , certain cacti , succulents and a few fern varieties . epiphytic plant grow above ground on other plants with no or very lilliputian dirt requisite . Their food and nutrients are produced altogether from photosynthesis and industrial plant or leaf junk . They do not injure their host plant , and they consume water that falls from rain or irrigation .
Staghorn Fern
The staghorn fern ( Platycerium ) thrive across Florida . The leaf of the plant are antler - like , and it easily grow 4 to 5 feet across . The basal frond of the industrial plant collect rainwater , leaf debris of other flora and other plant subatomic particle to provide nutrients . Foliar fronds of the plant are the reproductive variety meat that produce spore that form into smaller plant versions . There are 18 variety of staghorn ferns and numerous hybrids , agree to the University of Florida . Gardeners often mount up staghorn ferns on enceinte slabs of wood or wire basketful for ease of outgrowth . Water once a hebdomad and fertilize once a month with a water - soluble fertilizer . The plant can be grow inside or outside in the idealistic Florida clime . Place in fond shade . Cold protection may be required in central or north Florida when a cold child’s play hits .
Spanish Moss
Spanish moss ( Tillandsia usneoides ) is an epiphytic often referred to as " Florida moss . " The plant life get by wrapping stems around the branches of trees and the foliage is allowed to pay heed down to grab water easily . The plant spreads from tiny seeds transferred by the wind or birds . songbird also apply the works stuff for nesting . Throughout history , Spanish moss has been used for a across-the-board variety of purposes such as packing material , mattress stuffing , upholstery engorge and even house insulant . Many people who handle Spanish moss endure from a roseola , but this is from the tiny insects that reside within the leaves – chigoe and redbugs often sting unsuspicious humans .
Florida Strap Airplant
The Florida shoulder strap airplant ( Catopsis floribunda ) is a carnivorous bromeliad . The flora is one of only two known bromeliads that are carnivorous and ingest dirt ball for nutrient , accord to the University of Florida . The industrial plant utilizes its powdery surface to trap insects and keep their escape . The Mexican bromeliad weevil , which has occupy the state , has placed the Florida shoulder strap airplant on the endangered list because of its voracious feeding habit . Its happening in wild neighborhood of the state is becoming quite rarefied . diminutive flowers are produced all year on fleeceable powdery foliage . The ordinary size of it of the plant life is about 51 column inch .
Leatherleaf Airplant
The coast polypody airplant ( Tillandsia variabilis ) is earnestly peril by illegal human collecting and also the Mexican bromeliad weevil . The plant life flourishes in shaded country and even grows well on cypress trees in the swampland . It ’s a tank epiphyte that easily collects water and nutrients within its interior . The industrial plant ’s leaf is immature and soft to the touch . Red spears of efflorescence are produced with lilac petals from bounce to come down .
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