探索广阔而奇妙的附生植物世界

探索广阔而奇妙的附生植物世界

The name "terrestrial epiphytes" doesn't roll off the tongue, but if you've spent any time on Pinterest or home design blogs, you've no doubt seen variations of epiphytic plants making the rounds.

“陆生附生植物”这个名字并不容易脱口而出，但如果你在Pinterest或家居设计博客上花过时间，你肯定见过各种各样的附生植物。

This large tree in Brazil's Ibirapuera Park holds hundreds (thousands?) of epiphytes. (Photo: Renan C. [CC by SA 4.0]/Wikimedia Commons)

Found in tropical and temperate regions of the world, epiphytes often live on other plants, grabbing nutrients from the air, rain or organic debris from their accommodating hosts. This peaceful co-existence (epiphytes aren't parasitic and do not harm their hosts) can also be extended to your home with some research on indoor-friendly options.

附生植物生活在世界的热带和温带地区，通常以其他植物为食，从空气、雨水或寄主的有机物中获取营养。这种和平共处(附生植物不是寄生的，也不伤害它们的主人)也可以扩展到你的家里，研究一些室内友好的选择。

While epiphytes aren't indestructible, they are relatively low-maintenance, provided you do a little homework upfront about their preferred environment and care. From terrariums to sea urchin shells to old logs, these soil-less plants can turn even the blackest of thumbs into a proud Plant Parent.

虽然附生植物不是坚不可摧的，但它们的维护成本相对较低，前提是你提前做一些功课，了解它们喜欢的环境和护理。从培养箱到海胆壳再到古老的原木，这些没有泥土的植物甚至可以把最黑的拇指变成骄傲的植物父母。

Tillandsia ionantha can thrive just about anywhere, including on a tree branch. (Photo: David J. Stang [CC-BY-SA-4.0]/Wikimedia Commons)

Arguably the most popular for growing indoors, there are dozens of variations on Tillandsia ionantha. They can be grown in terrariums, seashells, crystals or any kind of crevice. Just be sure to give them bright, indirect light (yes, your office's fluorescent lights will actually work!) and a good misting twice a week.

可以说，最受欢迎的室内种植，有几十种变种的紫堇。它们可以在terrariums，贝壳，水晶或者任何缝隙中生长。只要确保给他们明亮的，间接的光(是的，你办公室的荧光灯实际上也有用)和一个良好的雾一周两次。

A staghorn fern flourishes on a tree in New South Wales. (Photo: Annette Teng [CC by 3.0]/Wikimedia Commons)

Who says houseplants are high-maintenance? Both the bird's nest and staghorn fern can be grown with or without soil, with the latter growing as much as three feet wide. These ferns love humidity, natch, but don't like sitting in water — think moist, not soggy.

谁说室内植物很容易保养?燕窝和鹿角蕨都可以在有或没有土壤的情况下生长，后者可以长到3英尺宽。当然，这些蕨类植物喜欢潮湿，但不喜欢泡在水里——潮湿，而不是浸泡。

A bald cypress tree with Spanish moss on the Wacissa River, Florida. (Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters [CC by 2.0]/Flickr)

Is there anything more iconic to the American South than Spanish moss? This folklore-rich epiphyte, referred to as "Grandpa's beard" in French Polynesia, is happiest living harmoniously on live oak and bald cypress trees. (With proper misting and light, it can also grow indoors.) Contrary to popular belief, it isn't parasitic, though if it grows too thick it can prevent the tree's leaves from getting enough sunlight, thereby stunting growth.

在美国南部，还有什么比西班牙苔藓更具有标志性的吗?这种民俗丰富的附生植物，在法属波利尼西亚被称为“爷爷的胡子”，是最幸福的和谐地生活在活着的橡树和秃柏树。(如果有适当的雾和光线，它也可以在室内生长。)与人们普遍认为的相反，它并不是寄生的，但如果它长得太厚，就会阻碍树叶获得足够的阳光，从而阻碍生长。

An epiphytic orchid in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens. (Photo: Shiny Things [CC by 2.0]/Flickr)

There are an incredible 22,000 species of orchids in this world, and around 70% of them are epiphytic. Popular orchids that require no soil are the Ansellia africana and Mystacidium capense. Their roots' large surface area allows them to quickly suck in water and nutrients, while extra water is stored in their secondary stems for unexpected droughts.

世界上有令人难以置信的22,000种兰花，其中70%是附生的。最受欢迎的不需要土壤的兰花是非洲兰花和天竺葵。它们的根系表面积大，可以迅速吸收水分和营养物质，而额外的水分则储存在次生茎中，以备不测的干旱。

Tillandsia recurvata (aka ball moss) grows on its tree host. (Photo: Kohlnf [CC by SA 3.0]/Wikimedia Commons)

Related to Spanish moss, ball moss also likes growing on trees such as the southern live oak. Ball mass requires high humidity and little airflow. The tangled sphere is no freeloader though; it photosynthesizes its own food, collects water from its leaves, and can grow as big as a soccer ball.

球苔与西班牙苔藓有亲缘关系，也喜欢生长在南方橡树等树上。球团需要高湿度和小气流。然而，缠结的球体并不是一个白吃白住的人;它能进行光合作用，从叶子中收集水分，并能长得像足球那么大。

A Christmas cactus in full bloom. (Photo: Aaron Hyatali [public domain]/Wikimedia Commons)

When you think of cacti's preferred environment, an arid landscape with plenty of sand and sun probably comes to mind. But there are actually 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cacti family, and they happen to love living in trees in rainforests, absorbing light through their elongated leaves. Check out Schlumbergera genus, whose common name often depends on when it flowers. (In the Northern Hemisphere, we call it Christmas cactus; in Brazil, it's the May flower.)

当你想到仙人掌喜欢的环境时，你脑海中可能会浮现出一幅有大量沙子和阳光的干旱景观。但仙人掌科实际上有19种附生植物，它们恰巧喜欢生活在雨林中的树木中，通过它们细长的叶子吸收阳光。看看Schlumbergera属，它的常见名称通常取决于它什么时候开花。(在北半球，我们叫它圣诞仙人掌;在巴西，它是五月花。)