air plant

noun

plural air plants
1
: a plant that derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and grows usually on another plant : epiphyte
especially : any of a genus (Tillandsia) of evergreen perennial plants that are found in tropical regions of the western hemisphere and that grow on other plants, have minimal roots, and obtain nutrients and water solely from the air
2
: a succulent perennial plant (Kalanchoe pinnata) native to Madagascar that has bell-shaped pink flowers and elliptical serrated leaves which produce bulblets and that is commonly grown as an ornamental plant

Examples of air plant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The glass roof is fitted with strands of air plants suspended on stainless steel wires that provide dappled shade while eliminating the need for watering. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025 Close on either side were eerie woods flooded with shallow swamp water, the trees’ shaggy trunks festooned with air plants and the occasional ghost orchid. Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025 Some water-soluble fertilizer formulations are specifically made for air plants, otherwise try orchid fertilizer. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025 Parent air plants can live for a year or more after flowering. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air plant

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of air plant was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Air plant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20plant. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

air plant

noun
1
2
: any of several kalanchoes

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