air plant

American  

noun

1. an epiphyte.

2. Also called life plant.  a tropical plant, Kalanchoe pinnata, of the stonecrop family, having pale green flowers tinged with red and new plants sprouting at the leaf notches.

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air plant British  

noun

1. an epiphyte, esp an orchid of the large Old World tropical genus Aerides, grown for its white scented flowers spotted with red, purple, or rose, or a bromeliad, esp of the genus Tillandsia

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air plant Scientific  

1. See epiphyte

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Etymology

Origin of air plant

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Cheryl Foers, who lives in Quintrell Gardens, said: "It was a freak, everything was twirling in the air, plant pots and so forth."

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

The largest air plant, Tillandsia xerographica, a spiral of silver tentacle-like leaves, is another favorite.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

Larson adds that people who are grieving and may be interested in caring for houseplants but have not done so before, can start with a durable houseplant, such as a fern or an air plant.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

They are perfectly sized to hold an air plant to adorn the home year-round.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

A plant growing entirely in the air, and receiving its nourishment from it; an air plant or epiphyte.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah