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

See Examples For:

air plant

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

A stack of vintage books with a pretty candle or air plant on top can also provide visual “warmth,” she says.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 7, 2022

M. Sommeiller developed the Colladon idea and constructed the compressed air plant illustrated in Fig.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 799, April 25, 1891 by Various