A plant that grows on another plant (for support, not for food) is called an epiphyte.

Quick definition

  • An epiphyte is a plant that lives on the surface of another plant, usually on trunks or branches.
  • It takes its water and nutrients from rain, air, and debris around it, not by tapping into the host’s tissues.
  • Because it does not steal food from the host, it is not considered a parasite.

Related terms

  • Plants that grow on other plants without harming them: epiphytes.
  • Plants that grow on others and take nutrients from them are called parasites (for example, mistletoe).

Common examples

  • Many orchids and bromeliads in tropical forests are classic epiphytes.
  • Mosses, some ferns, and lichens that carpet tree bark in moist forests are also epiphytes.

TL;DR: A plant that grows on another plant is called an epiphyte. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.