1. An aerophyte is attached to the aerial portion of another plant.

Also known as an "epiphyte", it lives on the surface of other plants but does not derive water or nourishment from them.

2. An aerophyte, or epiphyte, grows on a terrestrial plant and lacks direct contact with soil or water.

They get moisture and nutrients from the air or from small pools of water that collect on the host plant. "Spanish moss" and many orchids are aerophytes, or epiphytes.