Surviving in a new host: Eight years of monitoring translocated aroids, bromeliads, and orchids in the Andean forests in Colombia

Vascular epiphytes are extraordinarily diverse in the tropical Andean region. Compared to trees and terrestrial herbs, more vulnerable forest alteration due their structural dependence on environmental requirements. Based experimental approaches for ecological purposes, monitoring air pollutants, seeking propagation alternatives, rescue translocation of vascular (mainly bromeliads orchids) from a threatened safer has been recently conducted Colombia. Preliminary assessments indicate that benefit such well-planned measures, mortality survival might be associated with extrinsic intrinsic factors, which remain understood. We evaluated 16 epiphyte species after into secondary Antioquia (Colombia) 8 years. assessed role (foliar area, number leaves, initial pseudobulbs, stems or rosettes, functional group, species) factors (host tree species, bark water-holding capacity, type substrate, location host tree, nutrients, hormone addition) effect climatic variables plant survival. The overall rate this study ranked 1–7% per year, decreased annually, reaching 44% by end 8th year. Host as group significantly affected probability Bromeliads, particular, exhibited high mortality, monocarpic growth form could explain. Another showing were miniature orchids, Masdevalia amanda M. platyglossa , short life cycles. Five appear affect translocated epiphytes; however, characteristics involved unclear. A higher seasonality precipitation was related percentage mortality. This result indicates extreme events drought reduce longevity. In conclusion, our suggests wide range may successfully forests Colombian Andes demonstrates effective introduction assemblages useful restoration efforts forests.