They will grow in both, and they will just grow and probagate, most Orchids are "Epiphytes", they attach themselves to plants but generally to trees, they are not parasites they just use the plant or trees for support.
Other Orchids are "Lithophytes, they grow on rocks, stones etc.
There are some that are called "True Terrestrials", they grow in soil as opposed to the "Simiterrestrials" which grow on the ground on decomposing matter.
Please see related link below.
Not all Orchids need to grow on trees, only the epiphytes, terrestiall Orchids grow in the soil.
Hydroponic crops are grown in water with no soil. Most orchids also do not grow in soil.
Nope. Plants can be grown without soil. It is done in hydroponics, and orchids do not grow in soil.
Trees provide orchids with a habitat to grow on, as orchids are epiphytic plants that do not root in soil. The trees do not receive any direct benefits from the orchids, but the presence of orchids can enhance the overall biodiversity and ecosystem health of the habitat.
Terrestrial orchids are orchids that live in the soil of the ground and not in trees
Parasites. Plants such as Mistletoe ( Viscum album) grow on other plants.
Soil
good ventilation and disease resistent Answer In addition to the above the Orchids grown in bark or spaghnum moss with charcoal through it are usually epiphytes therefore they would not grow in soil as excellent drainage is required.
Bromeliads which grow on the branches of many tropical trees, Air Plants, Mistletoe, Spanish Moss, some species of fern and Seaweeds and I'm sure there are many more.
You know how the soil grows plants like in the rock but if there is no soil then the plant won't grow in the rock.
Because charcoal can allow air passing through compared to soil. The idea is to allow the the internal part of the root to dry and prevent them rot.
Orchids generally prefer a loose, well-draining potting mix that allows for good aeration and prevents water from pooling around their roots. Orchid-specific mixes, often made from materials like bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite, are commonly used to provide the ideal growing conditions for orchids. Regular potting soil is not recommended as it can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot in orchids.