The growth rate of epiphyllous bryophytes communities is slightly correlated with atmospheric humidity, however canopy opening (light), temperature, and precipitation represent important environmental factors in their growth. In this work we studied the colonization of the epiphyllous species Leptolejeunea elliptica (Lehm & Lindenb) Schiffn., growing on leaves of Hybanthus prunifolius and Psychotria horizontalis in four microsites on Barro Colorado Island, considering factors such as light, temperature and relative humidity. We selected a wet site and a dry site, each site had gaps and shadows, having in total four microsites. In each microsite five plants of each species of shrubs were selected and from each one five leaves were selected. Each leaf was monitored every two weeks for a period of 6 months. On each leaf, the coverage and colonization of L. elliptica was observed. In addition, humidity and temperature were measured at each site. The values of humidity and temperature showed that all microsites were in similar conditions, so we concluded that these factors did not affect the coverage and colonization of L. elliptica. The factor that had the greatest significance was light, which show that L. elliptica is a common species in gaps and an indicator species of disturbances in tropical forests.