The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FUNGAL
F
U
N
G
A
L
More clues leading to the result FUNGAL
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "of a type that may grow on one" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case of a type that may grow on one = fungal.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FUNGAL mean?
FUNGAL adjective- Of or pertaining to a fungus or fungi.