The hydnophytum is called the ant plant because this epiphytic plant lives in symbiosis with ants in the wild, providing them with a home by means of a tunnel system in its tuber and also protecting them from predators with its spines. The ants return the favor by protecting the plant from tissue damage and supplying it with nutrients. In indoor cultivation, however, the Hydnophytum can manage without the support of ants and is not complicated to care for as long as its need for high humidity is taken into account and it is given fertilizer from time to time.
The product photos show examples of the plant. You will receive a specimen that corresponds to the product photos in terms of size, shape and coloring.
- Growth type: Upright
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Pacific region and Queensland/Australia
- Other names: Ant Plant, Ant-House Plant, Labyrinth Plant
Ben's tips on plant care:
- Location/light requirements: partial shade to light, but avoid direct sunlight
- Substrate: tied up on cork bark or in a pot in a well-drained orchid substrate
- Temperature: optimal at 18-26° C
- Watering: When tied up, spray daily, but allow the plant to dry out well. Otherwise, water moderately twice a week when the top layer of substrate begins to dry, but avoid waterlogging at all costs. Use lukewarm, low-lime water. Water less frequently in winter
- Humidity: requires high humidity, spray regularly (but leaves should be able to dry out afterwards!) or use a humidifier
- Addition of nutrients: in spring/summer approx. every 4 weeks with organ. Liquid fertilizer
- Care should be taken when repotting as the roots can break easily. However, the plant can form new roots from the tuber.
