Product description
Hydnophytum is a genus of tropical, epiphytic plants, commonly called "ant plants" or "maze plants," known for their swollen, tuber-like base (caudex) that contains hollow chambers for ants to live in. In a symbiotic relationship, the plant provides shelter, and the ants defend it from herbivores and provide nutrients through their waste, which the plant absorbs. These slow-growing plants are popular houseplants, valued for their unique, bonsai-like appearance and can be grown indoors without ants, requiring bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Key Characteristics
Caudex: A swollen, woody base with internal tunnels that house ant colonies in the wild.
Symbiosis: Ants live in the caudex, defending the plant and depositing waste, from which the plant absorbs nutrients.
Appearance: Features glossy green leaves and can produce small flowers and bright orange berries.
Growth Habit: Grows as an epiphyte on trees in its native habitat but is grown as a houseplant in pots or mounted on wood.
Care Tips for Indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sun.
Watering: Water when the topsoil is dry, allowing it to dry out between waterings to prevent rot in the caudex.
Soil: Use a loose, well-draining mix, like those for epiphytes (e.g., bark, perlite).
Humidity: Prefers high humidity, which can be provided with misting or a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season since ants aren't present to provide nutrients indoors.
Shipping & policies
Estimated shipping date: To be calculated
Ships and local pickup from: Denham Springs , LA
Shipping fee: $15
Sales tax:
. We're required by law to collect sales tax and applicable fees for certain tax authorities.
. Sales taxes vary depending on state.
Returns and exchanges:
. Returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Product description
Hydnophytum is a genus of tropical, epiphytic plants, commonly called "ant plants" or "maze plants," known for their swollen, tuber-like base (caudex) that contains hollow chambers for ants to live in. In a symbiotic relationship, the plant provides shelter, and the ants defend it from herbivores and provide nutrients through their waste, which the plant absorbs. These slow-growing plants are popular houseplants, valued for their unique, bonsai-like appearance and can be grown indoors without ants, requiring bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Key Characteristics
Caudex: A swollen, woody base with internal tunnels that house ant colonies in the wild.
Symbiosis: Ants live in the caudex, defending the plant and depositing waste, from which the plant absorbs nutrients.
Appearance: Features glossy green leaves and can produce small flowers and bright orange berries.
Growth Habit: Grows as an epiphyte on trees in its native habitat but is grown as a houseplant in pots or mounted on wood.
Care Tips for Indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sun.
Watering: Water when the topsoil is dry, allowing it to dry out between waterings to prevent rot in the caudex.
Soil: Use a loose, well-draining mix, like those for epiphytes (e.g., bark, perlite).
Humidity: Prefers high humidity, which can be provided with misting or a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season since ants aren't present to provide nutrients indoors.
Shipping & policies
Estimated shipping date: To be calculated
Ships and local pickup from: Denham Springs , LA
Shipping fee: $15
Sales tax:
. We're required by law to collect sales tax and applicable fees for certain tax authorities.
. Sales taxes vary depending on state.
Returns and exchanges:
. Returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Accepted payment methods
Shop Reviews
On time meet-up
•
9
Fair pricing
•
39
Friendly
•
36
Communication
•
32
Quick shipper
•
34
Great packaging
•
36
Item as described
•
37
Understanding
•
16
More from BoujeePlantsbyMelisa
Similar products
Have questions?
Download the app to message sellers about price, availability, shipping, or anything else you need.
Rare finds, all in one place
Shop for rare plants, reptiles, collectibles, gems and handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Secure checkout, always
Your payment is protected and only released to sellers once your order arrives.
Watch. Chat. Buy.
Tune into live shows, chat with sellers, join auctions, purges, giveaways and shop instantly.
Ship it your way
Ask the seller for bundled shipping, delivery upgrades, custom shipping, or local pickup.
