Antplant 'Myrmecodia tuberosa' 'L'

Myrmecodia tuberosa is an ant plant with a strong appeal to the imagination. A member of the coffee family, it has a swollen tuberous stem which is occupied by ant colonies. The ants receive shelter in return for protecting the plant against herbivores. They provide the plants with nutrients, enabling it to grow while providing them with more space for their nests. The relationship is mutually beneficial in a number of ways. Myrmecodia tuberosa produces small white flowers in the axils of its leaf petioles and in due course, red berries. This shrub-like ant plant can grow to a height of more than 50 cm. Araflora supplies a good-sized, mature plant.

Myrmecodia tuberosa does not depend on ants for survival so there is no need to import any insects! It is advisable to position the plant in partial shade with a good period of strong light. This species copes reasonably well with temperature fluctuations but grows best at temperatures between 22⁰ C and 28⁰ C. Humidity should be around 75%. It can of course be attached to a piece of wood as it would be in the wild, but it can also be grown in a pot in a potting mix of peat and coconut fibre. These products can be ordered through the Plant Accessories section. Always make sure that the pot drains well so as to prevent the plant from rotting. Allow the potting mix to more or less dry out before adding more rainwater or distilled water. You can assume the role of ants by fertilising the plant every two weeks, thereby ensuring consistent growth. If Myrmecodia tuberosa grows too big, it can be pruned with sterilised shears.