Hydnophytum simplex is found in the wild on the Indonesian island of Aru. It enjoys a symbiotic relationship with ants: the plant provides protection for the nest belonging to an ant colony in return for nutrients and protection against predatory herbivores. This mutually beneficial scenario results in a highly distinctive looking plant. Its leaves grow alternately on each side of the stem on leaf stalks that can be as long as a metre. Small white flowers in the axils of the leaf stems turn into bright red berries in due course.

Hydnophytum simplex does not need ants in order to survive so you need have no worries about having ants in the living room! This plant is known as an easy species to cultivate. It likes to be positioned in a bright spot but must not be exposed to strong sunlight for too long. A temperature between and will promote the best growth, lower at night but never less than. Humidity of 70% is best to ensure the plant grows more slowly and in the worst case, loses its leaves. Use a mixture of peat and coconut fibre as potting compound, both of which can be ordered in the “Plant accessories” section. Hydnophytum simplex needs watering regularly but the potting mix must be allowed to dry out in between watering to stop the swollen, succulent stem from rotting. Fertilise sparingly. It is safe to prune Hydnophytum simplex if it becomes too big.