Hydnophytum puffii (Ant Plant)

A myrmecophyte is a plant that has evolved a symbiotic relationship with ants. In the case of Hydnophytum puffii, the plant provides specialized chambers within its swollen caudex for ants to live in, while the ants provide nutrients and protection to the plant.

No, you do not need to keep ants to successfully grow Hydnophytum puffii. While the plant is naturally adapted to house them, it will grow perfectly well in a home or terrarium environment without a resident colony.

As an epiphyte, this succulent prefers a well-draining, airy substrate like orchid bark or a mix designed for epiphytic plants. It thrives in high-humidity environments with bright, indirect light, making it an excellent candidate for a tropical terrarium.

Water your plant when the substrate begins to dry out, ensuring the roots are never left sitting in standing water. Because it is a succulent, it is better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering, which can lead to rot in the caudex.

The swollen, bulbous structure is the caudex, which is a defining feature of this species. It is naturally hollowed out with internal tunnels, which is exactly how the plant is designed to house its symbiotic partners in the wild.