Ant Plant

Ant plants should be watered regularly and heavily, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. Regular misting of the leaves is also recommended, and a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the plant can be helpful. Ant plants are generally not susceptable to rotting, but if overwatered, they will not receive the air circulation and light they need to thrive.

Ant plants require bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight, and they generally need more light when grown indoors. They should not be placed in direct sunlight or exposed to hot afternoon sun which can cause the plant to become scorched and fade in color. Placing the plants near a window that receives bright, indirect light or near a fluorescent light is ideal.

Ant plants are frost- sensitive and should not be allowed to freeze. Ideal temperatures are between 50-95°F (10-35°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) should be avoided.

Ant plants require high humidity and should be kept in an environment with at least 50% humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves may turn brown and curl. Keeping the plants in a humid bathroom, adding a humidifier to the room, or a frequent misting with distilled water can help increase the humidity level.

The ideal potting soil for an thrives Ant plants in a well-draining soil, specifically an epiphytic mix. The soil should be able to hold moisture without becoming water-logged, and should contain a mix of charcoal, perlite, bark chips, and sphagnum moss. Peat can be beneficial for Acacias.

Fertilize ant plants once a month during their growing season (spring through autumn) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at ½ strength. Fertilizers that are higher in nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium are best for this plant species. Do not fertilize during the rest period.

The most common pests for Ant plants are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Mealybugs are white and wooly, and they suck sap from the leaves, causing them to wither and die. Spider mites are small, oval shaped, and reddish-brown, and they feed on the sap of the leaves, causing the leaves to become yellow, mottled or stippled. Scale insects are flat, oval, and brown or white, and they can attach to stems and leaves. Aphids are small and green, and they feed on the sap of the leaves, making leaves distorted and discolored. To prevent pests from infecting the plant, inspect the plant weekly for any signs of infestation. If an infestation occurs, isolate the plant from other houseplants and spray the plant with a jet of water or a natural pesticide like an insecticidal soap.

Ant plants should be repotted initially when purchased and every two to four years. Repot in a container that is 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one and use a fast draining potting mix that is meant for epiphytes. When repotting, it may be beneficial to inspect the plant for root rot or mealybugs.

Ant plants can be pruned to maintain their shape and size, but should not be pruned severely. Pruning should be done when the plants are actively growing. Prune any dead, yellowed, or wilted leaves by hand, and if pruning large branches, use sterilized and sharp pruning shears.

Mulching is not necessary for Ant plants, but it can be beneficial to help keep moisture in the soil. Moss, grass clippings, bark chips, or leaves can be used for mulching.

Ant plants can be propagated through division or by stem cuttings. To propagate division, cut the tuber or rhizome into sections, each with several stems and several strong roots. After division, the pieces can be potted up individually. To propagate through stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from an actively growing plant and let the cut end callus over. When callused, the cuttings can be laid on well-drained potting soil and lightly misted with water. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a humid environment.

Some varieties of ant plants need to be supported to prevent them from toppling over. Using moss or moss sticks is beneficial for these varieties.

Ant plants are epiphytes, and they go through a rest period in the late winter or early spring. During the rest period, the plants should get drier and cooler. They should not be fertilized during this time and should only be watered enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. The rest period ends when the plants start growing actively again.

Ant plants are not toxic to pets or humans.