Dischidia Pectinoides: The Ant Plant
Sometimes called the “ant plant,” Dischidia pectinoides is a curious little specimen that belongs to the same family as milkweed. It is a family of oddballs: climbers and vines with swollen-pocket leaves that resemble ravioli. These pods are called bullate leaves. Their insides can be hollow (not filled with ricotta and spinach) or in the case of some milkweeds, holding sticky, milk-colored fluid. Dischidia pectinoides has leaves with hollow interiors. In its native jungles and rain forests, the leaves are home to ant colonies that help pollinate the plant in exchange for, well, room and board.
But never fear. Though Dischidia pectinoides is a veritable bed and breakfast for bugs in the wild, as an indoor plant, it will not roll out the welcome mat to pests. In fact, for a loyal and low-maintenance bathroom decoration, there is no better choice than the Dischidia pectinoides. The Dischidia pectinoides is an epiphyte, which means it only needs sunlight, air, and a bit of water to survive. Requiring no soil, it thrives in a terrarium or in a shell.
Above: Photograph via Opus Studio.
You can also plant Dischidia pectinoides in a 3-inch pot and suspend from the ceiling with a length of twine.
Above: Photograph by Alexa Hotz.
With its moisture and steam, a bathroom reminds the Dischidia pectinoides of its home in the rain forest. This houseplant is so lavatory-loving that it is content to bloom there for years and years, spicing up your loo with tiny red buds. Every time you take a shower, don’t forget you’re also feeding your Dischidia pectinoides its lunch.
Above: Photograph via Itswhatiminto.
Cheat Sheet
- In the wild, it attracts ants that live symbiotically with the plant, exchanging food for pollination (but this won't happen in your house)
- A flowering climbing vine, it has small red flowers
- A good companion for other moisture-loving terrarium plants (such as ferns and moss)
Above: Photograph by Epiforums via Flickr.
Keep It Alive
- Do not pot in soil; the ant plant is an epiphyte, which means it lives on air
- Needs filtered sunlight indoors
- Likes humid spots but only needs occasional watering
- Tiny varieties are suited for small indoor spaces, though there are larger options
- Will bloom any time of year if happy
Looking for more inspiration to get through the indoor-gardening months? See Expert Advice: 10 Best Low-Maintenance Houseplants and Gardening 101: Sea Kelp for Healthy Houseplants.
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