Myrmecodia platytyrea - Ant Plant

Myrmecodia platytyrea is an ant plant species native to New Guinea, northern Australia, and nearby islands, where it grows as an epiphyte in lowland to montane forests. It belongs to a group of plants with specialised swollen caudices that develop internal chambers, which in the wild are colonised by ants. This symbiotic relationship benefits the plant through the accumulation of organic debris inside the caudex, providing additional nutrients.

The species develops a rounded, often sculptural caudex with spiny protrusions and multiple branching stems bearing glossy green leaves. Tiny tubular flowers appear along the stems and are followed by small red or orange berries when pollinated. While the plant does not require ants in cultivation, the internal chamber system remains, making it a fascinating structural feature for collectors interested in botanical adaptations.

Myrmecodia platytyrea prefers bright, filtered light and a free-draining mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. It responds well to warmth and moderate to high humidity, reflecting the conditions of its native habitat. Over time, it can be grown mounted or in a shallow pot, with the caudex partially exposed to display its form.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, filtered light; protect from harsh midday sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during active growth; reduce slightly in cooler months.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity for best growth.
• Media: Use a free-draining epiphytic mix with bark, perlite, and some organic matter.
• Fertiliser: Apply a dilute, balanced fertiliser during the growing season.
• Temperature: Best grown between 18–28 °C; avoid prolonged exposure below 12 °C.
• Repotting: Repot infrequently, only when the plant outgrows its container.