Dischidia are epiphytic rainforest plants native to Southeast Asia and can be grown as a houseplant anywhere. These plants are also called ant plants because of a unique symbiotic relationship with ants.
It isn’t correct to call Dischidia a carnivorous plant, but in a sense they do attract ants and eat the dead ones – lending to its commonly referenced name of ant plant. Ants live inside the strange balloon-like organs produced by the plant. They bring in nutrients and fend off predatory insects. In return, the plant provides a secure home. This is a fun and unique plant to grow in your home (without the ants). Dischidia plant care is easy provided you follow a few cultivation rules. Dischidia plants belong in the milkweed family. Broken stems ooze milky latex sap and the plant often grows aerial roots.
Allow the planting medium to dry out before you water the plant. They are used to getting moisture only from dew and the air, and cannot tolerate boggy media. When the bark medium is dry to the touch, submerge the container in water until air bubbles are gone.
Dischidia requires indirect light for at least half the day. Avoid placing ant plant near doors or windows where drafts can stress the plant.
Dischidia doesn’t really need fertilizer but you should change the planting media every year. If you wish, apply a diluted by half liquid plant food when you water beginning in spring and stopping by September.
They should also have some sort of support as they are growing or allow the plant to trail in a hanging container.
