A plant from the regions of Southeast Asia is quite unpopular, yet an extremely impressive plant, hydnophytum papuanum or commonly known as the ant plant hydnophytum papuanum, is a guaranteed houseplant to elevate your mood.
Here is all you need to know about a maze plant if you want to keep it in your little house garden under low light.
Appearance: Ant Plant
Table of Contents
Maze plant is quite similar to bonsai plants in shape from their base, which is a caudex. A caudex is a swollen base, and the fleshy stems come out of the base with mid-green leaves, giving the ant plant a succulent appearance.
Plant hydnophytum papuanum has such a unique appearance that it can give an entirely new vibe to the place, whether it is a desk, side table, or dining table. The 2 feet tall plant can grow anywhere.
Since it is a slow-growing plant, there is low maintenance required to maintain it. Like air plants and different orchids, you can grow a maze plant as an epiphyte or simply use a pot for the growing season.
Why is a Maze plant called an Ant plant?
A maze plant is known as an ant plant because where it is naturally found, there are many ants in their caudex. However, there is no reason to get mortified about getting ant nests in your house because these exotic plants do not attract ants into homes; also, the ant species in residential areas of North America are not attracted to the plant.
How To Care For A Maze Plant?
Light For A Hydnophytum papuanum
Ant plants may grow in low and medium light but need bright and indirect light to thrive. So as a houseplant, you can grow a maze plant in any corner of your house or office, and you don’t need to worry about getting it all-natural light because it likes fluorescent or LED lights too.
So, if you don’t have a window sill with bright and indirect then place it in just about any room as you don’t require natural light. Make sure not to put it in direct sunlight or forced air heat.
Water A Hydnophytum Papuanum
The maze plant can store water in the caudex and survive for several weeks, so it is drought resistant. However, that does not imply that it doesn’t need water if the soil in the pot is dry, then it must be watered regularly. If the potting mix dries and one does not water it, the Hydnophytum papuanum becomes underwatered.
Humidity Required For A Hydnophytum papuanum
Hydnophytum papuanum would like higher humidity to yield results. Use a pebble tray or humidifier, or keep all your plants together to raise humidity if you live in a below-average humidity area. The more moisture it gets, the better it grows.
Fertilizer For A Hydnophytum papuanum
A general-purpose fertilizer labeled to utilize on plants would be the best for Hydnophytum papuanum to promote more or faster growth. Follow the directions on the product’s packaging to avoid oversaturation in a maze plant.
FAQs
Are Hydnophytum papuanum toxic for animals?
Yes, the Hydnophytum papuanum is toxic for animals, so keep them out of their reach.
What are the common pest infestations in Hydnophytum papuanum?
Although Hydnophytum papuanum is not particularly sensitive towards insects, scales or mealybugs could still attack the plant. To minimize the chances of an invasion, examine the Hydnophytum’s branches and leaves frequently.
Conclusion
Growing a Hydnophytum papuanum is relatively easy from many other houseplants. These bonsai-like plants look beautiful in any house or office. Follow the instructions above to keep a healthy maze plant.