Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Ant Plant Plant Care
Dischidia ovata Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dischidia ovata is a unique plant known for its small, round, succulent-like leaves that grow closely together along trailing stems. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its charming appearance and easy-care nature.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ant Plant?
Water Ant Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Ant Plant Native To?
What Is the Ant Plant?
Ant Plant (Dischidia ovata) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Dischidia genus. Ant Plant is native to New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Ant Plant is also known as Hoya.
Ant Plant displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ant Plant produces small, unique flowers resembling balloons.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ant Plant?
Dischidia ovata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ant Plant Need?
Ant Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ant Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ant Plant Prefer?
Dischidia ovata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Ant Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ant Plant?
Well-draining orchid mix with perlite and charcoal. Good drainage is essential for Ant Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ant Plant?
Feed Ant Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ant Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ant Plant?
Ant Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to string of nickels plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ant Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ant Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ant Plant?
Ant Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ant Plant Need?
Ant Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ant Plant is native to New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Ant Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Ant Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dischidia genus — compare its care with other Dischidia species on PlantoScan.
Dischidia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Ant Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dischidia Species
Other Dischidia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dischidia ovata Benth., family Apocynaceae (first published in London J. Bot. 2: 226 (1843)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ant Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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