Ant Fern - Lecanopteris sinuosa
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: No
Native Range: Tropical and Tropical Montane habitats on Southeast Asia islands
Zones: 9-11 (8-12)
The Ant Fern, Lecanopteris sinuosa, forms a pretty network of green, leafy, intertwining stolons, and upright, yellow green leaves. Though Ant Ferns are not carnivorous, ants live within the hollow chambers of the rhizomes. The enlarged rhizomes serve as homes, tunnels and dry protection for the ants, and in return the plants get nutrients from the ant wastes and decay. L. sinuosa is an epiphyte fern naturally growing upon the trunks and crevices of trees. It prefers the cooler, drier, partially sunny conditions on loose draining substrate such as fine fir bark chips. It is rapidly growing that spreads nicely, and can be easily divided. It is a curious and interesting plant.
Ant Ferns are shipped in a 4" pot. Photographs are representative of species, and not the specific plant shipped.
Height: 3" - 6"
Plant Type: Perennial, tropical
Soil: Fir Bark chips. All Purpose Soil Mix
Soil pH: 6-7
Light: Full to Partial Sun
Use: Curious epiphytic creeper.