• Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
  • Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
  • Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
  • Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
  • Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
  • Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.
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Blue Ant Fern (Lecanopteris deparioides)

Blue Ant Fern (Lecanopteris deparioides)

$49.99 USD
$49.99 USD
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Lecanopteris deparioides, commonly known as the "Blue Ant Fern," is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of Malesia and New Guinea. This unique plant forms hollow, wax-covered rhizomes that provide shelter for symbiotic ants in the wild. While you don't need ants to cultivate it, replicating its natural habitat can help it thrive in your care.

Features:

  • Rhizomes: The swollen, bulbous rhizomes are a distinctive feature, often described as resembling "little hippo faces."

  • Fronds: Long, narrow fronds emerge from the rhizomes, displaying a feathery appearance.

  • Habitat: Typically found in montane rainforests at elevations of 500–1,200 meters.

Care Tips:

Light

  • Ideal: Bright, filtered light.

  • Avoid: Direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.

Watering

  • Frequency: Water when the top inch of the growing medium feels dry.

  • Water Type: Use distilled or purified water to prevent mineral buildup.

Temperature

  • Daytime: 70–80°F (21–27°C).

  • Nighttime: A 10–20°F (5–11°C) drop is beneficial.

Humidity

  • Optimal: High humidity levels, ideally above 60%.

  • Method: Regular misting or placing the plant on a humidity tray can help maintain moisture.

Soil & Mounting

  • Medium: A mix of sphagnum moss and orchid bark provides good aeration and moisture retention.

  • Mounting: Mounting on a piece of driftwood or cork bark can mimic its natural epiphytic growth habit.

Fertilization

  • Type: Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer.

  • Frequency: Apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

Ant Symbiosis

  • Optional: Introducing ants is not necessary for the plant's survival but can enhance its natural behavior.

  • Method: If desired, introduce a small colony of ants into the hollow rhizomes.

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