Microgramma bifrons 'Ant Fern'

Microgramma bifrons (Hook.) Lellinger is a fern species in the family Polypodiaceae. It is accepted under this name and is native to western South America. It grows as an epiphyte (on trees).

Features:

Some distinguishing features include spherical, swollen tubers (ant-inhabited) reaching about 2.5 cm in diameter along its creeping stems. The leaves are dimorphic: sterile fronds are broader, pinnately lobed, while fertile fronds tend to be narrower.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch foliage.

• Humidity: Keep humidity high. These ferns do well in moist, warm conditions, often found in wet forest environments.

• Temperature: Best in warm tropical ranges; protect from cold. Ideally around mid-20s °C.

• Substrate & Mounting: Use airy substrate or mount on bark. Ensure good drainage so the tubers aren’t waterlogged.

• Watering: Keep substrate moist but avoid prolonged saturation. Let it dry slightly between waterings.