Ant plant species are native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region.
 
Ant plants are so named for the fascinating symbiotic relationship they have developed with ants. Hollow, smooth-walled tunnels form within the trunks (caudex) of ant plants that provide a home for ant colonies. When dissected, you can see that ant plants naturally form a twisting labyrinth that mimics the inside of an underground ant colony. The ants that inhabit this bespoke home provide defense for the plant and prevent tissue damage, swarming to defend their home if disturbed. The plant in turn also absorbs nutrients from the ants droppings.
 
Despite the wonderful symbiotic relationship that occurs in nature, ant plants can be easily cultivated without ants in a home or greenhouse. In fact, their cultivation is quite similar to epiphytic orchids.
 
*A note about ant plants and false scale: many ant plants species may show signs of scale insect infestation on their leaves. However, there is no actual scale present. Rather, this is another aspect of their unique symbiotic relationship with ants. In the wild, ants eat--or sometimes farm--scale insects. By creating the appearance of scale insect damage, the ant plant is attempting to attract ants to move into its caudex. You do not need to treat an ant plant that is displaying false scale as it will resolve on its own.