Use a bait to destroy the entire ant colony.

Ants are drawn to the bait, which contains

slow-acting insecticides, by sugars, oils, and proteins. Worker ants bring the poisonous
food back to the colony and pass the harmful item directly to the mouths of other worker
ants, larvae, and queens. As the poisonous bait is passed from ant to ant or ant to
larvae, the colony slowly dwindles.
You can purchase ant bait in stick form and insert it directly into the infested
potted plant.
You may also use a reusable bait station. Since this trap is refillable, this method
is ideal to eradicate a substantial infestation. Fill the reusable bait station with the
insecticide of your choice. Close the station and set it near the base of the plant. Check
the bait station frequently so that you can empty and or refill it as needed. [3]
Baits are considered the safest form of insecticide. Before using ant baits,
however, always read the label to ensure that it is safe to use around children and pets.
[4]
Purchase baits that include one of the following active ingredients: hydramethylnon,
fipronil, boric acid, or avermectin B.
Do not purchase baits that contain cyfluthrin or permethrin. These fast-attacking
insecticides will kill the worker ant before it can reach the colony. [5]