Black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri) is an unusual, odd-looking plant that is a bit difficult to grow but is very special because of its unusual shape, texture and color. bat flowers are bat-like in shape with wing-shaped bracts and seed pods that look a bit like a bat’s face. It is a plant native to the forests of Asia and Australia and grows best in semi-tropical environments.
This plant is also sometimes called tiger’s beard or cat’s beard because of its long bracts that look like antennae. The purple variety is dark in color, ranging from chestnut to purple but is often black. A white-flowered variety (Tacca Integrarifolia) grows twice as large as the black variety. Making a big impression in the garden, bat flowers don’t last long in vases and aren’t as pretty as cut flowers. Bat flowers will bloom from late spring to early fall with new flowers appearing several times throughout the season.
Source: LogeesPlants
How to grow bat flowers
Plants can be grown and grown in any place with a warm and humid environment. It may be necessary to create a suitable microclimate for this somewhat fragile plant. Bat flowers are generally not susceptible to pests and diseases, unlike the common slugs and snails one finds in a tropical garden.
Light
Bat flowers require warm temperatures but prefer shady places. Plant it where it receives indirect light
Soil
The bat flower plant needs loose, well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. Soil amendment with peat moss, pine bark, and compost may be necessary to increase drainage. To grow in a container, use a rich medium with 50% soil, 40% supplements, and 10% perlite for good drainage.
Water
After planting, keep the soil moist and water constantly. Do not let bat flowers dry for too long, but make sure the planting site has good drainage.
Fertilizer
Black bat flowers benefit from fertilizing. It is appropriate to use a liquid fertilizer for orchids, apply weekly, or use a synthetic slow-release fertilizer.
Temperature and humidity
Because bat flower is a semi-tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold temperatures. If the temperature drops below 55 degrees F, the bat flower can die. it does best when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees F. They can also be grown indoors but need to provide a consistently moist environment. Using a misting plant and a humidifier will help ensure that bat flowers get the moisture they need.
Propaganda of bat flowers
The bat flower plant can be propagated from seed that has been left to dry, but it will take some time to germinate. Harvesting seeds from plants should wait until the seed pods have matured and split.
Bat flower plants can also be propagated from tuberous roots or rhizome cuttings. Divide these rhizomes in the fall and plant them 3 feet apart. You can also order rhizomes from a catalog. Be patient when propagating as the rhizome needs to reach a large enough size before flowers can form.
Grow in a container
Black bat flowers can be grown in containers. If growing them indoors, place them near a window that receives indirect sunlight. Do not let the tree take root; keep an eye on it and repot it to a larger container if needed. Repotting once a year is a good rule of thumb. Wide shallow pots work best. You can place the crate outdoors in the summer, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
