This fascinating and unusual plant has bat-shaped flowers with long, attractive whiskers – a perfect alternative to growing orchids in the home.
These Tacca chantieri plants prefer high humidity, so either place in a warm bathroom or place the pot in a tray of gravel filled with water. Ideal to grow in a shady spot and a great focal point.
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow on the surface of good quality seed compost and lightly cover the seed with compost. Keep in a propagator at around 25-27°C or seal in a polythene bag and keep in a warm place. The soil temperature must remain high and steady to aid germination. Germination can take up to several months, so be patient. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm pots of good quality compost with 10% added grit. Plants must be planted in free-draining compost and kept moist in a shady, warm area (a warm bathroom is ideal). Mist plants regularly during the growing season or place in a gravel tray with water to increase humidity. Water regularly in summer and very lightly during the colder months.
With its uniquely elongated black bat-shaped blooms, the bat plant (Tacca chantrieri) makes a mesmerizing addition to tropical plant collections. While often purchased as starter plants, growing bat plants from seeds can be an affordable alternative if you know some key details about harvesting, storing, and sowing them successfully.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about bat plant seeds from viability to ideal germination conditions. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with a flourishing crop of exotic bat plant seedlings.
Harvesting Bat Plant Seeds
The first step is collecting viable seeds from an existing bat plant once seed pods form after flowering. Here are some harvest tips:
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Allow seed pods to mature completely on the plant before collecting them when they turn yellow or brown Pale green pods are immature,
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Use sterilized pruners to snip nearly-dry pods off carefully to avoid seed loss. Open pods further to fully dry indoors.
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Spread seeds in a single layer on paper towels or screening and allow to dry for 1-2 weeks until brittle and dark.
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To easily remove debris, rub dried seed pods between your hands over a mesh sieve. Pick out seeds and discard chaff.
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Check for plump, dark seeds free of damage, mold, or insects. Discard any substandard seeds.
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Label your seeds by variety and include harvest date for easier identification. Record any helpful notes too.
Proper Storage of Bat Plant Seeds
Once properly dried and cleaned, bat plant seeds require careful storage to maintain viability:
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Place seeds in breathable containers like paper envelopes or cloth bags. Avoid plastic bags or airtight jars.
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Store containers in a consistently cool, dry area away from direct light and heat sources.
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The refrigerator is ideal, with seeds lasting up to a year when stored at 40-50°F with low humidity.
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For longer storage of 2 years or more, consider cryogenic freezing or vacuum sealing for optimum seed longevity.
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Check seeds regularly and discard any showing signs of mold, darkening, or damage which indicates declining germination rates.
What Affects Bat Plant Seed Germination?
Understanding optimal conditions for germination is key to success growing bat plants from seeds:
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Warmth – Bat plant seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-80°F. They often won’t sprout in soil colder than 65°F.
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Moisture – Seeds must remain consistently moist but not soaked. Water when the soil surface becomes slightly dry.
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Aeration – Loose, well-draining seed starting mixes provide the air circulation seeds need to thrive.
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Darkness – Seeds germinate best in complete darkness. Avoid exposing them to any light until sprouted.
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Freshness – Fresher seeds less than a year old have higher germination success. Stored seeds decline in viability over time.
Step-By-Step Guide to Sowing Bat Plant Seeds
Follow this reliable process for sowing your bat plant seeds:
1. Use sterile seed starting containers.
Thoroughly clean pots or trays then disinfect using diluted bleach, vinegar, or other natural products to destroy fungi or bacteria. Drainage holes are essential.
2. Fill containers with fresh seed starting mix.
Use a sterile, soilless mix containing vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and coconut coir for excellent drainage and moisture retention.
3. Moisten the mix well before sowing.
Water your seed starting mix thoroughly 12-24 hours before sowing seeds so it’s uniformly moist but not saturated.
4. Sow seeds just below the mix surface.
Gently press seeds into the pre-moistened mix, covering them to their own depth. Space 1-2 inches apart.
5. Apply a fungicide drench if desired.
Consider watering with chamomile tea or fungicides containing trichoderma to prevent “damping off” disease.
6. Cover containers with plastic wrap.
Enclosing freshly sown containers in plastic wrap or bags maintains constant humidity for germination.
7. Place containers in complete darkness.
Set your covered seed trays in a dark room or closet where temperatures stay around 75°F for fastest germination.
8. Remove plastic once sprouts emerge.
Carefully remove the plastic wrap once most seeds show signs of sprouting to avoid mold formation.
9. Provide ample light immediately after germination.
Newly uncovered seedlings require 14-16 hours per day of bright light. Use grow lights or sunny windowsills.
10. Keep soil moist and seedlings warm.
Continue consistent moisture and temperatures around 70-80°F for vigorous growth until it’s time to transplant into larger pots.
With the right harvesting, storage, and sowing techniques, you can experience the rewards of growing bat plants from seeds. You’ll soon have a collection of these captivating architectural beauties brightening your tropical plant collection.
Why Not Try This Instead
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Sowing InformationSoak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow on the surface of good quality seed compost and lightly cover the seed with compost. Keep in a propagator at around 25-27°C or seal in a polythene bag and keep in a warm place. The soil temperature must remain high and steady to aid germination. Germination can take up to several months, so be patient. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into individual 5cm pots of good quality compost with 10% added grit. Plants must be planted in free-draining compost and kept moist in a shady, warm area (a warm bathroom is ideal). Mist plants regularly during the growing season or place in a gravel tray with water to increase humidity. Water regularly in summer and very lightly during the colder months.
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How Long Does it Take for Bat Flower Plant Seeds to Grow and Mature?
FAQ
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