The black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri) is an exotic-looking, unusual plant that is somewhat difficult to grow but is rewarding for its unusual shape, texture, and color. True to its common name, the bat flower looks like a bat with its wing-shaped bracts and seed pods that look a bit like bat faces. It is an understory plant native to the forests of Asia and Australia and grows best in a semi-tropical environment.
This plant is sometimes also referred to as tiger beard or cats whiskers due to its long bracteoles that look like whiskers. The purple variety is a dark dusky color that ranges from maroon to purple but often looks black. A white flowering variety (Tacca integrifolia) grows twice as large as the black variety. Dramatic in the garden, bat flowers do not survive long in a vase and arent good as a cut flower. The bat flower will bloom from late spring through early fall with new blooms appearing repeatedly throughout the season.
With their dramatic, dangling black bat flowers and lush tropical foliage, bat plants (Tacca) make a stunning addition to any outdoor garden Native to Southeast Asia, these exotic perennials can transform your landscape into an intriguing, tropical oasis when grown in the right conditions If you want to successfully grow bat plants outside for a beautiful, show-stopping display, follow this complete guide for tips to nurture these unusual plants from planting to care.
Choosing the Best Location
Because they thrive in tropical environments, bat plants need a warm, frost-free climate to flourish. They perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, but can be grown in zones 8-9 with protection. Select a site that receives 6-8 hours of full sun daily along with lightly dappled afternoon shade. Bat plants adore humidity, so situate them near ponds, streams or moist woods. Shelter from drying winds is also beneficial.
Preparing the Soil
Good drainage is key when preparing a new bat plant bed. Amend native soil with compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention and nutrition. If drainage is poor, mix in pumice or perlite. Test the pH – bat plants prefer slightly acidic soil around 6.0-6.5. If needed, work in some elemental sulfur to lower pH. Dig in 2-4 inches of organic compost before planting.
Planting Bat Plant Bulbs
Bat plants are grown from bulbs or tubers To plant, dig holes 12-18 inches apart and 6-8 inches deep Place a single bat plant bulb in each hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover with soil, leaving the top inch of the bulb exposed. Water thoroughly after planting. Mulch around bulbs with 2-3 inches of bark chips, leaves or pine straw to retain moisture. Mark bulb locations so you don’t disturb them when active growth emerges.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is key for lush bat plant growth Water thoroughly at planting and whenever the top few inches of soil become dry Provide 1-2 inches of water per week by rainfall or irrigation. Avoid soggy soil which can rot bulbs. Use mulch to retain moisture. Reduce watering by half in winter during dormancy.
Fertilizer for Optimal Growth
Feed bat plants monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 15-15-15. Dilute to half strength before applying according to label directions. Fertilize when plants are actively growing and blooming. Discontinue fertilizer after September.
Staking for Support
The bat plant’s tall flower stalks and heavy blooms often need staking for support. Install 1-2 foot metal or bamboo stakes next to plants before growth begins in spring. Tie stems loosely to stakes as they elongate using soft plant ties or twine. Avoid damaging delicate stems. Staking prevents damage from summer storms.
Pruning Bat Plant Foliage and Flowers
Remove spent bat flowers after they fade to encourage additional flowering. Cut each flower stalk back to the base. Bat plant leaves often yellow and decline through the season – trim off damaged foliage at the base for a tidier appearance. Weak or broken stems can also be pruned as needed.
Digging Up Tubers in Winter
As tropical perennials, bat plants die back and enter dormancy once cool weather arrives in fall. The foliage turns yellow and withers. Once this happens, carefully dig up the tubers. Brush off soil and remove shriveled roots. Store the tubers over winter in a cool place around 50-60°F. Keep them moderately moist until spring planting time arrives again.
Troubleshooting Common Bat Plant Problems
When provided with suitable growing conditions, bat plants are relatively trouble-free. But they may encounter these potential issues in the garden:
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Leaf spots or blight – Improve air circulation and use fungicide spray treatments
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Slow growth – Fertilize more frequently and ensure adequate sunlight
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Root rot – Allow soil to dry out between waterings and improve drainage
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Few or no blooms – Increase sunlight exposure and protect from high winds
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Small tubers – Dig up and divide congested tubers to give them room
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Slug/snail damage – Apply diatomaceous earth or copper tape as natural deterrents
Enjoying Bat Plants in the Landscape
In the right environment, bat plants will flourish with little care required. Their exotic blooms and tropical allure make a stunning statement in beds, borders or containers. Bat plants also combine beautifully with cannas, bananas, elephant ears, pineapple plants and other tropical favorites. With this complete outdoor growing guide, you’ll be able to successfully raise bat plants for an unforgettable tropical display.
Light
The bat flower requires warm temperatures but prefers a shady location. Plant it where it receives indirect light, on the north side of a house, preferably in a setting with additional tropical understory plants.
Water
After planting, keep the soil moist and water consistently. Bat flowers should not be allowed to dry out for too long, but make sure the planting location has good drainage.
Growing the Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
FAQ
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