If youre looking for something thats hauntingly beautiful and spectacularly sinister, then you need Tacca! Also known as the Bat Flower or Bat Plant, this exotic beauty flaunts some seriously unusual blooms that mimic a bat in flight. Large, lush, emerald leaves surround the stunning flowers for a truly remarkable display from spring until early fall. They might require a little extra care, but these breathtaking plants are well worth the effort. Learn more about growing and caring for Tacca with this comprehensive guide!
The bat plant, also known by its scientific name Tacca chantrieri is an exotic and unique houseplant known for its striking bat-shaped flowers. This plant thrives in warm humid environments and requires very specific care, especially when it comes to lighting. Getting the light levels right is crucial for growing a healthy bat plant and encouraging it to bloom.
Native to Southeast Asia, the bat plant is a perennial that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It has large, dark green leaves that can reach 12 inches in length. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its unusual flowers that resemble a bat in flight. These flowers are a dark purplish-black color and can grow up to 12 inches long. They also give off a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts pollinators.
While the bat flower is certainly dramatic it can be finicky to cultivate successfully indoors. Providing the right amount of light is perhaps the most important factor in helping this plant thrive.
Optimal Light Conditions for Bat Plant
The bat plant flourishes best in bright, indirect sunlight Direct sun will quickly scorch its foliage and damage the delicate blooms. For optimal growth and flowering, this plant needs around 4-6 hours of bright, filtered sunlight every day.
If you are growing bat plant indoors, situate it near an east or west-facing window where it can get good morning or afternoon sun. Use sheers or blinds to diffuse the direct rays. You can also place it near a south-facing window if you can shade it from direct midday sun.
For indoor plants without access to natural light, fluorescent or full-spectrum grow lights can successfully provide the necessary brightness. Position the lights 12-18 inches above the plant for 14-16 hours daily.
Signs of Insufficient or Excessive Light
Too little light will cause clear signs of stress in bat plant. Growth will be stunted, leaves may turn pale or yellow, and it likely won’t bloom properly. If light levels are too low, you may need to move the plant or add supplemental lighting.
On the flip side, too much direct sun will quickly damage bat plant. Leaves will show brown scorch marks, flowers and buds may drop prematurely, and the plant can become dried out and stressed. If you notice these issues, move the plant to a spot with gentler, filtered light.
Other Key Growing Conditions
While proper lighting is critical, bat plant also requires other specific care for optimal growth:
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Humidity: Bat plant thrives in consistent humidity between 60-80%. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain moist air around the plant.
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Soil: Well-draining, organically rich soil is ideal. Use a mix containing compost, peat moss, and perlite.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soaked. Water when the top inch becomes dry.
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Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer.
FAQs About Bat Plant Light Needs
Can I grow bat plant outside?
Bat plant can be grown outdoors in zones 10-11 only. It requires shade and will not tolerate direct sun.
Why is my bat plant not blooming?
Insufficient light is the most common reason for no flowers. Increase sunlight exposure to 6+ hours daily.
Should I use grow lights for my indoor bat plant?
Yes, LED or fluorescent grow lights can provide the 14-16 hours of bright light bat plant needs to thrive indoors.
Can too much light cause leaf scorch?
Yes, direct hot sunlight will damage leaves, causing brown spots and scorch marks. Filter the light to prevent this.
How often should I rotate my indoor bat plant?
Rotate a quarter turn each week so all sides get even light exposure. This prevents lopsided growth.
Let There Be Diffused Light for Optimal Bat Plant Health
Bat plant is truly a unique houseplant, but it requires very specific care to look its best. This includes providing bright, indirect light about 4-6 hours daily. With the right balance of light and other optimal growing conditions, your bat plant will reward you with its exotic blooms! Monitor your plant and make adjustments as needed until you find the perfect light levels for vigorous growth and spectacular bat flowers.
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If youre looking for something thats hauntingly beautiful and spectacularly sinister, then you need Tacca! Also known as the Bat Flower or Bat Plant, this exotic beauty flaunts some seriously unusual blooms that mimic a bat in flight. Large, lush, emerald leaves surround the stunning flowers for a truly remarkable display from spring until early fall. They might require a little extra care, but these breathtaking plants are well worth the effort. Learn more about growing and caring for Tacca with this comprehensive guide!
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Planting DepthTop 1/2″ exposed above soil -
Planting Proximity18″ Apart -
Planting SeasonSpring -
Plant BenefitsAn incredibly unique and hard to find tropical plant loved by collectors. -
Water QuantityModerate with growth -
Bloom SeasonSpring through Summer -
Sunlight QuantityIndirect indoors; Partial Shade outdoors -
Hardiness ZonesZones 10-11 or indoors
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Tacca naturally grow in the damp shadows of the tropical jungles in Asia, so its no wonder that they require warm, humid shade to thrive. Mimic their natural environment by growing them in low light conditions of 40–60% shade, such as under trees or next to walls. They perform well in both the ground and containers, but need light, loamy, nutritious, and well-drained soil. Additionally, the large leaves will tatter and burn if exposed to wind, so be sure to provide some protection and keep indoor Tacca away from heating or cooling vents.
Blooming from late spring until early fall, Tacca can be grown year-round indoors in containers and should be planted in spring. When planted within their hardiness zones of 9B–11, Tacca can remain in the ground, undisturbed over the winter. In colder regions, bring your potted plant inside, where it will stay handsome all winter long.
- For outdoor landscape planting, choose a location where your Tacca will receive 40–60% shade, be protected from wind, and have well-draining soil. Dig holes and plant your Tacca rhizomes upright and perpendicular with the last ½” of the rhizome and the leaves exposed above the soil.
- For container planting, choose a container with adequate drainage holds and fill with light, loamy, nutritious, well-drained soil. Dig holes and plant the rhizomes upright and perpendicular with the last ½” of the rhizome and the leaves exposed above the soil.
- Water after planting to gently soak the soil without waterlogging your Tacca.
- Keep your Tacca moist but not wet during active growth. As temperatures rise, you may need to water twice weekly.
- Apply a good 10-20-10 liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring through fall for a dazzling display.
- Cut back on the water and allow the surface to dry a bit during the winter months, as Tacca slow their activity during this time.