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.
Spacing Your Bat Plant: The Key to a Beautiful and Healthy Garden
A stunningly unique tropical plant, the bat plant (Tacca species) is gaining popularity among gardeners for its exotic flowers that resemble bats or cats. With unusual whisker-like filaments and dark wing-shaped bracts, bat plants make a statement in any garden. However, proper spacing is crucial when growing these tropical beauties. This comprehensive guide will provide bat plant spacing tips to ensure your plants grow into a lush, healthy garden.
An Introduction to Bat Plants
Native to Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, bat plants thrive in warm, humid environments. These herbaceous perennials can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide, with large, decorative leaves up to two feet across. The foliage provides an excellent tropical backdrop for the intriguing bat-faced blooms.
Most bat plants bloom in summer and fall, producing whiskery blackish-purple flowers dotted with pollen sacs that attract pollinators. The dark wing-shaped bracts encircling the blooms inspired names like devil’s flower and bat lily. Popular bat plant varieties include Tacca chantrieri (black bat plant) and Tacca integrifolia (white bat plant).
Why Space Bat Plants Properly?
Bat plants need adequate spacing to grow healthy and produce their signature flowers. Crowding plants can lead to issues like:
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Stunted growth and reduced flowering due to competition for light, water and nutrients.
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Increased humidity and poor air circulation, raising disease risk.
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An unkempt overgrown look in the garden.
Properly spaced plants receive sufficient sunlight to photosynthesize and adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Spacing also reduces crowding-related stress, enabling bat plants to allocate resources into robust growth and prolific flowering rather than mere survival.
Recommended Spacing for Bat Plants
When planting bat plants in beds, allow at least 2-3 feet of space between each plant. Container-grown plants should be repotted into a 12 inch or larger container that provides ample room for root growth.
Here are some general spacing guidelines for bat plants:
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Space plants 2-3 feet apart in garden beds.
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Allow plants 2-3 feet of space on all sides in landscape borders.
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Repot container plants when roots fill the pot and into at least 12 inch diameter pots.
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Position large patio containers with single bat plants 2-3 feet apart.
Adjust spacing as needed based on bat plant variety – larger growing types require more space. Also, give young plants more leeway to spread out as they mature.
Bat Plant Spacing Tips
Follow these handy tips to space your bat plants perfectly:
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Measure your planting area and map spots for each plant before planting.
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Refer to plant tags or research mature sizes to determine proper spacing.
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Position tall, upright varieties towards the back of beds.
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Plant spreading types along borders or in clusters in beds.
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Set containers on hard surfaces like patios where they have room to spread.
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Prune overcrowded plants in late winter to manage size and shape.
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Divide congested plants in spring or fall and relocate divisions.
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Monitor growth and adjust plant positions to prevent crowding.
Common Bat Plant Spacing Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about spacing bat plants:
How far apart should bat plants be planted?
Space bat plants at least 2-3 feet apart in garden beds and landscape borders. Potted plants should be given a 12 inch or larger diameter container.
Can you plant multiple bat plants together?
Planting several bat plants together can create an impressive tropical display. Just be sure to allow adequate space between plants – at least 2-3 feet between plant centers depending on their mature size.
Do bat plants need to be pruned?
Pruning is not required but can maintain size and shape, especially with overgrown plants. Prune bat plants in late winter before new growth begins.
How often should you repot container bat plants?
Repot bat plants when roots fill the pot, usually every 2-3 years. Move the plant into a container at least 2 inches wider, with fresh potting mix.
What size pot do bat plants need?
Select a 12 inch or larger wide pot with drainage holes. This gives bat plant roots sufficient room to spread out. Increase pot size as the plant grows over time.
The Takeaway
Allowing enough space between bat plants prevents crowding issues and results in healthy, thriving plants. Aim for at least 2-3 feet between plant centers for in-ground plants and roomy containers. Monitor growth and make adjustments as needed to alleviate congestion. With proper bat plant spacing techniques, you can enjoy a gorgeous tropical display!
Temperature and Humidity
Because bat flowers are semi-tropical plants, they do not tolerate cold temperatures. If the temperature goes below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bat flowers can die. They are happiest when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also be grown indoors but a consistently moist environment should be provided. Using a plant mister and having a humidifier will help ensure the bat flower gets the moisture it needs.
Soil
Bat flower needs a rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Amending soil with peat moss, pine bark, and compost may prove necessary to increase drainage. For container growing, use a rich potting medium with 50 percent soil, 40 percent amendments and 10 percent perlite for good drainage.
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FAQ
Do bat plants like sun or shade?
How do I get my bat plant to bloom?
What is the best potting mix for bat plants?
How much light does a bat plant need?