Information About Bat Flowers
The bat flower (Tacca chantieri) is an exotic plant with flowers that mimic a bat in flight, deep purple with ruffled wings, and long, hanging filaments. Indoor blooms and those outside in semi-tropical climates may appear in spring and last until early autumn. Large, attractive leaves surround the bloom. Growing bat flowers requires a little extra bat flower care, but blossoms of this unusual specialty plant make the extra care of bat flower worthwhile. An interesting tip found in bat flower info is that large plants usually have a greater rate of success than smaller ones.
How to Grow Bat Flower
Bat flower info varies on the amount of cold this plant can take. One source says it should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees F. (13 C.) while another says it can handle temps down to the mid 30’s (2 C.). Take care to keep your bat flower away from cold temps and away from the sun. When growing this plant outside, plant it in the shade. Care of bat flower indoors will include a shady location as well, and yearly repotting for the rapidly growing plant. This plant does not like to be root bound. Pot up until reaching a 10 or 12 inch (25-31 cm.) pot; after that, trim the roots and return to the same size pot if desired. Well-draining soil is a must when growing Tacca bat flowers and should remain slightly moist on a continual basis. Soil should be light and retain moisture but never allowed to get soggy. Try making your own potting mix by adding perlite and vermiculite to a good peat based soil. Plants growing outdoors benefit from sand in the soil, just not too much. Bat flower info says the plant should be allowed to dry out during dormancy. Keep this in mind when providing bat flower care during its time of rest, in autumn and winter. In warmer areas, bat flowers reportedly do not experience a dormant period. Fertilize monthly or every six weeks with a regular house plant food and occasionally with an acid boosting plant food, such as the one you use for your azaleas. Now that you’ve learned how to grow a bat flower, try growing your own to see if you have the green thumb for this plant. You’re likely to get lots of comments and questions about this unusual, flowering plant.
