Common Name: Black Bat Plant, Devil’s Flower, Bat Head Lily, Bat Plant, Bat Flower, Cat’s Whiskers, Voodoo Flower, Tacca Lily, Black Tacca, Black Tacca Lily, Black Tacca, Black Tacca Lily
Botanical Name: Tacca chantrieri
The Black Bat Flower has one heck of a surprise for you when it grows up! This 2" mini Tacca chantrieri requires extra care, but if treated well, it will produce the most exotic bloom. The bat-like flowers are both eerie and elegant and create a moody atmosphere to help you get those feeling out! Provide them extra humidity (over 60%), and even consider placing them in a terrarium or near a humidifier. Bat Flowers love warm temperatures and cannot tolerate the cold. Keep the temperature over 65°F (at least) and place them where they receive over 5 hours of indirect light each day.
Light
The Black Bat Flower will do best in bright, indirect light. Be sure to avoid it near the direct sunlight, as it can scorch this plants leaves. It is important for this plant that you give it partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day! If you are growing your plant indoors, place it near a window that faces either north or east.
Water
You might need to water your Black Bat Flower every few days to once a week. However, it is all dependent on the climate, indoor conditions, pot size, and soil type. In the spring and summer months, your plant will require waterings more often than in the fall and winter months. In the colder months, you should reduce how frequent you are watering your plant.
Soil
Black Bat Flower likes a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite or a high-quality commercial potting mix works great! Remember that the soil should keep moisture, without getting waterlogged. Ideally, the soil pH level range should be between 5.5 to 7.0.
Temperature
Your Black Bat Flower will do best in temperatures that are between 70°F to 85°F. Avoid your plant in overly cold temperatures as this plant is sensitive to frost! Also, ensure that you are not exposing this plant to extreme temperature fluctuations, as it can stress the plant.
Humidity
This plant loves to be in high humidity. Ideally, you should aim for humidity levels between 60% to 80% for your Black Bat Flower. This range replicates where the plant originally came from. To increase the humidity, you can mist it, group plants together, provide a humidity tray or pebble tray, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to your Black Bat Flower every two to four weeks during the growing season, which is usually spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. We suggest 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. These ratios help the plants overall health. Always adjust your fertilization routine when it is the fall and winter months. You won’t need to fertilize your plant as often.
Growth Rate
The mature height that your Black Bat Flower plant can reach is up to 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm). The leaves can grow about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in width and the flowers can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm).
Pet Friend or Foe
Black Bat Flower is toxic to pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- Prune your Black Bat Flower as needed, by removing any dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers. This will help with the plant’s growth and overall look.
- Black Bat Flower can take time to bloom. Be patient and continue to take good care of it!
- Ensure the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged! Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch!