The Story
Common name: Bat Flower (Black)
Latin name: Tacca chantrieri
Best position in the home: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Best suited to a warm, humid environment such as a bathroom, conservatory, or a well-lit room with consistent warmth and moisture in the air.
Water requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top layer begins to dry slightly. Requires high humidity to thrive, so regular misting or a humidifier is beneficial. Reduce watering slightly in winter but do not allow it to dry out completely.
Home impact: With its unusual, bat-shaped black flowers and long whisker-like bracts, this plant makes a bold and exotic statement. Perfect for collectors or anyone looking for something truly different. Not pet-friendly, so keep out of reach of pets and children.
Potential height at full growth: Typically grows to around 60–90cm in height indoors, with a similar spread.
How to look after it: Place in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Use a rich, well-draining compost that retains some moisture. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist and feed during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser. Maintain high humidity and avoid temperature fluctuations or draughts. Repot every couple of years as needed.
Beginner friendliness 1/5
Drama Queen! This is a specialist plant that requires consistent warmth, high humidity, and careful watering. It can be quite sensitive, making it better suited to experienced plant owners.
Tacca is prized for its striking and unusual flowers, which can appear in warm months under the right conditions. If humidity is too low or conditions fluctuate, it may struggle or fail to flower.
Description
Common name: Bat Flower (Black)
Latin name: Tacca chantrieri
Best position in the home: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Best suited to a warm, humid environment such as a bathroom, conservatory, or a well-lit room with consistent warmth and moisture in the air.
Water requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top layer begins to dry slightly. Requires high humidity to thrive, so regular misting or a humidifier is beneficial. Reduce watering slightly in winter but do not allow it to dry out completely.
Home impact: With its unusual, bat-shaped black flowers and long whisker-like bracts, this plant makes a bold and exotic statement. Perfect for collectors or anyone looking for something truly different. Not pet-friendly, so keep out of reach of pets and children.
Potential height at full growth: Typically grows to around 60–90cm in height indoors, with a similar spread.
How to look after it: Place in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Use a rich, well-draining compost that retains some moisture. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist and feed during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser. Maintain high humidity and avoid temperature fluctuations or draughts. Repot every couple of years as needed.
Beginner friendliness 1/5
Drama Queen! This is a specialist plant that requires consistent warmth, high humidity, and careful watering. It can be quite sensitive, making it better suited to experienced plant owners.
Tacca is prized for its striking and unusual flowers, which can appear in warm months under the right conditions. If humidity is too low or conditions fluctuate, it may struggle or fail to flower.
