Bat Flower

Posted by Hannah Brand on Oct 21st 2024

Weekly Plant Chat: Bat Flower

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Tacca chantrieri, more commonly known as the Bat Flower. This plant, as you can imagine, received its comon name for its bat shaped blooms! Bat flowers are commonly dark purple with light pink pods and cat-like whiskers.

Family of Origin

Tacca chantrieri belongs to the Dioscoreaceae plant family along with the elephant’s foot succulent, yams, and many more. The Bat Flower is native to rainforests in Southeast Asia, India and southern China.

Plant Care

Light

Bat flowers thrive in bright, indirect light is best. Hot sun can cause leaf burn while too little light will stunt growth and limit flowering.

Soil

When it's time to repot, use a well-draining potting soil. We recommend Sol Soils Houseplant Chunky Mix. This mix has a unique combination of coconut husk chips, pumice, calcined clay, perlite, and expanded clay for optimal drainage.

Water

Keep evenly moist and do not allow to completely dry down. Check for watering weekly, give and give it a good soak when the time is right.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer. We recommend Schultz All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. This will help encourage blooms. As growth slows in the winter months, fertilize at half strength.

Hot Tips

Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Check for pests weekly while watering. Keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

This plant requires very high humidity. Mist with a Continuous Spray Bottle during our dry winter months. Bat Flower is sensitive to cold temperatures, make sure to keep away from drafty windows.

Bat Flower is associated with strength, mysticism, and good fortune.

Bat Flower is toxic to our furry friends.