How to Grow Bat Flowers (Tacca Chantrieri)

How to Grow Bat Flowers (Tacca Chantrieri)

Bat flowers are described as unusual, odd, unique, bizarre, exquisite, magnificent, fascinating, and beautiful. Growers universally love them.

Native to Asia, Tacca chantrieri grows wild in tropical forests like Yunnan Province, China. Plants reach 36 inches tall with blooms up to 12 inches across and "whiskers" up to 28 inches long! The most common color is black; a rare white variety also exists.

Grow bat flowers indoors or out. They prefer light shade, making them good for shade gardens and popular as container houseplants.

Tip: Bat flowers dislike being root-bound. Repot as needed.

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Plant Propagation

Bat flowers propagate from seeds or rhizomes. Seeds can take months to germinate—a heated germination mat is strongly recommended. Most people use rhizomes or tuberous roots.

Dig up rhizomes of established plants in fall and divide into clumps for replanting.

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How to Grow Bat Flower Plants

Bat flowers need well-drained, fertile soil. Keep soil consistently moist—never let it dry out. Fertilize regularly with general-purpose fertilizer. For indoor plants, use liquid fertilizer or plant spikes.

Plants require high humidity. Avoid temperature extremes. Good air circulation prevents disease.

Bat flowers prefer sun to light shade. Try them in shade gardens or on the north side of the house.

Divide and separate rhizomes in fall. Cut into clumps with a sharp knife and replant 3–4 feet apart.

Repot container plants before they become root-bound.

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Insects and Disease

Slugs and snails like bat flowers. See snail and slug control.

Soil-borne diseases are common. Minimize problems by keeping soil moist (not wet) and providing air circulation.

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