Tacca chantrieri (6")

Tacca chantrieri

Also known as Black Bat Flower.

Tacca chantrieri

Care Difficulty
Advanced. This stunning tropical plant requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and consistent care to thrive.

Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. It performs best in filtered light, similar to the understory of a tropical rainforest.

Water Requirements
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Humidity
Prefers very high humidity (60 to 90%). A humidifier or greenhouse environment is often beneficial, especially during winter.

Pet Safety
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although ingestion of any plant material may cause mild digestive upset.

Growth Speed
Moderate. Produces large tropical leaves throughout the growing season and flowers once mature under ideal conditions.

Expected Mature Size

• Height: 24 to 36 inches
• Width: 24 to 36 inches
• Flower Size: Up to 12 inches across, with whisker-like bracts reaching 20 inches or more

Pot Size
Repot every 2 to 3 years using a rich, well-draining potting mix in a container with excellent drainage.

Where it Grows Best
Indoors in temperatures between 70 and 85°F (21 to 29°C) with consistently high humidity. It is an excellent choice for sunrooms, greenhouses, or bright bathrooms. In Zone 3, it should be grown indoors year-round except during warm summer weather in a sheltered, shaded location.

Perfect for…

• Rare plant collectors
• Tropical plant enthusiasts
• Greenhouses
• Bright bathrooms
• Conservatories
• Anyone looking for an extraordinary flowering plant

Common Mistakes

• Allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Growing in dry household air.
• Exposing the plant to direct sunlight.
• Overwatering in poorly draining soil.
• Exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F (16°C).
• Moving the plant frequently after flower buds develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Black Bat Flower?
Its dramatic dark purple to nearly black flowers resemble a bat with outstretched wings. Long, thread-like bracts hanging beneath the flowers resemble whiskers, making it one of the world's most unusual flowering plants.

Are the flowers really black?
The flowers are actually a very deep purple, appearing almost black under most lighting conditions.

How often does it bloom?
A healthy, mature plant may flower several times during the warm growing season when provided with consistent warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect light.

Does it go dormant?
It may slow its growth during winter, especially in cooler indoor conditions. Reduce watering slightly during this period, but never allow the soil to become completely dry.

How often should I fertilize it?
Feed every 2 to 4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength. Stop fertilizing during winter when growth slows.

Why are my leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup from tap water. Maintaining high humidity and using filtered or rainwater can help prevent this.

Shipping Guarantee

Every Black Bat Flower is carefully inspected, watered, and securely packaged before shipping. Extra care is taken to protect its large tropical foliage and delicate flower buds so your plant arrives healthy and ready to grow.

Healthy Arrival Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our plants. If your Black Bat Flower arrives with significant shipping damage or in poor condition, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with clear photos of the plant and its packaging. We will gladly work with you to provide an appropriate replacement or store credit in accordance with our Healthy Arrival Guarantee policy.