Black Bat Flower
Tacca mantis
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Yes
The Story
Plant Bio
A genus of tropical, rhizomatous perennials in the yam family (Dioscoreaceae), Tacca are prized for their bizarre and fascinating flowers, which feature prominent bracts and long, thread-like bracteoles, earning them common names like Bat Flower or Cat's Whiskers. Tacca chantrieri is known as the Black Bat Flower for its large, purplish-black bracts that resemble a bat's wings. It also features long, trailing 'whiskers' (bracteoles) that can hang down 12 inches or more. It requires high humidity and consistent moisture, making it a spectacular but challenging specimen for greenhouses or tropical gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil and keep consistently moist
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for propagation
- Place in partial shade with indirect light for optimal growth
- Ensure soil remains slightly acidic to neutral for healthy development
- Transplant young plants in spring after last frost, 6 weeks after germination
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Use organic mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Bat Flower questions
What zones can Black Bat Flower grow in?
Black Bat Flower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Bat Flower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Bat Flower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Black Bat Flower bloom?
Black Bat Flower typically blooms in late spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Bat Flower need full sun?
Black Bat Flower does best in part shade.
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Grow Black Bat Flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
