Tacca chantrieri
perennial

Black Bat Flower

Tacca chantrieri

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9

Water

Moist, well-drained soil

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Tacca chantrieri, commonly known as the Black Bat Flower, is a perennial with striking dark foliage and unique, bat-shaped black flowers with long, whisker-like appendages, creating a dramatic visual effect. This species is renowned for its dark, almost black flowers, which are highly unusual among flowering plants, making it a distinctive choice for exotic garden displays.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe striking dark purple flowers add a dramatic touch to shade gardens and containers.
Practical UsesPrefers moist, well-drained soils, making it suitable for wet areas.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for insects and habitat for beneficial pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Maintain evenly moist soil and indirect light.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to encourage rooting.
  4. Transplant when seedlings are strong, after 6 weeks.
  5. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
  6. Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and indirect light for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Provide bright, indirect light
  • Mulch to retain moisture

Don't

  • Avoid direct harsh sunlight ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exotic container displayShade garden accentTropical-themed border

Companion Plants

Ferns Caladium Hostas Ornamental grasses

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 Zones 9–10. 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 summer through late fall. 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.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Collections featuring this plant

Hardy in your zone?

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.

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