What are Bat Flowers?
Bat flowers are also known as the Tacca integrifolia or Tacca chantrieri. These are herbaceous perennial plants that have a large root system and grow up to 3 feet tall. They have a showy inflorescence that resembles bat wings, hence their name “bat flower”. Bat flowers are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, but they are now grown in many other regions around the world too.
Tacca Integrifolia Description
White bat flowers have large, white and mauve flower scapes on long stems. The leaves are dark green, greenish-brown or grayish-green with smooth edges and grow to about 6 inches long. The leaves are oblong, elliptical or lanceolate, 20 by 8 inches. Bat flowers have a very strong musty scent, and it can attract flies and beetles to pollinate them.
Why Are They Called Bat Flowers?
The name is derived from the shape of its petals or bracts, which resemble the wings of a bat while flying. These exotic plants are hard to find, so you might consider yourself lucky if you track one down somewhere in the shade in such countries as Malaysia, Buthan or Pakistan.
Growing a White Bat Flower
The white bat flower (Tacca integrifolia) is a stunning and unusual plant that is native to tropical regions of Asia. It gets its name from its large, floppy flowers, which resemble white bats in flight. The plants can be grown indoors, but they require high humidity and some careful attention to watering and fertilizing. Here are some tips for growing the white bat flower indoors:
- Provide the plant with high humidity by placing it on a pebble tray or misting it regularly.
- The plant prefers shady conditions, so place it in an east- or north-facing window.
- Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Water less in the winter, when the plant is dormant.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Keep the temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bat Flowers Need Moderate Watering
Watering a bat flower is not an exact science because different varieties grow in different conditions. However, one thing that is true for all bat flowers is that they require water regularly during their growing season (late spring through summer). Bat flowers need moist soil at all times during this period, especially when they are blooming because they produce large amounts of nectar to attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
Bat flowers should also be watered once every two weeks during their dormant season (fall through winter) when they stop producing nectar but still need moisture. With a little care, the white bat flower can make a beautiful and unusual addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Soil Preferences
For best results, the soil should be loose and well-draining. As mentioned, the plant also prefers a humid and shady environment, so regular misting or pebble trays are necessary. If the flowers do not receive enough moisture, they will drop off the plant. With proper care, the white bat flower can make a dramatic addition to any garden.
Bat Flower Pests or Diseases
Bat flowers are not affected by any serious pest or disease. However, it is important to check your bat plant regularly for signs of infestation. The most common pest that affects the Tacca chantrieri (black bat flower) is the scale insect. Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves of a plant and suck its sap. The best way to get rid of scales is by using an insecticide spray containing neem oil.
Where Can I Buy a White Bat Flower?
You can find white bat flowers for sale online or at local nurseries and garden centers in warm climates. You may also be able to find them at craft stores or florists that carry dried flowers or plants.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a white bat flower depends on where you purchase it and how much you buy at one time. In general, expect to get seeds rather than ready plants in a pot. Most probably, you will pay $12-$16 per 20 seeds.
