Tacca chantrieri
Green Bat Flower

Green bracts hover over dark maroon flowers veined with purple making this an outstanding specimen. Flowers begin to bloom in early summer and rest atop 6-12 flower stems once the plant produces 3-4 lance shaped dark green leaves.

Seedlings need a very light and porous, well drained soil for success. Keep foliage moist and keep plants in the shade. This is a long-lived, tuberous herbaceous perennial. Frost tender.

Fun Facts:
1. Native to the Old World Tropics and Pacific Islands
2. Highly prized by horticultural hobbyists
3. Grows wild in the understory of tropical rainforests
Note:
This is a demanding plant and will require patience for germination – (1-9 months) in addition to proper care for success. Needs humidity, protection from wind, proper soil, correct watering program. Under excellent conditions the plant will reward you with a multitude of exotic blooms and will be well worth the work.

Don’t try them if you cannot provide these conditions. Do some research, if needed, prior to purchase.

Sow seeds upon arrival. Soak for 24 hours in warm water in pots or flats and keep warm indoors and cover with plastic or a dome to retain humidity. Place on a heat mat and keep soil temperature steady at 80-85 degrees F -( 27-29C)

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into larger pots. Reduce watering in winter. Fertilize with diluted applications of a quality soluble houseplant food. Plants can be prone to chlorosis but don’t fear they will come out of it.