Bat Plant – Tacca

Tacca chantrieri– bat plant, black batflower

DESCRIPTION: Tropical plant with lush foliage and bizarre bat-like flowers. Leaves are large and decorative, making them the perfect choice for lush tropical style gardens. 
USES: Plant as a feature or container plant in a shady spot, watch in awe as the bat flower’s wings unfold.
PLANTING: Plant in a shaded location with indirect sunlight. Bat plants need free draining soil, add a handful of sand if planting in garden beds and be sure to check that pots have good drainage.
CARE: Water regularly during the first 12 weeks or until the plant is established. Feed twice yearly using fertiliser for acid loving plants such as azalea or camellia. Apply liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks for best results. Pruning isn’t required, simply remove the old leaves for a quick tidy up. Bat plants thrive in humid conditions, spritz indoor plants with water to keep them looking their best. Foliage may die back during the cooler months when plants become dormant. Simply remove spent leaves and protect from frost. Bat plants love plenty of room so yearly re-potting is needed. It’s a great time to remove young plants which have sprouted, pop them in a pot & share with the neighbours.
HEIGHT & WIDTH: 0.6-1m H x up to 1m W.
YOUR PLANTS: These plants are tube-stock plants, healthy young plants with new roots that will establish quickly in your garden. The average size of your plants will be 15 -25 cm including the pot height of 80mm high and 42 mm wide.