Black and White Bat Lilies (Tacca chantrieri and Tacca nivea) side by side in bloom

How to Care for Bat Lilies

by Top Tropicals Plant Expert Tatiana Anderson

🌞 Light

• Bright, filtered light. Morning sun or dappled shade is perfect.
• Avoid direct midday sun outdoors — it can scorch the leaves.
• Indoors, place near a bright window with sheer curtains or use a grow light.

🌡️ Temperature

• Warm and stable, ideally 70-85 F during the day.
• Protect from cold drafts or sudden chills.
• Ideally, do not let temperature drop below 45 F, although Taccas can tolerate short period of upper 30's.

💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Water when the top inch feels barely dry.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Avoid letting the pot sit in water.

💨 Humidity

• High humidity (60-80%) is key.
• Mist leaves often, use a humidity tray, or keep near a humidifier.
• In greenhouses or bathrooms with a skylight, it thrives naturally.

🌱 Soil

• Use rich, loose, well-draining mix
• Combine bark, peat, and perlite for ideal airflow around the roots.
• Best mix for growing tropical Tacca in pots - soilless potting mix Abundance . It provides perfect drainage and has a texture similar to a jungle rainforest media.

🍽️ Feeding

• During growth season (Spring through Fall), feed with Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months. For even better results, you may apply liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters Rubusta.
• Stop feeding dry fertilizer in cooler months when growth slows. Liquid Sunshine Boosters are safe to use with every watering, year around.

🏡 Indoor Growing

• Great for bright bathrooms, sunrooms, or any warm, humid corner.
• Rotate pot occasionally for even growth.
• Keep away from heating vents and AC drafts.

🌴 Outdoor Growing (in warm climates)

• Partial shade or filtered light under trees.
• Excellent in large containers that can be brought inside for winter.
• Shelter from heavy rain and wind.

Sunshine: "So… it’s a diva?"
Smokey: "Exactly. But take care of it - and it rewards you with wings!"
Smokey and Sunshine: "Happy Halloween!"

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⭐️ Choosing the Right Variety of Jasmine Sambac

By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals

One of the reasons Jasmine Sambac is so fascinating is that it does not come in just one form. Each variety has its own personality.

If you want a compact patio plant, Arabian Nights or Little Duke are excellent choices. They stay tidy, bloom generously, and are easy to manage in containers.

If you prefer elegant, elongated petals and a refined look, Belle of India is a favorite. It can be grown as a small bush or trained lightly as a vine.

For those who love full, carnation-like double flowers, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Grand Duke Supreme are classic selections. They are vigorous and make impressive shrubs in warm climates.

If you need a stronger climber for fences or hedges, Maid of Orleans performs beautifully in full sun while Mysore Mulli prefers semi-shade.

Collectors often enjoy rare forms like Mali Chat or newer hybrids such as Gundu Malli, which combine traits from different lines.

How to Grow Jasmine Sambac Successfully

Sambac is not difficult, but it responds best to consistency.

Light: Full sun produces the most flowers. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is acceptable. Indoors, place it in the brightest window available.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix such as Sunshine Abundance. Sambac does not like heavy, constantly wet soil.

Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. Reduce watering during cooler months.

Pruning: Light trimming after a bloom cycle encourages branching. More branches mean more flower buds.

Feeding: Sambac is a heavy bloomer, and fragrance takes energy. During active growth, feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer that supports flowering such as Green Magic (controlled release every 6 months) or liquid Sunshine Boosters Pikake (formulated especially for fragrant flowers) - with every watering. I prefer formulas slightly higher in potassium to encourage stronger bud formation and richer bloom cycles. Consistent feeding during warm months makes a visible difference in both flower count and intensity of scent.

With proper care, Jasmine Sambac will reward you not just with flowers, but with perfume that changes the atmosphere of your entire garden.

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Jasmine Sambac

• Does Jasmine Sambac need full sun?
  It flowers best in full sun. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is acceptable. Indoors, give it the brightest window possible.
• Can I grow it in a pot?
  Yes. Sambac performs beautifully in containers. Many gardeners prefer pots because it is easier to control size and move during cold weather.
• How often does it bloom?
  With proper light and feeding, it blooms in cycles throughout the warm season. Consistency in care makes flowering more reliable.
• Why is my plant not blooming?
  The most common reasons are insufficient light or irregular feeding. Increase light first, then review your fertilizing routine.
• Is it difficult to grow indoors?
  Not if you provide strong light and good air circulation. Compact varieties adapt especially well.
• Is it frost tolerant?
  No. Jasmine Sambac is tropical. Protect it from temperatures below 40F and bring it indoors before frost.

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🛒 Explore varieties of Sambac

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Photo above: Alpinia purpurata - Dwarf Red Cone Ginger - is a medium-growing, compact option for your garden, offering vibrant red flowers with minimal space needed. Its tropical appeal and tolerance for partial shade make it perfect for adding color without overwhelming your garden. Grows up to 4-5 ft.

Easy plants that can stay compact and short!