When the Black Bat Lily decides to
bloom
Every so often a plant blooms and the whole greenhouse seems to slow
down.
That is what happened this week with the Black Bat Lily, Tacca
chantrieri. We have grown Taccas for years, but
when the black ones open properly, it still feels special. The flowers are
dark and quiet, almost unreal up close. They do not shout for attention.
They make you lean in.
Tacca chantrieri
Bat Head Lily, Bat Flower, Devil Flower, Black Tacca
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Right now, we have a lot of them blooming at the same time. If you have
never seen one in person, photos only get you part of the way there. The
wings are darker than you expect, and the whiskers seem to go on forever.
People walk into the greenhouse, stop, stare, and usually ask the same
question:
"Is that real?" - Yes. It is.
A quick honest note, because this matters. The blooms themselves are
delicate and may not travel well. That is just the nature of this plant. The
plants, however, are strong, well established. With the right conditions,
they bloom again. This is not a one-time trick.
Black Tacca is not a beginner houseplant, but it is also not impossible.
It likes filtered
light, steady warmth, and humidity. It does especially well in a greenhouse
or a
bright indoor spot where you already keep plants that enjoy moisture. It is
the kind of plant you keep
close, not one you forget in the corner.
We are offering them now simply because they are ready and looking their
best. If you have been waiting for one,
this is a good moment.
You can see the Black Bat Lily here:
https://toptropicals.com/store/item/2345.htm
Just wanted to share something we are enjoying in the greenhouse right
now. Some plants come and go. Some stay with you.
Tacca (Bat Lily) FAQ
What is Tacca?
Tacca, also known as Bat Lily or Devil Flower, is a tropical plant grown
for its unusual bat-shaped flowers with long whisker-like filaments. The
most popular species
is Tacca chantrieri, the Black Bat Lily.
Is Tacca hard to grow?
Tacca is not a beginner plant, but it is not impossible. It does best
with warmth, humidity, and filtered light. Gardeners who
already grow orchids, calatheas, or other humidity-loving plants usually do
well
with Tacca.
Does Tacca need a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is ideal, but not required. Tacca can be grown indoors in a
bright spot with indirect light and good humidity, such as near a humidifier
or in a bright bathroom with a window or skylight.
Will my Tacca arrive in bloom?
Plants may be blooming in the greenhouse, but flowers are often removed
before shipping because they are
delicate and do not travel well. The plants are well established and capable
of blooming again with proper care.
How often does Tacca bloom?
Tacca does not bloom constantly. It may take time to establish before
flowering, but once settled, it can bloom seasonally and may produce
multiple flowers
in warm, humid conditions.
Does Tacca grow from a bulb?
Tacca grows from a rhizome, not a bulb. The rhizome stores energy and
allows the plant to regrow and bloom again.
Why does Tacca have long whiskers?
The long filaments are thought to help attract pollinators such as flies
by mimicking the look of decaying organic matter. While unusual, this is
part of the plant's natural pollination strategy.
✍️ More about growing Tacca
🛒 Get your own Tacca plant
🎥Watch our videos about Tacca
