The Bat Flower, sometimes called Bat Weed, is a tropical perennial (Tacca chantrieri) known for its dramatic, dark appearance. Originating in the humid understory of Asian rainforests, this exotic species requires specialized conditions to thrive in cultivation. Its distinctive blooms and long, flowing appendages have earned it common names like Devil Flower and Cat’s Whiskers.
Distinctive Features of the Bat Flower
The plant earns its name from the structure of its inflorescence, which resembles a bat in flight. The most noticeable parts are the large, wing-like bracts that spread horizontally, often reaching 12 inches across. These prominent bracts are typically deep maroon, dark purple, or near-black.
Extending downward from the flower cluster are numerous long, drooping filaments called bracteoles, which can trail up to 10 inches in length. These thread-like structures give the plant its moniker, Cat’s Whiskers. The true flowers are small and clustered in the center, usually a subdued purple-red or brown color, positioned just above the trailing whiskers.
While Tacca chantrieri is known as the Black Batflower, a related species, Tacca integrifolia, is the White Batflower. The White Batflower has a similar structure but features two large, showy white bracts that can span wider than the black variety. Both species bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season.
Natural Range and Botanical Family
The Bat Flower is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. It grows on the forest floor, protected by the dense canopy. This habitat provides the deep shade and consistently high moisture levels necessary for the plant’s survival.
Tacca chantrieri belongs to the genus Tacca, classified within the family Dioscoreaceae, better known as the Yam family. Like its relatives, the Bat Flower grows from thick, underground rhizomes, which store energy to sustain the plant through seasonal cycles.
The plant is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, meaning it regrows each year from its root structure. Its preference for warm, humid conditions and dappled light reflects its rainforest origins. Unfortunately, the species’ distribution has contracted due to habitat destruction and overexploitation for the horticultural trade.
Successful Cultivation and Care
Successfully cultivating the Bat Flower requires replicating the warm, humid, and shaded conditions of its native tropical home. It thrives in temperatures consistently between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit will cause damage, making it best grown indoors or in a greenhouse outside of tropical hardiness zones.
Achieving high humidity (ideally 60 to 80 percent) is often the biggest challenge for indoor growers. This can be accomplished using a humidifier or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The plant needs bright, indirect light or dappled shade; direct sunlight will scorch its large, pleated leaves, while too little light will inhibit flowering.
The plant requires a rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil mix. A mixture containing high organic matter, such as peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite, helps maintain moisture while preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. The soil must be kept consistently moist during the active growing season, but never saturated, to prevent root rot.
The Bat Flower is generally resilient, though it can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry, low-humidity environments. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested. While non-toxic to humans, it can cause mild symptoms like drooling and vomiting in pets.