Tacca chanterii (Bat flower) - Orchid Board

khill · #1 09-01-2007, 08:12 PM

How cool is this plant! I bought it today at Wal-Mart without really knowing how to take care of it, but I couldn't pass it up. Do any of you grow this in Florida or anywhere?

From the information I have received, it can be touchy, but if it likes it's location, it apparently will bloom beautifully and multiply. Arrowroot (a thickener for sauces) comes from it--I don't think from this particular species, but the family of plants.

Here are pictures of the flower and the entire plant:

flhiker · #2 09-02-2007, 12:02 AM

That is a very interesting plant/flower. this is what I found out:
TACCA CHANTERII - Very Rare!! This tropical plant, hardy in Zone 10, needs a minimum winter temperature between 55 and 60 degrees F at night with a daytime temperature 5 to 15 degress higher. It is best suited for growing in a greenhouse or a humid sunroom. Plant individually in 6" to 8" pots in coarse, rich, loamy soil that is well-drained. Fertilize weekly from spring to fall with half-strength liquid fertilizer. In cold climates, let the plant to go dormant in winter, water sparingly. Zones 10-11 or indoors

Dorothy · #3 09-02-2007, 12:47 AM

That's an orchid???

That is one of the creepiest flowers I have ever seen!

It looks alien!

How bizarre! and cool!

Is it as black as it looks in the photo?

What beautiful huge healthy green foliage!

How big is that sucker ?

khill · #4 09-02-2007, 06:38 AM

Thanks for that info Flhiker.

Dorothy--it is not an orchid. It might be alien though!

If I have this thread in the wrong place, you can move it.

Yes, the flower is that black. This picture I took is true to the color. The flower is about 7" wide. It was so unusual, I just bought it without knowing its culture!

I haven't decided if I'm going to plant it in the yard or keep it in a pot.

flhiker · #5 09-02-2007, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khill

Thanks for that info Flhiker.

Dorothy--it is not an orchid. It might be alien though!

If I have this thread in the wrong place, you can move it.

Yes, the flower is that black. This picture I took is true to the color. The flower is about 7" wide. It was so unusual, I just bought it without knowing its culture!

I haven't decided if I'm going to plant it in the yard or keep it in a pot.

there seems to be a lighter color one too!
Before you replant it you may want to check this site:
Tacca chantrieri 'black' , Bat Flower

gmdiaz · #6 09-02-2007, 04:19 PM

I can NOT believe your good luck at Walmart! That plant is AMAZING!

What fun, let us know how your growing goes!

Ross · #7 09-02-2007, 04:38 PM

There is a fully mature specimen at Matthei Gardens (University of Michigan) Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum at the Univeristy of Michigan which I have photographed in full bloom.

khill · #8 09-02-2007, 10:09 PM

Flhiker--Thanks for that link. Very good info.

Ross--That garden sounds beautiful--especially the Tropical House where I would guess the Tacca would be. I'm glad you got to see and photograph it.

Wal-Mart--who knew!

michael_exler · #9 09-03-2007, 12:46 PM

WoW, what a beautiful plant!
I have drooled over. and had one of these before, but never had any luck with them.
Good luck with it and maybe try your luck with the seed if you get any.
I hear in your subtropical conditions they sprout well.

cjmcdowe · #10 09-03-2007, 02:29 PM

I have one of these I bought in Florida at Fairchild Tropical Park in Miami at the Orchid Show. They called it the bat orchid. I have it in a pot and in the shade since I was told it did not like direct sun. It is blookming now as well. I have not dared put it in the ground so would love to hear if you can do this.