The white bat flower, scientifically referred to as “Tacca Integrifolia,” showcases stunning, large, exotic blossoms. It has two white “wings” (bracts) that mimic a bat in flight, a cluster of small purple flowers at its center, and numerous long, thread-like filaments cascading down like whiskers. The leaves are large, glossy, and a rich deep green, often extending several feet in length.
Close up detail of the White Bat Flower
Quick Facts
- The White Bat Flower flowers from July to September.
- It is also known as the Bat Orchid, Black lily, and Devil flower.
- It is a native of Southeast Asia.
- White Bat Flower has the largest flowers of all Taccas. Each flower is about 5-8″ across and has long tendrils that hang from it.
- Foliage grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide with the flower spikes reaching up to 5 feet tall.
- The Bat Flower plant is a tropical perennial. Hardy in zones 9-12.
Planting And Caring For The White Bat Flower
To successfully cultivate a white bat flower plant (Tacca Integrifolia) outdoors, ensure it receives indirect light to light shade, well-drained and moist soil, and high humidity while safeguarding it from strong winds.
Keep the soil consistently damp, but avoid sogginess by using a well-draining potting mix enriched with perlite or orchid bark. Additionally, fertilize occasionally with either a diluted general-purpose plant fertilizer or orchid fertilizer.
The White Bat Flower plant (Tacca Integrifolia)
Key Points For Outdoor White Bat Flower Care:
Light: Plant in a shaded area with filtered sunlight, avoiding direct sun exposure.
Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering regularly to maintain a slightly damp condition, but avoid overwatering.
Humidity: Mist the leaves frequently to increase humidity, especially in dry climates.
Temperature: Protect from extreme temperatures, as bat flowers prefer warm climates.
Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Air circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Important considerations:
Climate:
White bat flowers thrive in tropical climates and may not survive harsh winters.
Planting location:
Consider planting near a water feature or in a naturally humid area to increase ambient humidity.
How Do You Take Care Of Bat Flowers In The Winter?
Protect your Tacca from direct sun, wind, and temperatures below 40 degrees F for the best results. Keep soil moist but never wet, as Tacca will not survive in soggy conditions. Avoid fertilizing and lighten up on the water in the winter, as your Tacca will be resting a bit.
If your climate is not suitable, grow the white bat flower in a pot and bring it indoors during cold weather.
You May Also Like The Black Bat Flower Plant
If black flowers are your thing, you might also enjoy the Black Bat Flower. Not only for its rare color but also because it just happens to bloom around Halloween time (see image below).
The Black Bat Flower (Tacca Chantrieri)
The White Bat Flower plant is actually a cultivar of the Black Bat Flower, so they have the same growing requirements. The White Bat Flowers tend to be larger than Black Bat flowers.
Where Can I Find Bat Flower Plants?
Finding this plant at a nearby nursery is not likely given its rarity. Rare plants are plentiful and easy to find online. Your favorite ecommerce platforms have an abundance of them.
The real question if you buy plants online is,”should I buy live plants or seeds”? You can definitely save money buying seeds but it is important to read the reviews of customers since not all plants are easy to grow from seed.
Reading the reviews, I didn’t see many people finding it easy to grow Tacca plants like the white bat flower from seeds at all. Most commented that it was a waste of their money and that they regretted trying to grow this plant from seed.
You may be an expert grower and have the knowledge and patience to try growing from seed, however, buying small, inexpensive live plants may be your better option for this plant.
Reputable sellers will offer a money back guarantee if the plant arrives dead or damaged so you definitely want to look for that. Also see their ratings and buyer reviews. I would only purchase from sellers in the country you live in to ensure faster delivery (unless you are buying seeds).
My favorite places to look for exotic plants are Amazon, Ebay, and Etsy.