Description
Black Bat Orchid Seeds (Tacca chantrieri)
Rare Exotic Tropical Flowering Plant | Dramatic Indoor & Shade Garden Specimen
The Black Bat Orchid (Tacca chantrieri) is one of the most rare and visually striking tropical flowering plants in the world. Known for its dramatic bat-shaped blooms with long flowing whiskers, this exotic plant produces deep purple to nearly black flowers that resemble a bat in flight.
Native to the understory of Southeast Asian rainforests, this rare tropical species thrives in warm, humid environments and performs exceptionally well as an indoor plant in cooler climates. Its unusual flowers can span up to 12 inches across, with whisker-like bracts extending even longer, creating a bold and unforgettable display.
Unlike common orchids, the Black Bat Flower produces broad, lush green foliage that adds to its tropical presence even when not in bloom. When flowering, typically late summer into early fall, it becomes an absolute focal point in any shaded garden, greenhouse, or indoor plant collection.
🌱 Growing & Care Information
Light: Bright indirect light to full shade (avoid direct sun)
Soil: Rich, well-draining, humus-heavy soil
Water: Keep consistently moist but never waterlogged
Humidity: Prefers high humidity
Temperature: Warm conditions; protect from cold
Winter Care: Bring indoors outside Zones 10–11
This plant naturally grows beneath forest canopy, making it ideal for shaded patios, covered porches, and indoor growing environments.
🌿 Why Grow Black Bat Orchid?
• Extremely rare and exotic flowering plant
• Unique bat-shaped deep purple-black blooms
• Excellent indoor tropical specimen
• Thrives in shade or low-light areas
• High collector demand
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (Indoor/Container Plant in Cooler Zones)
Bat Flower Germination:
1) Sow the seeds into a moist potting compost mix with some perlite & vermiculite for great drainage.
2) Use a heated propagator under them to keep the soil around 85 degrees to help speed germination rates.
3) Very easy to grow, but Patience is needed as with any Exotic or Tropical seeds, and germination is erratic & can take anywhere from one to nine months;...But these Unique Extraterrestrial Looking Flowers are Definitely Worth the Wait!
Germinación de la flor de murciélago:
1) Siembre las semillas en una mezcla de abono húmedo para macetas con un poco de perlita y vermiculita para un buen drenaje.
2) Use un propagador calentado debajo de ellas para mantener la tierra a unos 85 grados para ayudar a acelerar las tasas de germinación.
3) Muy fácil de cultivar, pero se necesita paciencia como con cualquier semilla exótica o tropical, y la germinación es errática y puede tardar entre uno y nueve meses;... ¡Pero estas flores únicas de aspecto extraterrestre definitivamente valen la pena la espera!