{"title":"Tropical Bat Flower","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"120\" data-end=\"142\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"124\" data-end=\"140\"\u003eGenus: Tacca\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"154\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dioscoreaceae (formerly placed in Taccaceae)\u003cbr data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bat Flower, Devil Flower, Cat’s Whiskers\u003cbr data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"263\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"280\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, southern China, and parts of India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"964\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"417\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"420\"\u003eTacca is a genus of exotic, rhizomatous perennials best known for their unusual and dramatic flowers. The most iconic species, \u003cem data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"565\"\u003eTacca chantrieri\u003c\/em\u003e, is commonly called the Bat Flower due to its large, wing-like bracts that resemble a bat in flight. These flowers are deep purple to black and are accompanied by long, trailing whisker-like filaments that can reach up to 30 cm. Tacca plants have lush, glossy, pleated leaves and thrive in warm, humid, shaded environments—perfect for tropical understory conditions or specialty indoor collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"983\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"981\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"984\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"984\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"986\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light or dappled shade—avoid direct sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003eGrows best in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil high in organic matter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eKeep soil consistently moist, but not soggy; avoid letting it dry out completely\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003eEnjoys high humidity and warm temperatures (18–27°C); protect from cold drafts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003eFertilize monthly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003eInteresting Tidbits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1520\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1415\" data-end=\"1520\"\u003eThe bat-like appearance of the flower helps attract flies and beetles, which act as natural pollinators\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1610\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1610\"\u003eTacca’s bizarre blooms make it a favourite among collectors of rare and exotic plants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1711\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1711\"\u003eThough it looks like it belongs in the orchid or lily family, it is more closely related to yams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003eFlowers can last several weeks and are often followed by ornamental seed pods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003eThe genus name \u003cem data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1818\"\u003eTacca\u003c\/em\u003e is derived from a local term in Sulawesi, Indonesia, where some species are native\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.scottsnurseryonline.com\/collections\/tropical-bat-flower.oembed","provider":"Scott's Nursery Ltd. ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}