The Black Bat Flower
Honestly wouldn't be surprised if Cassandra Cain got her name from such a plant
Honestly the more I find…
The more nature manages to surprise me. Seriously. The ‘Black Bat’ flower? Who would have thought such a plant could exist? It looks terrifying, all dark and gloomy like that. Bruce Wayne would have this in his garden for sure. I love it, it is one of my favorite flowers now.
Black Bat flower
Family: True Yams
Scientific Name: Tacca Chantrieri
Poison level: No stars, though it does cause slight irritation
Native to the southern parts of Asia, the Black Bat flower is a collectible for gardeners, and they’re extremely hard to find in garden centers. It has shiny bright green leaves, with a cluster of purple leaves in the center. It’s one of those plants that bloom on a stem from the center of the plant. Above the flowers, there are two bracts (leaves that resemble flower petals) that look like bat wings. Numerous thread like bracteoles that hang from the flowers, resembling 8-10 inch long whiskers.
When it comes to cutting and displaying the flowers, they should be left alone so that they can naturally decline. If they are cut, they will decline rapidly as they do not do well as cut flowers.
Seeing as they are a type of orchid, they can be grown in similar conditions. Ample humidity, strong airflow, and low to moderate lighting. They can do very well outside as well as inside, as a house plant.
How to plant and care
Make sure to plant it in a wide and shallow pot with well draining potting soil. The flower prefers a mixture of:
50% pine bark
40% peat moss
10% sand
other similar combinations
Remember they grow in low to moderate lighting, so when outside they should be in the shade. When inside, they should be placed in a bright area, but not directly into the light. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, fertilize with solvable orchid fertilizer bi-weekly. When indoors make sure to mist regularly, and repot in the spring after it has flowered in fresh soil so new growth can begin.
Did I say that this is one of my favorite plants now? Because it is, look at it. And continue to look at it. I love odd looking flowers so much.