White Bat Flower | Tacca Integrifolia | 10+ viable seeds

10+ viable Tacca Integrifolia seeds better known as the White Bat Flower.

The plant's almost large white flowers resemble a bat in flight...albeit a white one unlike its cousin Tacca Chantrieri (Black Bat Flower) the seeds of which are also available

With flowers growing to almost 12 inches across, and long 'whiskers' that can grow up to 28 inches this is a very unusual tropical plant! Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. They are understory plants, so they prefer shade (at least 60%) and grow best in well-drained soil with good air circulation, but they prefer high humidity, and need a lot of water. Not frost hardy but the tubers can be lifted and stored over winter if growing outdoors.

Seed Germination

Soak seeds for 24 hours in a cup pf warm waterSow seeds on the surface of good quality sieved seed compost

Cover with a fine layer of sieved compost or fine grit

Compost should be moist but not wet

Place in warm place out of direct sunlight - circa 20C

Ensure compost does not dry out

Germination can be erratic - from 4 weeks to 12 weeks

Pot on once large enough to handle