Black Bat Orchid
Tacca chantrieri
The Black Bat Orchid is one of the most dramatic and exotic tropical plants in the world, known for its bat-wing-shaped near-black flowers and long whisker-like bracts. It symbolizes mystery, uniqueness, and the beauty of the unusual.
Dioscoreaceae (Yam family)
Late spring through early fall (April–October); can bloom up to 8 times per season
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: tacca chantrieris and white bat orchids also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Black Bat Orchid occupies a special place in the world of exotic plants, often described as one of the strangest and most otherworldly flowers on Earth. In Southeast Asian folklore, its dark, bat-like appearance associates it with the spirit world and night creatures. Collectors prize it as a symbol of rarity and the extraordinary; its dramatic appearance has earned it cult status among tropical plant enthusiasts worldwide. Its name "Tacca" is thought to derive from a Malayan word, rooting it firmly in its native cultural landscape.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid all direct sunlight which scorches leaves
Water
Keep consistently moist; never allow to dry out. High humidity (60–80%) is essential. Mist regularly when grown indoors.
Soil
Moist, Humus-rich, Well-drained, Highly organic
Expert Growing Tips
Maintain temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect from temperatures below 59°F (15°C)
Use a highly organic, well-draining potting mix of peat, perlite, and compost
Mist foliage regularly or use a humidifier to maintain the high humidity it needs
Repot each spring with fresh soil before new growth begins
Propagate by dividing rhizomes or tubers in spring
Allow flower stalks to decline naturally — cutting them causes rapid decline of the bloom
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Statement houseplant for humid indoor environments
- Conservatory and greenhouse specimen
- Shaded tropical garden accent in frost-free climates
- Collector's and exotic plant enthusiast displays
Traditional Uses
- Rhizomes used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine to treat high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, and hepatitis
- Contains taccalonolides — compounds studied for potential anticancer properties as microtubule stabilizers
- Used in folk remedies across its native range for a variety of inflammatory and digestive conditions
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Black Bat Orchid
Is the black bat flower an orchid?
Despite being commonly called the "Black Bat Orchid," Tacca chantrieri is not a true orchid. It belongs to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae), not the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The nickname refers to its orchid-like growing conditions and exotic appearance.
Why is the black bat flower black?
The near-black color of Tacca chantrieri is produced by very high concentrations of dark pigments in its bracts. In its natural habitat, the dark coloring acts as a carrion mimic, attracting flies that are tricked into attempting to pollinate the flower.
Is the black bat flower hard to grow?
Black bat flower is considered a challenging plant because it requires consistently high humidity, warm temperatures, and indirect light — conditions that mimic its native tropical forest understory. With proper care indoors, however, it can bloom multiple times a season.
Is the black bat flower toxic?
Tacca chantrieri is considered mildly toxic if ingested. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset in pets. It should be kept out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children.
How long do black bat flowers live?
Individual blooms last approximately five to seven weeks. The plant itself is a long-lived perennial rhizome that, given the right tropical conditions, can produce multiple flower stalks per growing season for many years.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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