This fascinating and unusual plant has bat-shaped flowers with long, attractive ‘whiskers’ – a perfect alternative to growing orchids in the home.
These Tacca chantieri plants prefer high humidity, so either place in a warm bathroom or place the pot in a tray of gravel filled with water. Ideal to grow in a shady spot and a great focal point.
Growing Information
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow on the surface of good quality seed compost and lightly cover the seed with compost. Keep in a propagator at around 25-27°C or seal in a polythene bag and keep in a warm place. The soil temperature must remain high and steady to aid germination. Germination can take up to several months, so be patient. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm pots of good quality compost with 10% added grit. Plants must be planted in free-draining compost and kept moist in a shady, warm area (a warm bathroom is ideal). Mist plants regularly during the growing season or place in a gravel tray with water to increase humidity. Water regularly in summer and very lightly during the colder months.
Sowing Information
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow on the surface of good quality seed compost and lightly cover the seed with compost. Keep in a propagator at around 25-27°C or seal in a polythene bag and keep in a warm place. The soil temperature must remain high and steady to aid germination. Germination can take up to several months, so be patient. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm pots of good quality compost with 10% added grit. Plants must be planted in free-draining compost and kept moist in a shady, warm area (a warm bathroom is ideal). Mist plants regularly during the growing season or place in a gravel tray with water to increase humidity. Water regularly in summer and very lightly during the colder months.
