Scientific name: Tacca integrifolia.
Growth habit: An evergreen tropical perennial growing from a rhizome with leaves arising from near the ground to produce plants up to 3 feet tall and wide. Medium-green leaves are elliptical and grow to 2 feet long and a foot wide.
Light: Grow in full shade or shade with light shifting sun.
Water needs: Water in-ground and container plantings when the surface soil begins to dry. Mist during the hot, dry months.
Feedings: In the ground — apply a general garden fertilizer lightly every other month March through November. In containers — feed monthly during the same period with a 20-20-20 or similar fertilizer.
Propagation: From seed or by dividing older clumps.
Ease of culture: Medium; plants need specific growing conditions.
Hardiness: Tender; plants reportedly have survived temperatures in the low 30s for short periods of time.
Major problems: Grow in a highly organic potting mix to simulate rainforest soils. Keep moist but avoid wet soil conditions that can cause root rot. Grow in areas with good air circulation. Snails and slugs feed on the foliage and may need control using a natural bait.
Pruning: Remove declining leaves and flowers.
Uses: Add to a shady patio or rest area along a walkway. Bat flowers are ideal for tropical gardens and spots near water features. The white-and-maroon inflorescence has a batlike appearance and is suspended from a long stem as if in flight. Flower displays can be expected July though November.
Florida native: No; native to India.
