FREE: Black bat flower, Tacca chantrieri

The listing, Black bat flower, Tacca chantrieri has ended.

Winner gets 6 seeds. Black bat flower, Tacca chantrieri, is a species of flowering plant in the yam family Dioscoreaceae. These flowers are somewhat bat-shaped, are up to 12 inches across, and have long 'whiskers' that can grow up to 28 inches. These frost-tender plants can be grown outdoors in tropics and subtropics, but elsewhere require the protection of a greenhouse. They need a humid atmosphere, some shade and a peaty soil. The plants thrive in 70-80% shade with good air circulation. They don't like too much heat or air that is too dry.

The soil is one of the most important things for success with Taccas. The mixture needs to be light, very porous, something that drains well. Use something like: 60% Canadian peat moss, 30% perlite, 10% vermiculite. The soil should be a little bit acid, so use something like a "Miracid" occasionally as a fertilizer.

Sow seeds as soon as possible. Soak the seeds 24 hours in warm water (you can put the water in a thermos to keep it warm) Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in trays or pots containing good moist seed compost and seal the container inside a polythene bag or cover with a plastic dome to keep moisture in. Place in a propagator, on a heating mat or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 27-29°C (80-85°F). It is essential that the soil temperature is high and kept steady. Germination can take from 1-9 months so be patient.

Flowering seems to begin when the plants have produced 2-3 full-size leaves. Each plant produces at least 6 and up to 12 flower stems during the warm months of the year. The leathery capsules (about 1.5" long) require up to a year to ripen.

You will have 8 days to verify your address or they will go back up for auction and you will lose your credits. Please don't forget to leave feedback so I can leave you feedback. I pack my seeds wrapped in foam sheeting so they will arrive safely. Any problems, please contact me before leaving feedback. Thanks and happy bidding!