Photo: James HuntCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bat Flower Plant Care
Tacca borneensis Ridl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare plant from Borneo features large, striking black and silver patterned leaves that resemble a bat's wings. Tacca borneensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and exotic origin, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to medium light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bat Flower?
Water Bat Flower every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to medium light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Bat Flower?
Bat Flower (Tacca borneensis) belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family within the Tacca genus. Bat Flower is native to west Borneo. Bat Flower is also known as Devil Flower, Black Lily.
Bat Flower displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bat Flower produces unique bat-like flowers with long bracts.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bat Flower?
Tacca borneensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bat Flower Need?
Bat Flower thrives in bright indirect to medium light. Avoid placing Bat Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to medium light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bat Flower Prefer?
Tacca borneensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bat Flower prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bat Flower?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Bat Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bat Flower?
Feed Bat Flower every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bat Flower?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bat Flower?
Bat Flower can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bat flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bat Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bat Flower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bat Flower?
Bat Flower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bat Flower Need?
Bat Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bat Flower is native to west Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Bat Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Bat Flower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tacca genus — compare its care with other Tacca species on PlantoScan.
Tacca is part of the Dioscoreaceae plant family — browse all Dioscoreaceae genera and species.
Bat Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tacca Species
Other Tacca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tacca borneensis Ridl., family Dioscoreaceae (first published in J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 49: 45 (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bat Flower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: James Hunt, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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