Why are the leaves turning brown at the edges?

This is usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Does it need direct sunlight?

No, it prefers bright, filtered light and will burn in direct sun.

Plant guide

Black bat flower.

Tacca chantrieri

Pronounced TAK-uh shan-tree-AIR-ee

Also known as Black bat flower, batflower, cat's-whiskers, devil-flower

The black bat flower is a striking tropical plant known for its unique, dark, wing-like bracts that resemble a bat in flight. It thrives in humid, warm environments and makes a dramatic focal point for any indoor garden. You will love the mysterious, exotic look it brings to your home.

Another photo of Black bat flower — Photo by Cheongweei Gan (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Difficult
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Mid summer to early autumn

Care

Keep this plant in a high humidity environment to prevent the leaf edges from browning. Use a well-draining, airy potting mix and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often indicate the plant is too cold or the soil is too wet.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any dead or yellowing foliage to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, as it prefers to be slightly snug.
Soil: Peat-based, well-draining mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 30°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: The rhizomes are considered toxic if ingested, potentially causing severe gastrointestinal distress.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the rhizomes are toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no known significant respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be avoided for consumption.

How to identify it

Large, dark purple, wing-like bracts
Long, drooping, whisker-like filaments
Deep green, glossy, lance-shaped leaves
Clusters of small, dark flowers

Height: 0.6 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: purple, black, 10 to 30cm
Fruit: green, purple, Late autumn

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
MealybugsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Keep it in a warm, draft free location and maintain high humidity throughout the winter months.
In containers: It thrives in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 25 centimeters wide.

Division

Carefully remove the plant from its pot during the spring.
Gently separate the rhizomes with a clean, sharp knife.
Ensure each division has at least one healthy growth point.
Replant in a well draining, peat based potting mix.
Keep the new divisions warm and moist until established.

Group this plant with other tropicals to create a microclimate that helps maintain necessary humidity levels.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for shade and high humidity.
Ferns · Ferns provide a lush, tropical backdrop that complements the unique flowers.

Similar species

White Bat Flower · It is a closely related species with similar growth habits and striking white bracts.

Science

Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus: Tacca
Order: Dioscoreales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild populations are threatened by habitat loss.

It grows on the forest floor in deep shade where it benefits from high humidity and consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental specimen, indoor focal point

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 2/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves turning brown at the edges?: This is usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Does it need direct sunlight?: No, it prefers bright, filtered light and will burn in direct sun.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Tacca is derived from the Malay name for the plant, while the species name honors the French botanist Chantrier.

Good to know

It is commonly called the bat flower because the bloom resembles a flying bat.
The plant is a member of the yam family.
It requires very specific conditions to bloom well indoors.
The flowers are technically inflorescences with large bracts.

Also in

Plants for shade

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.