Rare White Bat Plant - Tacca integrifolia - Exotic Houseplant - 4" Pot

Ordered two. One died within the first 10 days. The second one survived for 2 months before it died. VERY temperamental plants.

It was died.

I ordered this plant and another. They arrived yesterday, and in better shape than I expected (given it's still winter time here) A little wilty from being packaged and shipped but I gave them both a drink and put them in my little indoor greenhouse for warmth and humidity. Today, they looked to be in great shape. (humidity is at 75% and temp is at 71). I'll repot the white bat plant today in a mix of 50% Orchid mix, 40% peat and 10% sand. The greenhouse I have is in front of a west window and the blinds provide for filtered light. (I also keep my Orchids in this spot over the winter and they do well there) From what I understand White Bat plants enjoy much the same environment as the Phalenopsis Orchid. So far I am very satisfied with the plants I got from Hirts. They were a little bigger than expected and seem to be doing ok so far....

I don't think I would classify what I received as a plant, but the roots seem to be in tact so we'll try to nurse it back to life and see if it thrives. My expectations are low. It's unfortunate because the last plant I bought from Hirts was beautiful. It did arrive sooner than promised though, so that's a plus.

I've heard over & over how difficult this plant can be to grow, call it hubris, or perhaps just being spoiled rotten, but I decided that I wanted to try it anyway. What's the worse that could happen? I was feeling pretty full of myself since I'd been able to keep my orchid and Christmas cactus alive this time.First of all, I have to give a ton of credit to Hirt's since the plant I received was a nice example of what I hope for when I make these kinds of purchases through the mail. The first little bit was a bit rough. I know so much depends on the humidity levels, so I just kept doing things to increase that a little at a time. Finally I invested in a small warm humidifier for the room I keep my plants in. Once I did that the plant glows with good health.I realized this morning that it had increased it's size by about half again its original, and they are big, healthy leaves. Now I just need to see if I can get it to bloom. So far I think it is looking good!For someone else that wants to try raising this plant, I would strongly suggest getting a small humidifier at the same time. They can be found very inexpensively. It is a good way to make life easier right away. Nothing else will increase the humidity quite enough, especially if you live in a dry area.

I got two separate Taccas from two companies, and what 9greenbox sent me was horrible. The plant was frail, the leaves were unhealthy (the tips on all the leaves were withering, with older leaves rotted into papery pulp). There was only two tiny pale green-yellow leaves on this one! The other company's (Hirt's Gardens) Tacca was much bigger, there was plenty of healthy foliage, and it obviously could withstand being shipped better, being older. I don't expect this poor Tacca to survive, and must say that I am thoroughly disappointed.

My plant arrived in fair condition. I say fair because if it had come one day later it would probably have been dead. However, it's doing wonderfully now. Thanks to the great recommendation of covering the plant with a glass jar to maintain the high humidity environment, I have done just that and my plant is absolutely thriving and putting on new leaves.

plant was not in the best condition: i'm waiting for the two original large leaves to come off soon. the packaging may have hurt the plant.