White Bat Flower

You'll be hard–pressed to find a worthier conversation starter than the White Bat Flower. The form and coloration work together to make this plant unforgettable. The bracts, which are often compared to bat wings mid–flight, bear a lovely contrast between the cream color and dark veining. The willowy bracteoles hang down from the flower like vines, for a graceful silhouette. Between the strong lines on the bracts and the leaves, and the bracteoles arching down in between, the White Bat Flower looks almost like an art nouveau painting. It's truly one of a kind.

As an indoor plant, White Bat Flower is a huge asset. If you're not going for the jungle look, you're going to want a lot of interest out of the relatively few houseplants you have, and of course, this unique tropical plant is packed with character. Plus, as its native habitat is the deep understory of Asian rainforests, it requires very little light. It'll thrive in low light or full shade, so it's one houseplant you don't have to crowd around the window. You can bring it out as a patio container plant through summer. The crinkled leaves look tropical alone, joined by these unusual flowers around August and September. Just be sure to take it inside for winter if you're anywhere but zone 10, and you'll have years of fun with the White Bat Flower. Tacca chantrieri 'Nivea'