I have never seen this plant flower so forgive the silly ...
0ft to light, direct
10β pot with drainage
Last watered 2 years ago
10
@demonreach I have one of these, although I'm not sure they are plentiful within the Greg group of plant lovers yet. I've not had mine flower yet, so I'm not going to be of much help.
Is the plant card correct "last watered" 3m ...is that 3 months? Or 3 minutes? π€£
I did find a university (reputable source) post on the internet:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/bat-flower.html#:~:text=Keep%20the%20bat%20flower's%20soil,being%20misted%20with%20water%20regularly.
"Keep the bat flower's soil consistently moist; a saucer beneath it will help insure this. Fertilize with a soluable orchid fertilizer bi-weekly or with a slow release fertilizer as needed. This plant requires a humid climate to survive; when grown indoors it will appreciate being misted with water regularly."
If you're already doing all of these things, then perhaps the plant is spending more energy on the leaves and not the flowers. In that case, I would GUESS that pruning away some foliage would possibly help the plant to spend the energy on the flowers. Or maybe upping the fertilizer when you see a flower Spike starting would help? I'm learning about the plant myself, so if you figure it out, I'd love to hear what you learn, or any tips you have for how you got it THIS far. βΊοΈ
Is the plant card correct "last watered" 3m ...is that 3 months? Or 3 minutes? π€£
I did find a university (reputable source) post on the internet:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/bat-flower.html#:~:text=Keep%20the%20bat%20flower's%20soil,being%20misted%20with%20water%20regularly.
"Keep the bat flower's soil consistently moist; a saucer beneath it will help insure this. Fertilize with a soluable orchid fertilizer bi-weekly or with a slow release fertilizer as needed. This plant requires a humid climate to survive; when grown indoors it will appreciate being misted with water regularly."
If you're already doing all of these things, then perhaps the plant is spending more energy on the leaves and not the flowers. In that case, I would GUESS that pruning away some foliage would possibly help the plant to spend the energy on the flowers. Or maybe upping the fertilizer when you see a flower Spike starting would help? I'm learning about the plant myself, so if you figure it out, I'd love to hear what you learn, or any tips you have for how you got it THIS far. βΊοΈ
@demonreach It sounds like you've got a little plant mystery on your hands with your Black Bat Flower. The "poofy" situation you're describing might just be the start of a flower bud. But if they're popping up and then taking a plant exit way too soon, there might be a few reasons Natural Cycle: Some plants have a tendency to produce buds that open up briefly and then quickly fade away. It could be a natural part of the plant's flowering cycle.
Environmental Factors: Factors like changes in light, temperature, or humidity might affect how long these buds last. They can be a bit finicky!
Pest or Disease: Sometimes, pests or diseases can lead to premature flower bud drop. Check for any signs of trouble like pests or unusual discoloration on the plant.
Cultural Care: Double-check that you're giving your Black Bat Flower the right care β proper watering, humidity levels, and a suitable pot can all influence its flowering behavior.
Mood Swings: Some plants are just a tad temperamental when it comes to flowering. They might need the perfect conditions to show off their blooms. If you're giving your Black Bat Flower some love and attention but still facing the disappearing flower act, it might be a good idea to do a bit of detective work to pinpoint the cause. Sometimes, plants have a way of keeping us on our toes, right? Three years ago, this unique and mysterious plant entered my life, and let me tell you, it was a ride filled with surprises!
When I brought it home, it was like adopting a little enigma. With its velvety black petals resembling bat wings, it was a head-turner right from the start. I was determined to make it feel at home, and I followed all the care tips diligently β bright, indirect light, the right amount of water, and a touch of humidity.
The first year went by, and I was greeted with anticipation as buds began to form. Oh, the excitement of those little green promises! But just as quickly as they appeared, they vanished. "What did I do wrong?" I wondered. It seemed like my Black Bat Flower had a flair for the dramatic β buds that would peek out, tease me with their potential, and then retreat back into the shadows.
But I didn't give up. I continued to care for it, showering it with attention and nurturing its moody tendencies. And then, one fateful day, a pair of beautiful, deep burgundy blooms emerged from the depths of those velvety leaves. It was like a reward for my persistence β a theatrical, yet heartwarming twist in our plant tale.
Since then, my Black Bat Flower has taught me that patience and a touch of mystery are all part of the journey. Its blooms still come and go, each appearance a little surprise that reminds me that even the most peculiar plants have their own unique rhythms.
And so, my three-year saga with the Black Bat Flower continues β a story of anticipation, perseverance, and the ever-enigmatic beauty of the plant world. Now my friend has adopted if from meβ¦..
Environmental Factors: Factors like changes in light, temperature, or humidity might affect how long these buds last. They can be a bit finicky!
Pest or Disease: Sometimes, pests or diseases can lead to premature flower bud drop. Check for any signs of trouble like pests or unusual discoloration on the plant.
Cultural Care: Double-check that you're giving your Black Bat Flower the right care β proper watering, humidity levels, and a suitable pot can all influence its flowering behavior.
Mood Swings: Some plants are just a tad temperamental when it comes to flowering. They might need the perfect conditions to show off their blooms. If you're giving your Black Bat Flower some love and attention but still facing the disappearing flower act, it might be a good idea to do a bit of detective work to pinpoint the cause. Sometimes, plants have a way of keeping us on our toes, right? Three years ago, this unique and mysterious plant entered my life, and let me tell you, it was a ride filled with surprises!
When I brought it home, it was like adopting a little enigma. With its velvety black petals resembling bat wings, it was a head-turner right from the start. I was determined to make it feel at home, and I followed all the care tips diligently β bright, indirect light, the right amount of water, and a touch of humidity.
The first year went by, and I was greeted with anticipation as buds began to form. Oh, the excitement of those little green promises! But just as quickly as they appeared, they vanished. "What did I do wrong?" I wondered. It seemed like my Black Bat Flower had a flair for the dramatic β buds that would peek out, tease me with their potential, and then retreat back into the shadows.
But I didn't give up. I continued to care for it, showering it with attention and nurturing its moody tendencies. And then, one fateful day, a pair of beautiful, deep burgundy blooms emerged from the depths of those velvety leaves. It was like a reward for my persistence β a theatrical, yet heartwarming twist in our plant tale.
Since then, my Black Bat Flower has taught me that patience and a touch of mystery are all part of the journey. Its blooms still come and go, each appearance a little surprise that reminds me that even the most peculiar plants have their own unique rhythms.
And so, my three-year saga with the Black Bat Flower continues β a story of anticipation, perseverance, and the ever-enigmatic beauty of the plant world. Now my friend has adopted if from meβ¦..
@JungleDreamer post a pic of yours, please. I'm interested in seeing it because mine doesn't have velvety leaves, and they're green, not black. I'm wondering what type you have. It sounds so alluring.
@JungleDreamer Oooh...so awesome!! So, the little "bat" leaves.... they're not all of the plant's leaves...are they "with" the flowers?
Actually, IMO, those little bat shaped leaves are better than the flower! So cute!
Actually, IMO, those little bat shaped leaves are better than the flower! So cute!
@UltraKoreanfir thank you for posting what you found π I think you may be on to something with the leaves perhaps taking energy away from flowering - she has A TON of leaves. I shall see if a nice trim helps!
@JungleDreamer thank you for your experience. You HAVE TO BE some type of writer, you tell an amazing story and paint the whole picture so well!
It would appear she's enjoying her environment and bottom watering, she's popping out new leaves at a pretty steady pace. The leaves are all looking good, I haven't seen any signs of pests aside from gnats here and there. Perhaps she is just a shy flower lol. I will kick up the fertilizer though bc I haven't stayed on top of that like I should. How often do you fertilize your Bat Flower and what do you use?
It would appear she's enjoying her environment and bottom watering, she's popping out new leaves at a pretty steady pace. The leaves are all looking good, I haven't seen any signs of pests aside from gnats here and there. Perhaps she is just a shy flower lol. I will kick up the fertilizer though bc I haven't stayed on top of that like I should. How often do you fertilize your Bat Flower and what do you use?
@demonreach Thank you for your kind words! When it comes to fertilizing Bat Flowers β¦. it's essential to provide them with the right nutrients without overdoing it. Typically, you can fertilize your Bat Flower every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. You can reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is in a dormant phase. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a formulation like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Dilute the fertilizer to half or a quarter of the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing, as Bat Flowers are sensitive to excessive nutrients. Always water the plant thoroughly before and after applying the fertilizer to prevent root burnβ¦Remember to adjust the frequency and strength of fertilization based on how your specific plant responds. Observing your Bat Flower's growth and adjusting your care routine accordingly is the key to keeping her healthy and happy. Good luck with your Bat Flower!
@demonreach great question. Iβm new to the black bat plant. οΏΌ Mine is quite young and I believe it lost one leaf. οΏΌ I canβt tell if this is a new leaf or that puffy thing youβre talking about.? your black bat plant is way more mature than mine so perhaps you can help me?
@JungleDreamer fabulous!π±π