I have planted 2 Taccas and they are struggling. However, those that I left in the pots are thriving. Is this usual? Any secrets?
Carol
Taccas
Wish I could help Carol but I have even lost ones that I planted in pots. This is not an easy one to grow for many of us.
Carol,
If you haven't seen this site, just take a look and see if you can get any helpful info from it.
http://www.sleepyoaks.com/tacca_chantrieri_bat_plant.htm
Personally, I grew very tired of having them die on me. The last of my bunch I gave away at the Florala Roundup.
I'm on to some things that are a bit easier to grow.
Good Luck,
Molly
Now I know I'm in trouble, Carol. If you're having a problem, I don't stand a chance.
Thank you again for the seeds. They germinated after three weeks, and have been thriving, but they're getting more TLC than anything else here. They'e now in individual pots, growing rapidly.
But the reason I'm trying to grow these from seeds is that the large one I ordered last summer is in the "slow decline" stage, keeps hanging on but looks worse and worse. Have tried everything, so I know how you feel, BrugNanny and MollyMc.
The blooms are so spectacular, I keep trying. Someone somewhere must know how to succeed with these. Any magical advice out there?
Plastic?
hehehe
I grew both the white one and the black.
I found they do not like drafts or wind so maybe putting them in a protected area will help.
They also like humidity. Now don't laugh...... if you have a potted one in the house take it into the BR when you take a shower. The steam in the room really perks it up.
Ah once again the tacca getting a bad rap on being hard to grow.....lol ...let's see if I can help~ ok from personal experience:
Tacca do not like to be planted too deep, so keep the crown above the soil line.
Tacca like air circulation, meaning they don't like to be crowded. Give them elbow room
Tacca do not like breezes, drafts or wind.
They like humidity, but don't like to be misted....if you live in a dry climate, set the potted plant on a gravel bed with added water.
Don't overwater....
I use Osmcote(time released fertilizer) once a year in the springtime.
Tacca are shade loving plants.
Tacca aren't any harder to grow than alot of houseplants....so quit trying so hard.....the most important thing when growing a tacca is not to bury the crown of the plant, or let it get direct sun..Carol, what type of soil did you transplant your taccas into?? I use Miracle Grow, and they do well~ I think a heavy soil strangles them.... Debra~
Well...the soil is half dirt and half cinder...never gets soggy. I did notice the Tacca planted in the ground that I was worried about is going to put up a flower...so...all must not be lost. It is planted beside the house, total shade, no rain hit it...but I do water from overhead. But the potted plants right next to it get the same treatment and thrive.
Thanks for all the terrific advice...lots of good advice to follow and learn from.
Aloha,
Carol
Hi Carol~ I don't think watering from overhead will bother it, as long as it has time to dry out before the evening.....the tacca seems to be alot like the orchid, and rose in that respect, they don't like to sleep wet..lol~ I think great drainage is a must for the tacca,,,they don't like wet feet~ Good luck with your taccas! They're a very rewarding plant, not that hard to grow, in spite of the bad rap they get...and the flowers are awesome!! Debra~
You've got that right!!!