Thursday, February 16, 2012

Random plant event: Tacca chantrieri

The ex-job has Taccas blooming again, as of a couple weeks ago. I don't know how long the plants in question had been there, but I'm pretty sure they developed buds while in the greenhouse, as opposed to being shipped with the buds on them already. So this qualifies as a random plant event, instead of a pretty picture, which is good 'cause I'm not sure Tacca flowers qualify as "pretty."


They probably still have some of the plants; if any readers in eastern Iowa have been dying to own a Tacca, holler and I'll let you know where to call. The flowers are most likely gone, though: I don't think they last very long.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The flowers are more accurately described as "interesting" or "curious" than "attractive". I guess it must sell as a novelty plant, because without the flowers it looks a lot like a Spathiphyllum, and I don't think it's nearly as easy a plant, nor do I think it's easy to rebloom in the house.

Suddenly two local plant sellers have recently had Tacca in stock here, too. I wonder if some big grower has recently put them into production. Is this a national phenomenon? Have readers in other parts of the country seen these suddenly appear in stores at the same time?

Don

Diana said...

I enjoy looking at the blooms of the Tacca - weird and wonderful, just up my alley. But from what I've read about them they can be a bit finicky about conditions. I don't have many high light locations and during the winter I have very dry air so I don't think they're worth trying for me.

Unless I can convince The Husband to let me put on a second floor sun room just for plants....

Jesssica said...

Would love to go see this in person but I always end up spending way too much money when I go there :)

orchideya said...

They do need a greenhouse conditions(very humid) to look nice. I tried one in the house. It was fine during humid summer outside, but when heating season started - the leaves would get crispy brown from the edge, it would spread more and more. Huge disappointment for me considering the money spent.

Unknown said...

Tacca fascinate meet. I do find the flowers beautiful, even if most disagree. I've heard they're a nightmare to care for, but if I ever get my own greenhouse I'd love to own one.

Paul said...

Very interesting flowers! Unfortunately, don't see myself ever trying one. My winter RH is about 30% -- and that's WITH a humidifier running 24/7.

Jordan in Oregon said...

All I ever see is a Facehugger. Not that it makes me want one any less, in fact it has the opposite effect.