Chain of Hearts
Chain of hearts is a gorgeous trailing plant that’s perfect for hanging pots or baskets. The chains can reach 4m long & the heart shaped leaves are sweet.
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Holy smokes, plant lovers! Have we got a spectacular specimen for you! The bat plant (Tacca spp.) is one for the collectors and named after its extraordinary flowers that resemble a bat’s face. When not in flower, the bat plant doesn’t disappoint, as its glossy, crinkly foliage takes centre stage. Perfect for indoor, warm and humid environments, these plants require a bit more care and attention but are well worth the, 'pows', 'vronks' and 'kapows' that may be felt along the way.
How to grow bat plant in a garden
- Choose a well drained, shaded spot in the garden, like under a tree and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.
- Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the base of the plant.
- Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil lightly moist, then reduce watering in winter to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Feed lightly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate in spring.
How to grow bat plant in a pot
- Choose a pot twice the size of the rootball. Position indoors in a well lit spot, away from direct sunlight.
- Partially fill your chosen planter with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any encircled or entangled roots.
- Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Water occasionally, allowing the plant to slightly dry out between waterings.
- Feed lightly with Yates Thrive Indoor Liquid Plant Food in spring.
Growing tips
Keep the leaves clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
Bat plants can be easily propagated through division. This is best done during the cooler months to avoid stress on the plant.
Bat plants love humid environments and thrive in these conditions. Create it at home by regularly misting the leaves of and keeping it in a warm place.
Bromeliad
For a feature plant in a shady or sheltered area in the garden or even for indoors, Bromeliads provide great foliage colour and form to the garden.
Air Plants
Air Plants literally live off the air & can be grown indoors, hanging from tree branches or balancing decoratively on intriguing objects.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema are a diverse & colourful range of leafy plants. Their foliage can be striking mottled mixtures of red, pink, silver, green, yellow or cream.
Recommended products
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
Yates Thrive Indoor Liquid Plant Food
Provides indoor plants with the balanced nutrition they need to produce stronger, healthier foliage and an abundance of vibrant flowers.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate
A complete plant food enriched with natural fish, seaweed, humates, molasses and more - boosted with NPK to improve plant and soil vitality.
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