Five Spooky Plants for Halloween Tricks

by Laurelynn Martin

Plants, believe it or not, do some pretty weird things. Our list of “spooky plants” do anything from emitting rotting meat odors, trapping and devouring innocent bugs, to looking like a winged creature from haunted movies or moving when touched. Here are five of my favorites that will help you create your own spooky garden – just in time for Halloween…

Black Bat Flower

Our first pick, Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri), has blooms that resemble black bats with long cat whiskers, and they flower around Halloween:

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)

Black Bat Flower is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia where it grows as an understory plant. It prefers partial sun or filtered light, warm temperatures and good air circulation around the plant. For best results, make sure to fertilize every couple of weeks during the growing season.

Anthurium ‘Black Love’

Many Halloween themed parties incorporate the color black, and one of our favorite plants for this time of year is Anthurium ‘Black Love’:

Anthurium ‘Black Love’ (Anthurium hybrid)

Anthurium ‘Black Love’ (Anthurium hybrid)

This rare black-flowered anthurium hybrid from Holland has black-to-dark chocolate flowers that last a couple of months. Since they bloom intermittently year-round, there is hardly ever a time that you will be without the mysterious ‘Black Love’ flowers. Remember, these are low light plants that can be grown in a partially sunlit room.

Cholla Tillandsia

Our next choice is the Cholla Tillandsia Set that is intriguing and decorative at the same time. Cholla is the dried interior of a cactus and it resembles a skeleton with holes throughout. Out of the top of each cholla we have red Abdita tillandsia with decorative green moss surrounding it. Care is simple: partial sun and mist with water once or twice a week. These are sold in a set of 2:

Cholla Tillandsia Set

Cholla Tillandsia Set

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

Sensitive Plant is our next choice for the hours of amazement this plant brings to kids of all ages. As the plant matures, small pink puffy flowers will form:

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

The plant actually moves when you touch the leaves. Watch this short video clip to see the Sensitive Plant in action:

Tropical Pitcher Plant ‘Alata’ (Nepenthes alata)

Finally, a plant that gets revenge on insects! Tropical Pitcher Plant ‘Alata’ (Nepenthes alata)
is one of the most popular carnivorous species in cultivation:

Tropical Pitcher Plant ‘Alata’ (Nepenthes alata)

Tropical Pitcher Plant ‘Alata’ (Nepenthes alata)

Small insects are attracted to the scent and fly or crawl inside the pitcher. Once they are inside, the insects can’t get out and are devoured by the plant. The attractive, large, red pitchers are attached to the tips of the leaves. Grow in partial sun to bright shade with good humidity and air ventilation. Pitcher Plants are best grown in a hanging basket for optimal display of the pitchers.

Thank you for visiting Logee’s. I hope you enjoyed learning about my favorite “spooky” plants. You can learn more about these special Halloween treats below. While you’re here, please be sure to explore our selection of fruiting, rare and tropical plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog, too!