Farfugium Japonicum (far-FOO-jee-um jah-PON-ih-kum) is commonly known as the leopard plant, green leopard plant or tractor seat plant (formerly known as Ligularia tussilaginea (lig-yew-LAR-ee-ah, tuss-ill-uh-GIN-ee-uh) and Ligularia kaempferi. It is not often you find such a stunning plant that thrives in shade and blooms, but farfugium checks those boxes. It is an evergreen perennial meaning it’s glossy green leaves will thrive all year long. The large round, leathery leaves add wonderful texture and color variation. Its stunning small daisy–like flowers will bloom in fall and winter early winter.
Water
Prefers moist soil and will wilt if allowed to dry out
Light
Brightly light, with partial shade
Humidity
Prefers humidity
Temperature
Evergreen in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, but dies down if temperatures drop below 30° F. (-1° C)
Soil
Any good potting mix. Use a container with good drainage.
Fertilizer
Benefits from a slow release fertilizer in spring
Size
Slow growing plant that can reach a foot in height and an additional foot in width
Scientific Name
Farfugium japonicum (syn. Ligularia tussilaginea and Ligularia kaempferi)
Common Name
Leopard plant, green leopard plant or tractor seat plant, ligularia, ragwort, goldenray
Pronunciation
far-FOO-jee-um jah-PON-ih-kum
Pests
No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails can significantly damage the foliage.
Fun Fact
It is a hermaphrodite, meaning it contains both male and female organs.
Toxicity
Contain tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which make the plant poisonous if ingested
You will want to place your Farfugium in a brightly lit room, with partial shade. Too much sun can wilt and burn your plants leaves. The leopard plant prefers moist soil and will wilt if allowed to dry out. Native to the rocky coastal areas of Japan, it will require a warm humid and bright environment. This easy to care for, slow growing plant can reach a foot in height and an additional foot in width.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil; biweekly or when soil dries. Native to the rocky areas of Japan, and commonly found near streams and coastal areas. In Japan the plant is known as Metakaraku, which means “sweet smelling roots”. Leopard plants require constant moisture in the soil. Make sure to keep a close eye on the soil and keep it moist, especially during the hot late summers.
Avoid both overwatering and letting the soil dry out completely. Both extremes can cause damage, implicating the plant’s health and survival. Allow soil to dry out between watering. Over-watering is the fastest way to kill any houseplant. Ideally water should only be applied to the root zone – an area roughly 6-12 inches from the base of the plant, not the entire plant.
You will want to place your for Farfugium in a brightly lit room, with partial shade. Too much sun can wilt and burn your plants leaves. The leopard plant prefers moist soil and will wilt if allowed to dry out. Native to the rocky coastal areas of Japan, it will require a warm humid and bright environment. This easy to care for, slow growing plant can reach a foot in height and an additional foot in width.
Leaves are evergreen in warm winter climates (USDA zones 7 through 10), but will die to the ground when temperatures fall below 30° F. (-1° C). They do best in tropical climates. The plant is not considered too hardy and doesn’t tolerate below freezing (protect from frost) or very high temperatures.
Leopard plants love fertile, moist soil, that is well draining. Use sandy, loamy, and clay soils for planting Farfugium Japonicum. A pH between 5.6 and 7.5 is suitable for Leopard plants.
Farfugium japonicum could benefit from a slow release fertilizer in spring.
Leopard plants contain tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which make the plant poisonous if ingested. It is best to keep away from children and pest.
This spreading perennial grows in clumps that can be divided in spring, making it a great plant to pass along to other plant friends. It is also well-adapted to containers. Leopard Plants can be propagated from seeds and by the division of the root ball.
If you’re using seeds for propagation, sow them in a cold frame during springtime.Once the plants have grown large enough to handle, prick the seedlings and transplant them into individual pots. Keep them inside in a greenhouse during the first winter, planting them outside once the last spring frosts have passed in late spring or early summer.
Division is done in the spring. Simply divide the root ball or take offsets, planting them in individual pots for the coming winter.
Late summer or early fall is when Farfugium japonicum really begins to shine. It sends up clusters (technically called corymbs) of golden flowers that hover over its glossy foliage. This makes a striking combination of daisy-like blooms and tropical leaves. The large, dark green leaves themselves are interesting year-round and can transform a shaded area into a lush oasis. They are somewhat unusual plants, due to the fact that the flowers emerge from rather curious bracts.
Leopard plants do not really have serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails can significantly damage the foliage. Even with adequate moisture, leaf wilting may occur in hot summer climates, particularly when the plant is exposed to too much sun. Use a food grade Diatomaceous earth insecticide for slug and snail control.
This plant gets its name (Leopard Plant) from the bright yellow speckles that appear on the leaves of some cultivars. It is a clump-forming perennial that is grown in gardens as much for its attractive foliage as for its autumn flowers. It is native to streams and seashores of Japan, where it is called tsuwabuki (石蕗).
Complement your Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) with these varieties:
Caladium
The large colorful leaves of Caladium look great paired with Farfugium.
Elephant Ear
Imagine a shady border packed with Elephant’s ear and Farfugium! You’d have big leaves and big impact.
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