Leopard Plant Plant Care

Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Farfugium genus. Leopard Plant is native to streams and seashores of Japan. Leopard Plant is also known as Tractor Seat Plant, Ligularia, Arnica tussilaginea.

Leopard Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Leopard Plant produces small daisy-like yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leopard Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Leopard Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Leopard Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Farfugium japonicum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Leopard Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Leopard Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leopard Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leopard Plant is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Leopard Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Leopard Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Leopard Plant is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Leopard Plant can be propagated through division, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Leopard Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Leopard Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Leopard Plant is native to streams and seashores of Japan.