Farfugium japonicum aka Leopard Plant

Taxonomy ID: 1649

Farfugium japonicum, also known as leopard plant, green leopard plant or tractor seat plant, is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to streams and seashores of Japan, where it is called tsuwabuki. The leopard plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it has a medium growth rate with a loose clump-like appearance of up to 24" inches tall and wide. It is an evergreen perennial, with large, bold leaves spotted with gold, and it produces small bright flowers and daisy-like blooms in summer that die back by winter. It is a striking plant, perfect for brightening up shaded gardens, and is great planted alongside other flowering plants.

Common names

Leopard Plant, Tractor Seat Plant, Ligularia

More information about Leopard Plant

How difficult is it to take care of Leopard Plant

Leopard Plant is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

What is the region of origin of Leopard Plant

Leopard Plant’s native range is E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

What are the water needs for Leopard Plant

Leopard Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Leopard Plant

Leopard Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Leopard Plant

To ensure optimal growth, the Leopard Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Is Leopard Plant toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

More info:
Wikipedia GBIF

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For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.