Leopard plant
Farfugium japonicum · Asteraceae
📷 Miya · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant leopard plant: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Japanese Leopard Plant
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Origin
- Japan
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green spotted with cream yellow
- Flowering
- Autumn (October to December), yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 80 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, grow in mild zones or in containers
- Growth
- Moderate
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Farfugium japonicum loves shade and regular moisture. Plant it in rich, slightly acidic soil.
The common mistake
Growing it in direct sun: the leaves scorch, fade, and the plant suffers chronically.
The pro's trick
In April, divide large clumps; each rhizome with 2-3 leaves recovers in 4 weeks and quickly creates a beautiful plant.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained during the growing season. Reduce watering slightly in winter without letting the substrate dry out completely. Avoid standing water that promotes root rot. Water regularly in summer, especially for container-grown plants.
Light
Prefer partial shade to dappled light, ideally under filtered cover. Avoid intense afternoon sun which can dry out the foliage and alter the variegated colors. Indirect to moderate light encourages the most beautiful tones.
Soil
Use rich, humus-based, well-draining substrate. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite works well. Enrich the soil with mature compost in spring. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is preferred.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer once or twice monthly during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter. A low-dose houseplant fertilizer is sufficient.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove damaged or yellowed leaves to maintain appearance. Strict pruning is not necessary, but you can trim lightly in spring to encourage a compact shape. Regularly clean the leaves to preserve their variegated luster.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and aphids, especially indoors or in dry climates. Excess standing moisture can cause rot or fungal diseases. Ventilate regularly and avoid wetting foliage in the evening. Treat promptly at the first signs of infestation.
Did you know?
The Farfugium japonicum owes its common name 'Japanese Leopard Plant' to the cream-yellow spots that speckle its large dark green leaves, resembling a leopard's spotted coat. Considered a precious ornamental plant in Japan for traditional garden design, it is also used in Asian floral arrangements for its lasting decorative qualities.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.