Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Leopard Plant, Tractor Seat Plant
Botanical Name: Farfugium japonicum ‘Firefly’
This unique table top plant will totally steal the “plant show” with its beautiful shape of leaves along with its spots that glow! Farfugium ‘Firefly’ do best in bright indirect light and soil that is consistently moist. This is the perfect plant for your home since it does not typically reach a height taller than 2’. And now, it is time to light up your living room with the oh-so-unique Leopard Plant (or Tractor Seat Plant). Call it whichever you prefer!
Light
Similar to other Farfugium species, the Leopard Plant thrive in partial to full shade conditions. That being said, bright, indirect light is recommended for your plants overall well-being. Never allow your Tractor Seat Plant to be in the intense sunlight. This is definitely more relevant in the afternoon, when the weather is hot. For indoors, put your plant by a window that provides filtered light and consider a window that faces either north or east as this typically achieves that.
Water
It is important that you are watering your Leopard Plant often and always let your plant to drain properly. To prevent any root rot, do not allow your plant to sit in standing water. Ensure that you are keeping a close eye on how your plant is reacting to the watering routine that you currently have in place and make any changes to it, if necessary. Weather plays a role in how frequent you should water your plant. In the warmer seasons, your Leopard Plant may need to be watered more than when the weather is colder outside.
Soil
In general, Tractor Seat Plants prefer a soil mix that contains lots of organic matter. We suggest a mix that is well-balanced and specifically designed for plants that are either indoor or container plants. The pH level that will help your Farfugium japonicum ‘Firefly’ plant to thrive is a range of 5.5 and 7.0. Using a soil testing kit is very useful for determining if the pH level is in the correct range. Be sure to make any changes, if you need to. For planting this plant in an outdoor garden bed, ensure the soil provided to your plant is loosened. You can use a garden fork to achieve this!
Temperature
Leopard Plants are their best when they are in average to cool temperatures. The best temperature range for them is usually 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) during the day. Keep your plant away from any intense direct sunlight. This is especially important when it is the summer season. The plants leaves can burn if it is in too much heat. If you decide to grow your plant indoors, keeping your homes temperature in the range of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) is best. Also prevent your plant from being in any temperatures that are unstable because any severe changes can be harmful to your plant.
Humidity
A humidity range of 50% and 70%. is typically best, as Leopard Plants thrive in mid to high levels of humidity. To increase levels of humidity for your plant, you should consider options such as using a humidifier, grouping plants together, providing your plant with a pebble tray, or misting your plants leaves often. Also, plant placement is key. Your plant could actually really benefit from being placed in a bathroom or kitchen. Both these rooms in your house will make sure your plant receives the right humidity.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize yourFarfugium japonicum ‘Firefly’ plant once or twice a year. This plant is not a heavy feeder. Ensure you are not over-fertilizing your plant, as well, as this can be very harmful to it. When you apply the fertilizer to your Leopard Plant, be sure to follow the directions on the package. Always keep an eye on your plants overall response to the fertilizer that it is receiving. If you notice that your plants leaves are either pale or yellow, the growth has stopped, or flowers are damaged, this could be that your plant might benefit from a change in fertilizers.
Growth Rate
Although it depends on several factors and how well you take care of your plant, typically, Leopard Plants mature height can be any where between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). We suggest that from time to time you trim any stems that are overgrown in order to help keep the size and shape of your plant. It is important to note that all plants are different so some may grow a bit taller or shorter than others.
Pet Friend or Foe
The Leopard Plant is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
1. Even though Leopard Plants are usually not prone to pests and diseases, you should still observe it for other pests like slugs and snails. They can sometimes be found on the foliage of the plant.
2. To maintain the desired shape and size of your plant, you should definitely be pruning it to help with your plants overall look.
3. Consider during winter to protect your plant. You can do this by surrounding the base of your plant with a layer of mulch. This will keep the roots and make sure that they do not freeze in colder temperatures.