Giant Leopard Plant
ligularia dentata
Also known as: ["Farfugium japonicum var. giganteum","Farfugium giganteum"]
Overview
A robust perennial herbaceous plant with large, rounded, dark green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers on tall stems.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Ligularia |
| Botanical Name: | Ligularia dentata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed with protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with high organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring before new growth begins; remove spent flower stalks after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless dividing the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; prefers bright indirect light or dappled sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; adjust to avoid scorching in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; place in a sheltered spot outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot weather
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely; water at the base to avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
moist, rich, well-draining soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; maintain consistent moisture; enrich soil with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; keep in a cool spot during summer; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize lightly to avoid burning roots; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings or divide clumps.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom; division is best done every 3–4 years to rejuvenate the plant.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture until roots are established.
Medium
Rich, moist potting mix with added perlite for drainage; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–6 weeks; division will establish quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, clean pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back dead or weak stems to the base; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; thin crowded areas; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division at repotting can rejuvenate the plant.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing frequency to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold; browning leaf edges in hot conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, leaf discoloration, or dormancy; prolonged frost may lead to tissue damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from frost with a frost cloth or move containers indoors; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; heat stress may cause the plant to go dormant prematurely.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Ligularia dentata. The plant's irritant properties can cause discomfort but are generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ligularia dentata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The plant's irritant compounds may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLigularia dentata contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much water does Ligularia dentata need?
A: It prefers consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Q: Does Ligularia dentata require full sun?
A: No, it thrives in partial to full shade, especially in regions with hot summers.
Q: Is Ligularia dentata deer resistant?
A: It is moderately deer resistant due to its large leaves, but deer may still browse on it if other food is scarce.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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