This tropical plant grows best in warm, moist soils and prefers a shady spot.
Note that leopard plant is toxic to people and pets.
Leopard Plant Care
Leopard plant is an excellent choice for shady spots.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
As a houseplant, it tolerates indirect and low-light conditions.
Soil
Leopard plant requires a rich, humus-heavy soil that is consistently moist, even wet.
It tolerates a range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
These shade perennials get pretty thirsty, therefore they are goodwet-area plants.
In the absence of frequent rain, they need irrigation on an ongoing basis.
confirm to give them a deep soaking at least once a week.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
To be grown outdoors year-round, the plant needs a warm, tropical climate.
It does best in humid conditions.
In dry weather, misting the leaves helps to increase humidity.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Using clean sheers, prune away any growth you like, preferably in late winter or early spring.
Avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the plant at once.
Potting and Repotting
Leopard plant is suitable to be grown in containers and as houseplants.
A 12- to 16-inch pot works well for most cultivars.
Terra cotta is ideal as it lets excess moisture evaporate and keeps the soil cooler than plastic pots.
confirm the container has adequate drainage holes and the potting medium also drains well.
Do not fertilize it during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Repot the plant as needed when the roots start to outgrow the container.
When grown in containers below USDA zone 7, leopard plant needs to be brought indoors for the winter.
Place it in a location with bright indirect light.
During dormancy, it needs less water but the soil should never fully dry out so water as needed.
While these plants may be known more for their foliage, their flowers are striking as well.
Bloom Months
The bloom time varies depending on the climate.
Warmer climates see blooms appear earlier in the summer.
In cold winter climates, the first blooms arrive in early August and provide color for late summer.
What Do Leopard Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Leopard plant flowers are deep yellow and look almost like tiny daisies.
emerging in clusters on tall stalks.
There is no indication of fragrance, though the flowers doattract butterflies.
The leopard plant is one of the few blooming plants that thrive in shady conditions.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow or pale leaves mean the plant is not getting enough sunlight.
The plant is not making enough chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight.
Leggy, Lanky Growth
Leggy growth may also mean that the plant is not receiving enough sun.
The leopard plant prefers shade over sunlight.
Dappled sunlight may be the best solution so it does not grow lanky or sparse.
As a houseplant, the leopard plant will usually do well in low-light conditions.
Leopard plants are not cold-hardy and will likely die to the ground when temperatures reach below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
These plants prefer dappled sunlight or even deep shade, but they can tolerate partial sunlight.
Garden Talk, Horticultural Highlight: Leopard Pant.Duke University.
North Carolina State Extension.
