Welcome to The Bio Dude!
*The plant pictured is not necessarily the plant you will receive, but will be same size and shape*
Common Name: Farfugium, Firefly Farfugium, Leopard Plant, Spotted Leopard Plant, Tractor Seat Plant
Scientific Name: Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum' 'Firefly'
These unique-looking plants have waxy, bowl-shaped leaves that bend slightly inward towards the stem, resembling the seats found on old tractors and bicycles (hence, sometimes being referred to as tractor-seat plants). They can have splotches of bright yellow coloration on the leaves (hence, sometimes being called leopard plants), and are one of the few plants that flower in the fall/winter of the Northern Hemisphere, thus attracting a wide range of pollinators with their bright yellow flowers that come out on tall stems.
-Care Recommendations By The Dude-
Best for These Animals: Small and moderate sized reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climate zones, especially frogs. Also suitable for most larger amphibians and some larger reptiles.
Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, TerraFirma
Soil Depth: Moderate to deep
Lighting: Low to moderate indirect light. Do not place near a heat or basking lamp.
Humidity & Misting: 60%-100%, with higher humidity levels suggested for optimal growth.
Mature Plant Size & Root System: This bushy plant has large, showy waxy leaves that are very sturdy and can mound to a moderately large size with age (1 or 2 feet depending on growing conditions). Its fibrous root system, though shallow and spreading, allows for anchorage and maximum water absorption. *This plant LOVES water!
Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: Too high temperatures/low humidity may cause leaves to brown. It can be used as a back/wall planting or as a corner placement. *Can be partially submerged and can be acclimated to grow semi-aquatically.
Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: Farfugiums contain protoanemonin and tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, meaning they are mildly toxic if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these plants are not typically consumed by reptiles and amphibians.
Pot Size & Packaging: A single 6" potted farfugium plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.
