Yes, we can grow indoors, but it is not our first choice. We are Ligularias, often called Leopard Plants, and we hail from the moist, stream-side woodlands of Asia. While we truly thrive in a shady outdoor garden in many parts of the US, a dedicated indoor gardener can replicate our preferred conditions with careful attention. Here is what we need from you to flourish inside your home.
Our large, often spectacular leaves are adapted for the dappled light of the forest floor. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially from a south or west-facing window, will scorch our beautiful foliage, leaving ugly brown marks. However, deep, dark shade will cause us to become leggy as we strain for light. We crave bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is ideal. A north-facing window can also work, or a spot several feet back from a brighter southern exposure, perhaps filtered by a sheer curtain.
Our roots are absolutely paramount and they demand two things: constant moisture and excellent drainage. This may seem contradictory, but it is not. Plant us in a rich, peat-based potting mix that retains water but also has plenty of perlite or orchid bark to allow excess water to drain away freely. We despise having our roots sit in waterlogged soil, as this will lead to fatal root rot. Conversely, we also cannot tolerate drought. Water us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. We will likely need more frequent watering in the summer than in the winter.
Remember our origins in damp woodlands? Our broad leaves lose moisture to the dry air common in most US homes, especially during winter when heating systems run. Low humidity will cause our leaf tips and edges to turn crispy and brown. To make us happy, please increase the humidity around us. You can place our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting *in* the water), group us with other plants, or use a room humidifier. We prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C - 24°C) and must be kept away from both cold drafts and hot air vents.
During our active growing season in the spring and summer, we will benefit from a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. This supports the production of our large leaves and, if we are very happy, our unique yellow or orange flower spikes. We are not excessively fast growers indoors, but we will eventually become pot-bound. Repot us into a container only one size larger when you see roots circling the pot or growing from the drainage holes, typically every 2-3 years.
