Farfugium japonicum 'Gigantea'

Why We Love It
Lush and architectural, Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’ makes a statement with its oversized glossy leaves that bring instant tropical presence to any shade garden or indoor collection.

How to Grow Indoors

• Light: Thrives in bright gentle light; morning sun or a few hours of soft filtered light is ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch begins to dry, and reduce slightly in winter.

• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity (50–70%). In coastal San Francisco, ambient humidity is often sufficient, but a pebble tray is unnecessary—use a humidifier if your indoor air is very dry.

• Temperature: Comfortable at typical home temperatures (60–75°F). Protect from drafts and sudden cold snaps.

• Soil: A rich, well-draining potting mix with added compost or peat-based organic matter.

• Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.

💧 Note: If you’re in San Francisco or another area using Hetch Hetchy water, tap water is generally safe for this plant.

How to Grow Outdoors in San Francisco

• Placement: Best in part-shade to full shade, protected from hot afternoon sun.

• Soil: Moist, organically rich, and well-draining soil. Amending with compost will improve vigor and leaf size.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Farfugium is intolerant of drought and may wilt quickly if it dries out.

• Temperature: Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 7–10. In San Francisco’s Zone 10a, it grows year-round as a lush evergreen.

• Blooming: Produces daisy-like yellow flowers on tall stalks in fall to winter, though it is mainly prized for its dramatic foliage.

Bloom Information

• Season: Late fall into early winter.

• Type: Clusters of small, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers.

• Note: Flowers add seasonal interest but are secondary to its bold leaves.