Plant Care Guide

Tractor Seat Plant

Farfugium japonicum

Commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, Farfugium japonicum is celebrated for its oversized glossy leaves shaped unmistakably like a vintage tractor seat. It brings bold, tropical texture to shade gardens and produces cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers in fall and early winter. Whether you grow it as a landscape perennial or as a lush indoor foliage plant, it’s loved for its dramatic size, shiny foliage, and ability to brighten darker spaces. This plant thrives in warm, moist, humid environments and is especially popular in shade-loving garden designs.

Watering Requirements

Tractor seat plants like consistently moist soil and dislike drying out. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Water deeply once a week, more often in hot or dry spells 
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy 
  • Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, wilting happens fast 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Droopy, soft leaves 
  • Crispy edges 
  • Entire plant collapsing in heat 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Mushy stems 
  • Yellowing leaves 
  • Standing water around roots 

Pro Tips

This plant is perfect for wet zones like rain gardens or low spots, use it where other plants might rot.

Light Requirements

Tractor seat plants love shade and can burn easily in sun. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Part shade to full shade outdoors 
  • Bright, indirect light indoors 
  • Avoid harsh sun, especially midday 

Too Little Light 

  • Smaller leaves 
  • Slower growth 

Too Much Light 

  • Burning, scorching, or wilting 
  • Pale, washed-out foliage 

Pro Tips

If leaves scorch outdoors, try moving it slightly deeper into shade; this plant responds quickly to corrected light.

Soil & Potting

These plants thrive in rich, moisture-retentive soil. 

Best Soil Conditions 

  • Moist, humus-heavy soil 
  • Well-draining but water-retentive 
  • Slightly acidic to neutral 

Potting Notes 

  • Use a deep container with drainage 
  • Ideal for shady patios or bright indoor corners 
  • Choose heavier pots, large leaves catch wind and can tip lightweight containers 

Pro Tips

Mix compost into the soil every spring, this plant LOVES organic-rich earth.

Fertilizing

Not a hungry plant, but it appreciates nourishment. 

Feeding Schedule 

  • Fertilize once in spring with organic matter such as compost 
  • Liquid fertilizer optional but not necessary 
  • Avoid heavy feeding, too much nitrogen encourages lanky growth 

Pro Tips

A layer of compost does more for this plant than traditional fertilizer. Think soil health, not heavy feeding.

Pruning & Maintenance

Generally low-maintenance, but occasional shaping helps. 

Pruning Tips 

  • Remove damaged or scorched leaves anytime 
  • Major shaping is best in late winter or early spring 
  • Avoid removing more than 1/3 of the plant at once 

Why Prune? 

  • Keeps plant compact 
  • Encourages new, healthy leaves 
  • Prevents overcrowding 

Pro Tips

If leaves look tattered from slugs, trim them off. The plant rebounds quickly with fresh new foliage.

Common Problems & Solutions

Burned or wilted leaves 

Cause: Too much sun or drought 

Fix: Increase shade; water deeply 

Yellowing foliage 

Cause: Too little light or nutrient-poor soil 

Fix: Move to bright shade; add compost 

Slugs or snails 

Cause: Tender leaves 

Fix: Use slug bait, copper tape, or remove slugs manually 

Leggy growth 

Cause: Not enough light 

Fix: Increase brightness (still shaded, but brighter shade) 

Pro Tips

The #1 rule: shade + moisture + humidity. If one of these is off, your plant will tell you quickly.