CAST IRON PLANT

ASPIDISTRA ELATIOR

The cast iron plant is slow-growing and well-known for its ability to cope with neglect and extremely low light levels, which makes it ideal for north-facing rooms. It was hugely popular in Victorian times because it thrived in dark and drafty houses. This is a great plant for beginners.

HEIGHT 24in (60cm)

SPREAD 24in (60cm)

FLOWERS Rare

FOLIAGE Dark green

LIGHT Light shade/shade

TEMPERATURE 45–75°F (7–24°C)

CARE Easy

PLACE OF ORIGIN China and Vietnam

CARE

This robust, undemanding plant will tolerate almost anything other than complete darkness or direct sunlight. Unlike many houseplants, it can also cope with dark, dingy corridors as well as a drafty spot by the front door.

Grow your cast iron plant in a large container in commercial potting mix. Water it regularly from spring to fall, but reduce watering during winter months. This plant tolerates dry air, but will thrive more, and look much better, if you clean its leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

The cast iron plant dislikes being repotted too often, hence the need for placing it in a larger container—every three years is more than acceptable for this task. Because it grows very slowly it takes a while to fill a pot. If repotting, choose springtime, when the plant can be more easily be divided.

It’s rare for an aspidistra to flower but its maroon blooms, although insignificant, are intriguing.

PROBLEM SOLVING Common causes of failure with this virtually bulletproof plant are overwatering and too much light. Red spider mites and mealybugs can also cause issues.

Cast iron plants will always look fresh if you clean their leaves with a damp cloth.

DISPLAY

There are few other plants that will combine with the cast iron plant due to the need for tolerance of low light: Chinese evergreen and the Swiss cheese plant are two examples. The former also has shiny, dark leaves but a contrasting leaf shape and growing habit. The latter will lend brightness to the grouping, thanks to its variegated foliage. Add some sparkle to dark rooms or corners by choosing white or silver pots for these plants.

Houseplants A–Z | CAST IRON PLANT

ALSO TRY

Slightly more dramatic forms of the cast iron plant are also available; these have the same habits but aren’t quite as tolerant of harsh growing conditions. Look out for:

• Spotty aspidistra (Aspidistra sichuanensis ‘Spotty’), height 12in (30cm). Although seldom seen, this plant is well worth tracking down. Gorgeous golden spots cover its dark green, glossy leaves.
• Variegated barroom plant (Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’), height 24in (60cm). This plant has attractive, irregularly striped, upright foliage and flourishes in west- and east-facing rooms.

The variegated barroom plant has leaves with irregular variegation.