Aspidistra elatior
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusAspidistra
Zone7
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Aspidistra elatior, commonly known as the Cast Iron Plant, is a hardy perennial native to the forests of Japan and Taiwan. It is well-known for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions and its tolerance to neglect, making it a popular houseplant. The plant features broad, dark green leaves and can grow up to 60 cm in height. It is often used in shaded garden beds and as an indoor ornamental plant.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Barroomplant
Cast Iron Plant
Cast-Iron-Plant
Hoja De Saln
Orejas De Burro
Pilistra
Aspidistra
Aspidistra elatior var. elatior
Aspidistra punctata var. albomaculata
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightMedium (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
The Cast Iron Plant is very easy to care for. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate low light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, and maintain moderate humidity levels. It is a resilient plant that can handle occasional neglect.Soil
Aspidistra elatior prefers well-draining loamy soil. A mix of potting soil with some added perlite or sand will work well. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.Fertilizer
Feed the Cast Iron Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows down.Repotting
Repot the Cast Iron Plant every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Propagate Aspidistra elatior by division. The best time to do this is during repotting in the spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least a few leaves and roots. Plant the divisions in separate pots with fresh soil and water them well.Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for the Cast Iron Plant. However, you can remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the leaves at the base.Toxicity
Aspidistra elatior is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals. There are no known toxic parts of the plant.Additional
The Cast Iron Plant is highly tolerant of neglect and can survive in conditions where many other plants would fail. It is an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a low-maintenance plant. Regularly dust the leaves to keep them clean and allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
