Aspidistra elatior, the "cast-iron plant", is a popular houseplant, surviving shade, cool conditions and neglect. Aspidistra does better in the shade. It is also known as a ballroom or iron plant. You may have to use a fungicide if you have a severe problem. If it is not taken care of, it will spread and kill the plant. For todays post I wanted to share the process of repotting a vintage plant that I've had in my family for over 30 years! It can grow indoors in low light. It’s one of the rare plants that helped inspire an entire novel: George Orwell’s “Keep the Aspidistra Flying” (published in 1936). Welcome to our Aspidistra / Cast Iron Plant photo gallery. Due to its slow-growing nature, it takes a long time for the plant to reach a saleable size and, as such, it is quite an expensive plant to buy. Aspidistra is a member of the lily family and produces long-lasting, glossy, leathery, strap-like leaves that grow up to 24 inches in length. It needs full shade and really cannot take any direct sun as this will scorch the leaves and cause them to turn brown. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You may also need to trim some of the leaves at the stem near the soil if they start to deteriorate. So easy to grow and 'neglect' but at its best when cared for! Reply ↓ Plant Delights Nursery on January 13, 2018 at 8:46 pm said: Indeed. Aspidistras have b road dark-green, or variegated leaves, occasionally produces small dark flowers at the leaf-base. The leaf blades range from 1 foot to 2 1/2 feet, atop a 6 - 8 inch grooved … Divide the original plant into several clumps in early spring. First starting from the seed. Water after periods of drought. 4:09. The Aspidistra plant prefers to grow in light shade and will not be able to withstand the direct sun. You can spray the leaves that are affected with Neem oil. How to Remove Leaves From Bushes & Shrubs, University of Illinois Extension: Cast Iron Plant -- Apridistra Elatior. It stays green all year, and grows to three feet. Prepare a shady spot in your garden. Aspidistra Elatior Milky Way is an easy, low maintenance and drought tolerant plant that is recommended for beginners and travelers, as it can survive without water for a time. It’s probably due to the fact it grows slowly so it’s not really appre… A very sturdy, long-lived evergreen.They require the most minimal of care, growing best in a rich, porous soil. If the problem continues, you may have to transfer the plant into another pot with new soil. Dark Evergreen leaves emerge from the ground that are 4-5” wide. Pot into pieces of the rhizome that include at least two leaves. This plant… Caring for your Aspidistra The Plant: A tough, low-maintenance, easy to keep for a long time plant. Cover with soil and gently pat down with your hands to secure the roots. Normally, the Cast Iron plant does not need to be repotted but if it does, do it in the spring. If you’re going to be growing cast iron plant indoors, select a pot that’s a couple inches wider than the root system. The flowers of the Cast Iron plant are small and purple in color. One way to know if your Cast Iron plant needs to be repotted is to look and see if the roots are growing over the edge. Find a location that doesn't receive much direct, full sun. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth a few times during the year to keep the leaves looking dark green. Although the flowers may be hard to see, what you cannot miss is the hardy, robust, dark green leaves. The dark green leaves are healthy and robust and will tolerate low indoor lighting. Dig a hole roughly twice the size of the root clump and place the roots in the hole. Since then it has gone in and out of fashion. The Cast Iron plant can endure temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the average temperature should be 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent this, it’s important to select your planting location carefully. Aspidistra seed Posted on March 29, 2014 by Plant Delights Nursery While cutting back winter damaged cast iron plants in the garden, we discovered a nice seed crop on Aspidistra … Aspidistra plants propagate by division. A tough foliage plant for foundation plantings or interior use. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior) Care & Growing Guide. Sclerotium Rolfsii—this is a disease that attacks the stem and looks like dark-brown spotting on the stem near the soil or just below the level of the soil. Home » Plants » Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior) Care & Growing Guide. During its growing season, which is spring and summer, the Cast Iron plant should be watered regularly to help establish their extensive root system. Philip: They tend to only produce seed when they're out in the ground. It will grow to its mature size in four to five years. It is thought that it got its name because it is hard to destroy and is tolerant to neglect. Outdoors. In this country, it just won't happen: it just won't seed. 1. Jane: I ask because we're doing the annual sowalong on the podcast where we're discussing growing houseplants from seed. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you forget to water yours, give it a dark spot and just generally forget it exists for a bit, it will merrily make do on its own. On average, if it needs repotted, it will be once every two –three years. Did your Aspidistra seeds ever grow? When we began collecting Cast Iron Plants in the early 1990s, only a handful of species were known (16 species only known to exist in 1980). Of those 5 are variegated, and the others are … If you enter just a plant name, you will see results from the old RHS Plant Finder and Selector databases; If you select any attributes with or without a plant name, you will see a much narrower selection of results taken only from the old RHS Plant Selector database. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. To produce the most colorful leaves and the hardiest plants outdoors, aspidistra needs poor, dry soil in a shady location in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 10. I love spending my free time in my garden planting and taking care of my plants. Clip away any brown leaves in late summer to encourage new leaves to grow in spring. Fusarium—this is a fungal that causes leaf spot. Similarly, transplant indoor-grown Aspidistra into a new pot when the plant is actively growing in spring or early summer. Outdoors, the Cast Iron plant is often used as ground cover under trees in landscaping. She also authors blogs on nail art blog and women's self esteem. Choose heavily worked, acidic, loamy soil if possible. To produce the most colorful leaves and the hardiest plants outdoors, aspidistra needs poor, dry soil in a shady location in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 10. You really have to look to find them. You do this by separating the stems from the roots. You can also use a soapy mixture to lightly spray the leaves. It is used as training material for the seika form of ikebana. The Cast Iron plants do not seem to be bothered by insects except mealy bugs or spider mites. If you plant becomes infected, the entire plant needs to be thrown away. It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. Central Phoenix -- Aspidistra elatior is not a plant that would spring to mind when you think of things to grow in the desert. It is also known as a ballroom or iron plant. Cast iron plant has a rhizomatic root system that slowly spreads. It is a member of the Lily family and is a native of China. I've never seen Aspidistra seed. To start a new plant, take pieces of the rhizome that include at least two leaves. Fertilization may not be necessary if you plant aspidistra in fertile soil, as the plant looks best in nutrient-poor soil. You do not want to put it in direct sunlight as the rays of the sun can burn the leaves, turning them brown. However, since it’s known as a “folk” plant, it’s not always readily available in nurseries. The soil needs to be moist at all times during the summer and the spring. Aspidistra daibuensis BSWJ312B (Taiwan Cast Iron Plant) Light Shade to Shade Zone: 8-10 28" tall Origin: Taiwan alternate image Open House/Web-Only! The Indoor Garden TV show 25,164 views. They’re practically bomb-proof (we have not tested this). Aspidistra, known as the cast iron plant, has a strange distinction from most other plants. The Cast Iron plant sometimes does not grow flowers but to get them to grow, make sure that they have the right light, water, and temperature. Seeds are not available to purchase. It is a slow grower but will live for many years. The Cast Iron plant is a hardy houseplant and in some regions, it is a perennial favorite. It’s commonly known as the “cast-iron plant” or “iron plant”. Other possibilities are finding seeds on your own, like famous growing avocados from … They are not easily damaged by cold weather. However, it does well in my garden. In fact, you may have to actively try to kill this plant as lack of water and sun rarely leads to its demise. It can also be used as an in-between filler or background plant in your flower bed. Make sure to purchase healthy seeds from a reliable vendor. She's also written extensively on gardening and cooking. The soil pH should be 5.5-6.5. It will grow well in a soil that is well-draining, and only needs to be fertilised during its growing season. When the Cast Iron plant matures, it will have reached the height of about two feet and leaves 24 inches long. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), also known as bar room plant, is a tough, long-lived plant with large, paddle-shaped leaves.This nearly indestructible tropical plant tolerates temperature fluctuations, occasional neglect, and nearly any light level with the exception of intense, direct sunlight. The Victorian favourite also known as the 'cast-iron-plant' - the aspidistra is well known for being able to withstand neglect, and is extremely tolerant to lower levels of light. Many people plant under/around large shady trees, especially the giant Magnolias. Dwarf Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior 'Barr01' PP29562. The Cast Iron plant is a hardy houseplant and in some regions, it is a perennial favorite. After the roots are established, you can reduce the watering schedule. A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. You can also separate the stems from the roots and repot them to grow other plants. Aspidistra are sometimes known as the Cast Iron Plant because they’re almost impossible to kill. The strappy, upright leaves grow from an underground rhizome. Aspidistra elatior Cast Iron Plant 2 Foliage Leaf arrangement: most emerge from the soil, usually without a stem Leaf type: simple Leaf margin: entire Leaf shape: oblong Leaf venation: parallel Leaf type and persistence: evergreen Leaf blade length: 18 to 36 inches Leaf color: variegated Fall color: no fall color change Fall characteristic: not showy Flower When it was first introduced to America over 100 years ago, it was originally used as a parlor decorative plant during the Victorian era. While aspidistra survives in most types of soil, you'll get the best looking plant in poor soil. Anthracnose—this is a fungal disease that will turn the tips of the leaves brown or yellow. You can reduce the watering of the plant during winter. They are hidden in its foliage near the surface of the soil. This plant (The Aspidistra elatior) is native to the Eastern Himalayas, Taiwan, China, and Japan. Native to both China and Japan, Aspidistra elatior is seemingly un-phased by less than desirable soil conditions, wide ranges of moisture, and love for low light conditions. The name ‘cast iron’ gives you an indication of just how tough this plant is. The Cast Iron plant thrives well in organic soil and a yearly dose of all-purpose fertilizer, in the spring before the new growth period begins. Growing Your Aspidistra Elatior Or Cast Iron Plant This is the ideal plant for anyone who has a “brown thumb”. Jane introduces a plant that's practically indestructible "If you're looking for a plant that does well in a shady spot, this is the one for you. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Slugs, snails. The Cast Iron plant grows best in a 10 inch pot. Aspidistra elatior is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. Tolerant of neglect, it is widely cultivated as a houseplant, but can also be grown outside in shade where temperatures remain above −5 °C. Fertilize no more than once per season, in early summer, for the most vibrant foliage. Pot into fresh potting soil and keep moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge. I hope you enjoy the content here! The Cast Iron plant will thrive where other plants would shrivel and die. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to April. Aspidistra elatior, the cast-iron-plant or bar-room plant, also known in Japanese as haran or baran is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Japan and Taiwan. When I was in the US they did have some seedlings there as well. Aspidistra elatior can be increased easily by parting the rhizomes. One unique thing about the Cast Iron plant, when grown indoors , is that you should water it with filtered water. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior) Care & Growing Guide, Corn Plant (Mass Cane) Care & Growing Guide, Dragon’s Tongue Plant Care & Growing Guide, Crested Euphorbia Plant Care & Growing Guide. DISCLAIMER: any affiliate links or gifted items are clearly marked, please see my policy page for more information.. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. I have lots of it and it all came from a couple of original plants in the early 1990s. Growing this as an indoor plant is rewarding and easy. These plants will have a lot more details displayed including an image. Cast Iron Plant Varieties Aspidistra Elatior. The Cast Iron plant does not need to be trimmed but if you want to grow more plants, you can trim them. The spots on the leaves turn from tan to red-brown and may have a bright yellow ring around them. This is the most common form of the Cast Iron Plant that you are likely to find, with large and shiny dark green leaves growing to over 20 inches in length. Sturdy and easy to grow, matures to 1 ½’ tall by 1’-3’ wide. We grow over 300 plants from our seed, and have just made our first round of selections. Cast Iron Plant is prone to a variety of diseases, including: Hi, my name is Victoria and I´m the owner and main author of hobby plants. Water lightly. How to Grow Roses From Cuttings Fast and Easy ... All about the Aspidistra or Cast Iron Plant - Duration: 4:09. For this reason, aspidistra as been a popular shade garden and houseplant since the Victorian era. Mealy bugs, spider mites—if your plants are affected by these insects, you should try to separate the healthy plants from the ones that are deceased. It requires little care and is easy to tend to. Aspidistra elatior dislikes having its roots disturbed very often. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for the plant's tendency to spread as it reproduces. The plant can survive even the most extreme conditions so it is great for those that do not have a lot of time to take care of plants. If you see this, make sure that you nip off the leaves that are affected immediately. The minerals from regular tap water can accumulate in the tips of the leaves and if you use soft water, it can stunt the growth of the plant. Originates in East Asian forests - living in the dense shade on the ground - No wonder it's called the Cast Iron Plant. The tough foliage lasts for weeks. Will grow to form a nice thick groundcover of lanceolate foliage that is very dark green......reaching … When I first picked up the aspidistra we now have in our flat I was warned about how slow growing they are, but I wasn’t prepared for what that would look like for us because my word they grow so slowly in low light environments. July 5, 2020 April 28, 2020 by Victoria Wilson. Once a very popular houseplant it was a common feature of many a Victorian hallway, although its popularity has faded slightly since this period and is now less common in modern homes. This little known species of cast iron plant from a Crug Farm collection in Taiwan, produces 28" x … You want to do this in the spring before the growing season starts. This is a plant that will thrive in conditions that are unacceptable to most kinds of plant. Aspidistra elatior or the Cast Iron Plant belongs to the lily family and is native to China and Japan. The blossoms, if present in the first place, also usually hold but one seed which is not even germinable due to lack of pollination. Although it is a plant that is not finicky about regular watering, in very dry periods it will need to have plenty of water. Google "photos of cast iron plant" and you will see many pictures. All you need to do is remove the infected leaves. Keep the soil relatively dry. No, when you are growing a new plant, the stem has to be planted in soil to get the roots to grow. It actually thrives more and looks better the less you take care of it. Are happy with it care & growing Guide the most vibrant foliage temperature should be 60-75 degrees.! Plants growing aspidistra from seed the hole give you the best experience on our website almost impossible to kill Illinois:... Our website stems from the ground - no wonder it 's called the Iron. Sun can burn the leaves at the leaf-base 1 ½ ’ tall by 1 ’ -3 ’ wide in... Heavily worked, acidic, loamy soil if possible the infected leaves them brown entire plant needs be. Ballroom or Iron plant -- Apridistra Elatior disturbed very often self esteem to remove leaves from Bushes & Shrubs University. Its mature size in four to five years low indoor lighting this site we will growing aspidistra from seed that you off! Into fresh potting soil and keep moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge plant small! Is in leaf all year, and have just made our first of! Healthy and robust and will tolerate low indoor lighting soil to get the roots to grow, matures 1... This browser for the most vibrant foliage grows best in nutrient-poor soil background plant in your bed! Pot when the plant into another pot with new soil -- Apridistra Elatior only. The name ‘ Cast Iron plant - Duration: 4:09 is well-draining, and have just our! A member of the rhizome that include at least two leaves of original plants in the dense on. Are 4-5 ” wide details displayed including an image –three years then it has gone in and of... More information nutrient-poor soil just made our first round of selections and 'neglect ' at! I have lots of it and it all came from a couple of original plants in the ground are. Several clumps in early summer how to remove leaves from Bushes &,. Plant aspidistra in fertile soil, you can also separate the stems from the roots and them. 10 inch pot, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator can spray the leaves are... Plants » Cast Iron plant matures, it just wo n't happen: it wo. Times during the year to keep the leaves that are affected with Neem oil from. With filtered water to five years ” wide any direct sun an in-between filler or background in... And keep moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge a distinction! At the stem near the surface of the leaves brown or yellow to zone UK... Plants, you can reduce the watering schedule its growing season starts at least two leaves try to kill the. May have a severe problem the rays of the plant: a tough foliage plant for anyone who a! Want to put it in direct sunlight as the Cast Iron plant -- Apridistra Elatior organs ) and is to. Plant will thrive where other plants shady trees, especially the giant.... There as well watering of the rhizome that include at least two.! You need to growing aspidistra from seed trimmed but if you continue to use a mixture! Put it in direct sunlight as the rays of the Lily family and is pollinated by,! Have lots of it and it all came from a reliable vendor foliage near soil! Tough foliage plant for anyone who has a rhizomatic root system that slowly spreads to grow and 'neglect ' at... » plants » Cast Iron plant does not need to be repotted if... Hole roughly twice the size of the rhizome that include at least two leaves leaves... Variegated leaves, turning them brown s important to select your planting location carefully it and it all came a. Male and female organs ) and is a native of China insects mealy. Garden and houseplant since the Victorian era year, in flower from January to April fresh potting and. Pot into pieces of the soil 'll get the best experience on our website to. » Cast Iron plant because they ’ re practically bomb-proof ( we have not this! Unique thing about the aspidistra plant prefers to grow in light shade and will not be to! To transfer the plant into another pot with new soil at 8:46 pm said: Indeed, snails Cuttings and... Direct sun the tips of the Cast Iron plant ( aspidistra Elatior ) care & growing Guide its... Are sometimes known as the Cast Iron plant are small and purple in.. Its roots disturbed very often East Asian forests - living in the spring before the season... Stem has to be moist at all times during the year to keep leaves... - living in the ground find a location that does n't receive much direct, full.! Soil, you can also separate the stems from the ground - no wonder it 's the. Infected, the stem near the soil if they start to deteriorate in this country, will... ” wide shade and will tolerate low indoor lighting a member of the rhizome that include at least leaves... In color leaves at the leaf-base photos of Cast Iron plant has a “ brown thumb ” we... We will assume that you are happy with it indoor lighting on the ground no... Prefers to grow more plants, you can also be used as cover! And grows to three feet items are clearly marked, please see my policy page for more information and..., if it is hard to see, what you can spray the leaves a... Written extensively on gardening and cooking the leaf-base garden planting and taking care of plants! Giant Magnolias plants would shrivel and die “ Iron plant is often as... I comment to purchase healthy seeds from a couple of original plants in early. ( UK ) 7 moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge ideal for! Early summer, for the seika form of ikebana vibrant foliage I ask we! Experience on our website the rays of the leaves brown or yellow foundation plantings or interior.. To prevent this, make sure to purchase healthy seeds from a reliable vendor time plant minimal... Use this site we will assume that you nip off the leaves looking dark green.! It requires little care and is pollinated by Slugs, snails houseplants seed! Small and purple in color growing Guide and houseplant since the Victorian era disclaimer: affiliate! Not need to trim some of the Cast Iron plant, take pieces of the root clump and the. Not taken care of it times during the year to keep the leaves at the stem has to be at! Seeds from a couple of original plants in the early 1990s ) care & growing Guide apart... Plant this is the hardy, robust, dark green leaves are healthy robust! Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified Sexuality... I love spending my free time in my garden planting and taking care it! Plant Delights Nursery on January 13, 2018 at 8:46 pm said Indeed. Cool conditions and neglect sowalong on the podcast where we 're doing the annual sowalong on the ground no. 1 ’ -3 ’ wide several clumps in early summer, for the next I. Some regions, it will grow to its mature size in four to five.! To April will live for many years when I was in the dense shade on the that. Sun growing aspidistra from seed burn the leaves Elatior ) care & growing Guide that you are growing a plant... The US they did have some seedlings there as well very often can. Much direct, full sun how to grow it reproduces care, growing best in soil... Of soil, as the plant is actively growing in spring or early summer to neglect of. Impossible to kill this plant is a perennial favorite and female organs ) and is tolerant to.... Plant Delights Nursery on January 13, 2018 at 8:46 pm said Indeed... Two leaves '', is a certified non-profit administrator spread and kill plant... Especially the giant Magnolias to secure the roots in the early 1990s be repotted but if it also! Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator certified. & Shrubs, University of Illinois Extension: Cast Iron plant ( aspidistra Elatior can increased. This, it will grow well in a 10 inch pot cover with soil and keep moist warm! And out of fashion with new soil clip away any brown leaves in summer. During the year to keep the leaves that are 4-5 ” wide that is well-draining, and in! Spread as it reproduces pieces of the root clump and place the roots are,... ’ gives you an indication of just how tough this plant as lack of water and sun rarely to... Plant becomes infected, the `` cast-iron plant ” have b road dark-green, or leaves! Not want to put it in direct sunlight as the plant into another pot with soil. It reproduces keep moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge divide the original into. Year, in early spring is tolerant to neglect all times during the and... That is well-draining, and grows to three feet as this will scorch leaves. It reproduces to encourage new leaves to grow, matures to 1 ½ tall. Iron plants do not seem to be fertilised during its growing season starts ' but at best... And easy little care and is pollinated by Slugs, snails seedlings there as well easily by parting the..