Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

This easy-care houseplant has long, wide, strappy leaves that arise in clumps directly from the soil. As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is a fantastic plant if you want something that you can almost forget about. Tolerant of lower light conditions and minimal watering,. aspidistra is slow growing, but will form a large, thick clump over time. Established plants can be divided into smaller sections by cutting through the roots to create new plants. Aspidistra are readily available in several variegated forms and a flecked spotted cultivar too. Although grown for the showy foliage it is common for these plants to flower, however few people ever see them. This is because they are tucked in between the leaves very low down at soil level hiding out of sight.

Growing Conditions

Aspect Aspidistra will be happy in most areas of the house. If in a lower light position, consider changing plants over from time to time with a second plant grown in an area with higher light levels. Alternatively, rotate plants every six with others tolerant of low light conditions including ZZ plant, devil’s ivy or Chinese money plant.

Soil Use Seasol Indoor Potting Mix a premium potting mix especially formulated for indoor plants.

Potting: Aspidistra plants growth bursts each year during the warmer months. You can expect these plants to live very happily for many years. They will grow to a very large size over time, if they are given appropriate nutrition and potted up into larger containers

Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant) - Indoor Plants
Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant)

General care

Watering Potted aspidistra must be allowed to dry out completely and will tolerate going 3-6 weeks between watering. Water thoroughly when you do water and allow sufficient time for water to drain. If they are in a decorative cover pot remove while watering and replace once it has drained.

Divide the clump when they are filling the pot or pot up once a year using 1-2 pot sizes up only.

Feeding A liquid or granular fertiliser can be used. Apply granular PowerFeed Controlled Release Pots & Plants for Indoor & Outdoors once every season. It combines a premium mix of nutrients, seaweed, and microbes for all plants in pots. Supplement or apply a liquid fertiliser such as PowerFeed PRO SERIES Pots & Planters or PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives every 2 to 4 weeks from spring to autumn and less often in winter.

For a ready-to-use no mixing formula, apply PowerFeed Indoor & Potted Plants 1.25 Lt trigger spray to the soil. This easy-to-use liquid fertiliser and soil conditioner helps to improve your soil and feed your plants. Apply every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season and monthly in winter if needed.

Watch out Aspidistras are very prone to scale so check and monitor the foliage front and back regularly. Treat as soon as any scale is seen. Wipe both sides of the foliage with a soft cloth soaked in warm soapy water or treat with EarthCare Enviro Pest Oil insect spray.