Aspidistra elatior

Cast Iron Plant

(6 customer reviews)

Elegant deep green, spear-shaped leaves are held on narrow stalks on this almost indestructible houseplant.

Aspidistra elatior tolerates unheated shady rooms as well as low humidity and periods of drought.

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These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.

Origin: South East Asia
Genus: Aspidistra
Species / Cultivar: elatior
Common Name: Cast Iron Plant

Plant Biography

This lovely South East Asian species lives up to its nickname of ‘Cast Iron Plant.’ It is especially common growing wild in China and Vietnam. Some sources suggest this is also one of the foliage plants used historically in Japan as a way of separating foods in traditional bento boxes.

This is a species in the notoriously diverse Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). They occasionally produce strange reddish-pink flowers nestled right in the soil at the base of the plant.

Aspidistra elatior
Light: Low
This plant will tolerate shadier positions with only a little natural light.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Growth Rate: Slow
Expect to see quite small amounts of growth over the years.
Water Requirement: Light Watering
Water when several cm of soil depth is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: Medium
Easygoing in regular home conditions, keep away from cold draughts and heat sources.
Maintenance: A little
Easy to care for, just keep an eye on any extra environmental needs such as humidity.

Expert Tip

Many people are surprised to hear that Aspidistra can grow remarkably well planted outside in milder areas. They are hardy down to -5C, though understandably they will not retain their usual impeccable neatness as a rugged outdoor specimen!
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

This is a notoriously slow growing plant, which is great for smaller spaces or a disinterest in repotting. However with bright indirect light and more attentive watering and feeding they can eventually grow to handsome clumps of 50-60cm or more.
Very quick delivery and a very well packaged plant. Great service, thank you very much.

Julie Gale

Very quick delivery and a very well packaged plant. Great service, thank you very much.

6 customer reviews for Aspidistra elatior

have had 3 plants from you all good service except the delivery firm who you have now changed and gave me a free delivery so well pleased all in excellent condition

ray tomlinson –

Very quick delivery and a very well packaged plant. Great service,thank you very much.

Julie Gale –

This plant was even better than imagined on arrival, the packaging had kept it well protected (even though it had been stood in torrential rain outside) and it looks gorgeous in its new position. I bought the 3ltr pot, and it has so many more leaves/stalks than I expected- great proportions and lots of new-ish leaves. Very happy, thank you.

Catherine –

Superb plant, prompt efficient service

Tony Potter –

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