Cast Iron Plant

Botanical Name

Aspidistra elatior

Min Zone

Max Zone

Height

2 to 3 feet

Width

1 to 2 feet

Flowers

Spring: insignificant creamy-purple at soil line, not usual for plants growing indoors

Light

Part to full shade, bright indirect light

Soil

Well-drained, peaty potting mix

Planting & Care

Does not require a humid atmosphere
Best sited in bright indirect light
Mostly grown indoors as a houseplant, but used in southern landscapes as a groundcover
Water thoroughly whenever the soil is dry
Only fertilize actively growing plants in need of a nutrient boost
The large flat leaves benefit from an occasional cleaning, wipe off any dust with a damp cloth several times a year

Problems

None serious

Varieties

Amanogawa - dark green leaves marked with long creamy white and yellow stripes and creamy white speckles
Lennon's Song - narrow foliage with irregular bands of muted yellow
Milky May - black and green leaves with white spots
Variegata - leaves streaked with white stripes
Ginga Minor - 15 inch long leaves spotted with yellow