• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Cast Iron Plant

Botanical Name
Aspidistra elatior
Min Zone
8
Max Zone
10
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

Related Content

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW