Melinda Myers

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