Easy to Grow Plants Cast Iron Plant by Elyssa Goins 2 years ago by Elyssa Goins Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she's been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Published: September 12, 2022Last Updated on September 26, 2023 This article was fact checked. Helpful: 100% Share 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 145 Table of Contents Toggle DescriptionFactsCast Iron Plant Care The Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra Elatior) receives its common name for its ability to withstand neglect. A nice and easy to care for foliage house plant. Even the worst plant neglecter can keep the A. elatior alive and well with its tolerant attitude to light, dry air and lack of watering. There are still a few conditions a grower has to provide and take care of, which are very easy. Over-watering and re-potting too often seem to be the main problems that can cause this species problems. View on Amazon Description A native to Japan and Taiwan the Aspidistra elatior is a hardy garden plant and very easy to grow ornamental plant for indoors. It has been known to bloom tiny flowers near the base of the foliage, although this seems to be a very rare occasion for growers – so its mainly grown for its foliage. How it looks and leaves: There is a green foliage type and a variegated that displays cream colored stripes along the outer edge and/or the center of each leaf. The base of the leaves are rolled, then opens out and narrows in to a point. The linear leaves grow over a foot long and 5 inches wide – which display prominent ribs. Each of the leaves are grown from a stem that can be separated with its roots for growing new plants. You may also want to clean the leaves with a soft sponge (and water) to keep them looking attractive and dust free. Did you know?: Your probably too young to remember Gracie Fields (very famous), well she created a hit song called the “biggest aspidistria in the world” back in the 1930s. Some of you may remember the Parkinson show (if your from the UK ), well Gracie Fields sang it on the show. Facts Origin:Japan & Taiwan.Names:Cast iron plant (common). Aspidistra elatior (botanical/scientific).Max Growth (approx):Height 36 in (91 cm).Poisionous for pets:Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cast Iron Plant Care Temperature:Average warmth is fine of approximately 60-75°F (15-24°C) and no lower than 45°F (8°C). They will tolerate much lower temperatures.Light:A brightly lit room is good but not essential. They’re fine with low levels of light, but it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight which will damage the leaves.Watering:Water once the top one inch of soil becomes dry. Water less during winter and do not over water. Over watering to the degree that the soil becomes soggy for a period of time – can cause the plant to die. The Aspidistra elatior is drought tolerant so if it misses being watered even for a month it will look unwell but be right back with you once care and water is given again.Soil:Most well draining potting mixes will suffice and good drainage holes at the bottom of the pot is advised.Fertilizer:During the main growing season (spring – summer) feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer which is diluted, once a month.Re-Potting:Re-pot only when needed (spring) or once every 2 – 3 years.Humidity:Average house humidity is advised but the cast iron plant can tolerate dry air conditions.Propagation:Propagate by division when its re-potting time.Pruning:Prune leaves at the stem (near to the soil as possible) when they are deteriorating. When you have too many stems and the plant becomes oversized the plant can be divided (roots and stems). Divisions can be re-potted to create new cast iron plants. View on Amazon Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback! Elyssa GoinsElyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail previous post Conophytum ficiforme next post Eternal Flame Plant 0 0 votes Article Rating Subscribe Login Notify of new follow-up comments new replies to my comments Label {} [+] Name* Email* Website Δ Label {} [+] Name* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1 Comment Oldest Newest Most Voted Inline Feedbacks View all comments Bertram Routt 9 months ago Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
