Learn All About Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) with our Guide
Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) is native to China and Japan. It is part of the Lily family and gets its common name of the Cast Iron Plant due to it being virtually impossible to kill. It was first popular in the Victorian times as it was able to tolerate the heat from gas lamps and coal fires. It can cope with an impressive amount of neglect and even loves being pot bound.
Light |
Bright indirect light is best for the Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) to thrive, however it will tolerate low light conditions very well too. |
Watering |
When it comes to watering your Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant), it is best to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Water approximately once every 10 days throughout the growing season (March-September) and allow the soil to dry out between watering. However as the cast iron name suggests, it will be forgiving if watering is less frequent as it likes to be kept on the drier side. Reduce watering in the Winter Months. |
Humidity |
Humidity is not important for the Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) as it can cope well in dry or humid air. |
Temperature |
The Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) prefers temperatures between 7c-29c which means they have no problem with average household temperatures. |
Fertilizer |
Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) like to be fed occasionally in the growing season (March-September). Feed once every two to three months with an all-purpose houseplant food. |
Toxicity |
Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) are completely non-toxic. |
Additional Care Information |
Wipe the leaves of your Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) occasionally with a clean slightly damp cloth to improve photosynthesis and get rid of any dust. Repot no more than once a year as they don’t like being disturbed and prefer their roots tight. |
Troubleshooting |
If your Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) has brown tips on the leaves the most common reason is underwatering or it could be too close to a heat source. The odd leaf going yellow is normal however if all leaves are affected it could be due to overwatering, too frequent repotting or exposure to cold temperatures. |
The information above is written by Plantila and should be used as a guide only. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any additional advice. If you have purchased a plant at Plantila that's not doing so well please send us a picture via WhatsApp to 028 42 798478 and we will try to help.