How to grow Aspidistra

Aspidistra elatior · cast-iron plant

Aspidistra elatior, the cast-iron plant, is a tough evergreen perennial that spreads by rhizomes and forms a clump of long, pointed, dark green leaves about 60 cm tall. It copes with low light, erratic watering and changing temperatures.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Asparagaceae
Light	Shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 5 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Planted as a young plant from a nursery while it is dormant — in early spring before the buds open, or in autumn after leaf fall.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 10 days	5…20 °C	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 44 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 74 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 104 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 134 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 164 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 20 days	5…20 °C	—

Growing notes

Light

Low or filtered light, well away from direct sun, which scorches the leaves. It survives very poor light but then grows more slowly.

Soil

A 50:50 mix of loam-based and multi-purpose compost, in a pot only slightly larger than the old one. It tolerates many soil types but not waterlogging.

Care

Water regularly from spring to autumn so the compost stays moist but never waterlogged; in winter water a little less, without letting it dry out completely. A fairly cool room at 5–20 °C suits it, and it needs no extra humidity. Feed with a general houseplant fertiliser monthly from spring to late summer, wipe the leaves now and then, and repot in spring only when roots show through the drainage holes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Pests and diseases of Aspidistra

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.