Cast Iron plant
Aspidistra elatior-
Lighting
any lighting conditions except direct sunlight.
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Watering
Water when top soil is dry.
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Humidity
Copes well in dry air.
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Feeding
feed in spring/summer once a month.
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Temperature
10C to 25C
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Pests
none
About the Cast Iron plant
The Aspidistra is a very easy plant to care for and pretty hard to kill. It used to be popular in Victorian times as it survived in low light and cold Victorian houses which might be why it earned the name Cast Iron plant.
Its ability to cope with not very bright locations makes it a good contender for a hallway that perhaps doesn’t see a lot of daylight.
The Aspidistra can flower but it is quite rare for it to do so which is why most people buy it for its long green leaves.
Caring for your Cast Iron plant
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lighting
The only lighting that the Cast Iron plant doesn’t cope with is direct sunlight. Otherwise it will survive with little or lots of light.
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watering
Like many plants, the Cast Iron plant will suffer more from over-watering than under-watering,
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humidity
The Cast Iron plant shouldn’t require humid conditions.
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feeding
Feed monthly during spring and summer when the plant will be growing.
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temperature
It’s quite tolerant of temperature so should cope in any room of the house.
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pests
No known pests.
First aid for your Cast Iron plant
Common problems
The leaves have turned yellow
Yellow leaves can mean you’re overwatering or your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Try watering less and moving the Aspidistra to a location with indirect light.
Need some more help?
Do you own this plant and have any tips to offer?
Is your plant not doing too well and you'd like some advice on how to help it?
Why not ask others for help or leave some advice below.