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Aspidistra

Common name: Cast iron plant · Bar-room plant

Aspidistra A genus of tough evergreen perennials from East Asia in the asparagus family, grown for their upright, arching, lance-shaped leaves that emerge directly from creeping rhizomes. Aspidistra earned the name cast iron plant for its legendary tolerance of deep shade, neglect, and temperature swings, which made it a fixture of dim Victorian parlors. It grows slowly, asking for little more than occasional watering and freedom from harsh direct sun.

Care summary

Sun Low light to shade; avoid direct sun
Water Sparse; let soil dry between waterings
Soil Any well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Its 'cast iron' nickname comes from its near-indestructibility as a houseplant.
  • Its small, fleshy, purple-brown flowers bloom at soil level and are pollinated by ground-dwelling creatures.
  • It was immensely popular in Victorian homes because it survived gas fumes and dim rooms.
  • Variegated cultivars with white-striped leaves are highly prized in Japan.

Common problems

    • Let soil surface dry between waterings
    • Trim brown tips with clean scissors
    • Keep out of hot dry drafts
    • Wipe scales off with damp cloth
    • Treat with insecticidal soap
    • Repeat treatment every week
    • Rinse foliage under the shower
    • Raise humidity around the plant
    • Move plant away from windows
    • Provide shade or filtered light