The Aspidistra elatior, better known as the cast-iron plant, is deserving of this common name, given that it can withstand neglect and thrive! With rocket-shaped, dark green leaves, it’s sure to make a statement wherever you place it in your home.
This plant, related to the lily family, originated in Asia, and became popular in Europe in the 1800s, where it was believed to represent middle-class prestige.
Fast forward to today, and the low-maintenance cast-iron plant’s popularity is for other reasons. If you’re a beginner plant owner and lack confidence in your ability to keep plants alive, then this is the one for you. You don’t have to do much for this plant to flourish. Your cast-iron plant can tolerate low light, and minimal fertilizing. And on top of that, it’s not poisonous.
Furthermore, as far as housewarming gifts go, a cast-iron plant is a great option because of its strength and resilience.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Botanical name | Aspidistra elatior |
| Light | Medium to bright, indirect light & can tolerate low light |
| Water | Water when the top portion of the soil is dry to the touch |
| Potting Soil | Soil that drains well |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to people and pets |
Basic Care Tips
Light Requirements
Provided that you keep your plant out of bright direct light, you can’t go wrong. Therefore, you can put this plant almost anywhere in your home.
Once again, the only rule is no exposure to direct sunlight, otherwise, the leaves will get burned.
Watering Needs
If your cast-iron plant is waterlogged, it could develop root rot. To avoid this, keep the soil dry between waterings.
One way of testing this is by placing half of your forefinger in the soil near the stem. If your finger is clean when you take it out and the soil feels dry, you need to water your plant.
On the other hand, if there’s a good amount of soil on your finger and you can feel its moisture, hold off on watering.
When watering your cast-iron plant, add enough water to the point that it starts flowing out of the pot’s drainage holes. Then pour out the water from the drainage tray.
Soil Requirements
The main requirement is potting soil that drains well.
Even cactus potting soil would suffice as it has good drainage.
If you opt to make your own potting soil, mix equal parts perlite, loam, and peat moss. Adding some sand to this, will make the drainage better.
Temperature
Temperatures that range between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C) are best for your cast-iron plant. Keep it away from locations with temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this could potentially harm your plant and affect its growth.
Fertilizing Needs
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your plant once per month with a liquid fertilizer.
Make sure the soil is moist when fertilizing your plant, or you will risk burning the plant’s roots.
Pruning Needs
Apart from removing dead leaves, your cast-iron plant does not require much pruning.
Propagating
The best way to propagate your cast-iron plant is by division.
Follow these steps:
- Remove your plant from the pot.
- Separate your plant into a minimum of two smaller pieces.
- Repot the new plants in containers with drainage holes that are relatively the same depth as the original container.
- Repot the original plant back into its former container.
Repotting Needs
You will only need to repot your cast-iron plant every few years, as this plant is not fast-growing.
Now, if you can see the roots coming through the pot’s drainage holes, this is an indication to repot your plant.
When repotting, use a container that is slightly bigger than the one your plant is currently in.
Common Issues
Yellow or Brown Leaves
Yellow or brown leaves are likely due to overwatering or too much light. In the case of overwatering, cut back on watering your plant and be sure to pour out any water that accumulates in the drainage tray. As far as too much light, move your plant to a spot with less exposure to direct sunlight.
Brown Tips on Leaves
If the tips of your plant’s leaves are brown, this is another sign of overwatering or could even be an indication of underwatering. So, check the moisture in the soil before you water your plant again and adjust your watering accordingly.
Pests
Keep your eyes open for spider mites and mealybugs, as these common bugs can affect your cast-iron plant. Treating your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap are a few ways to get rid of these pests.
Toxicity
This plant is non-toxic to people and furry pet friends.
Different types of cast-iron plants
These are a few different types of cast-iron plants:
- Lennon’s Song: Its leaves have stripes that are light green or yellow
- Variegata: Characterized by leaves that have white stripes
- Asahi: Can be identified by leaves that have white tips
Questions
How do I identify a cast-iron plant?
The easiest way to identify a cast-iron plant is by its long, stiff pointed
leaves, which measure approximately 1 foot long (30 cm) and 5 inches wide (12 cm) and are arranged in a spiral pattern.
How tall will this plant grow indoors?
Cast-iron plants can grow up to 2 feet tall (60 cm) and 2 feet wide.
Will this plant flower when grown indoors?
Cast-iron plants will not flower indoors.
Does the cast-iron plant grow fast?
No, the cast-iron plant grows slowly and reaches maturity in approximately five years.
What is the lifespan of a cast-iron plant?
Cast-iron plants are known for their longevity, often lasting years and even decades.
Conclusion
So, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginner plant parents or those who doubt their ability to keep plants alive.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that will thrive in low or bright light and doesn’t require a lot of attention from you, the cast-iron plant is a good option.
This is a great way to add some greenery to your home without doing a lot of work!