Getting known as nearly an indestructible plant, Cast Iron Plant decorates everywhere regardless of interior or outdoor places. In addition to its reputation on being a durable plant, it has a few local names such as bar-room plant and ballroom plant. Also, its botanic name is Aspidistra Elatior. Fundamentally, this plant is native to far-east countries like Japan and Taiwan.
General information
Cast Iron Plant generally has arching broad bright evergreen foliage (some have variegated and stipped foliage) and herbaceous stems. Due to having such features, it is quite similar to the Corn plant. However, Cast Iron Plant is a considerably more durable plant. Although being easy to maintain, but it grows slowly. Under natural conditions, it blooms light purple in summer. Especially, its lower parts blossoms. However, you may rarely see these flowers indoor spaces. Its height may reach up to 3 ft (1 m). In terms of its life cycle, it is a perennial plant. By the way, such plants are completely safe for pets (cats and dogs).
How to Care For Aspidistra Elatior
Sunlight: In spite of having durability, this plant is vulnerable to long-term direct sunlight. Instead, semi-shade indoor and sheltered outdoor spots are the best for this type of plant. Also, it tolerates low light.
Watering: Weekly regular watering is necessary for this plant. To a certain time, it tolerates irregular watering. But yet, the soil should be watered evenly. In winter, it needs less water due to being dormant.
Humidity: Aspidistra Elatior can also grow without being found in humid settings. But humidity helps better thrive. For example, humidifiers, a wet tray filled with pebbles, and water spray meet its humid needs.
Temperature: Around 65 F is the perfect temperature for Cast Iron Plant. As for the broader range, in-between 50F – 90F is quite livable degrees. Also, it endures sudden temperature changes. According to the USDA plant hardiness map, 6-11 zones are the best.
Soil Type: Organic matter-rich soils have great positive effects on this plant. First of all, it provides quick and healthy growth. Also, well-drained and well-ventilated soils ensure the plant breathes.
Fertilizer: In its growing season, fertilizing monthly will suffice. Liquid fertilizers diluted to half strength do a great job.
Propagation: The division is one of the well-known ways to propagate. In particular, this propagation way is recommended for this plant.
Repotting: In the spring months, repotting could be ordinarily done once three years. Specifically, overgrown plants and heavily damaged pots make it necessary. As usual, the next pot should be larger than the current one. For example, If the first pot is an animal planter, the second one could be a gabion planter.
Common Problems
Scorch Leaves: Long-term direct sunlight and too dry soil lead to this problem.
Bug infestation: Aphids, Mites, Scales, and other bugs are a great trouble to Cast Iron Plant. They cause brown spots on leaves. In such problems, early intervention is vital. Otherwise, these bugs kill the plant.
Suggestions for problems: As I noted above, Cast Iron Plant is one of the most durable plants. Diseases and problems do not easily come around to this plant. But two possible problems (scorch leaves and bug infestation) can mostly occur. So cut the burned ones, find a better spot for healthy growth, and go on the plant’s routine care. When it comes to bug infestation, there are a few ways to cope with these little creatures. For example, alcohol-based wipes and insecticidal soaps are quite effective solutions.
