Aspidistra elatior

cast iron plant
A favorite for deep shade. In the ground or in a pot, grows upright, slowly spreads. Tolerates neglect, low light.
Aspidistra elatior
height 18–30in
width 12–18in
tolerates Cold, Drought, Narrow Planting, Pots, Neglect
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant regularly and deeply when the top layer of soil is dry (down to an inch or so) to establish over several years and then every two to four weeks in dry months. Aspidistra will survive even less water, but won’t look healthy and lush.
hardy
to		 10F
exposure Deep Shade – Part Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Japan
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 4–9, 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

A favorite for shade, this plant easily sunburns. Thin out old leaves yearly to keep the patch looking fresh.

Special Interest

If you are patient and watchful you may find an aspidistra flower, which are quite unique. They bloom from underground and open at ground level, looking like a fleshy purple star anise seed pod. Occasionally they will bloom so low that looking into the flower is actually looking below soil level.