Aspidistra elatior

cast iron plant
Evergreen perennial for shade and pots grows upright, slowly spreads. As houseplant tolerates neglect, low light.
height 1–3ft
width 1–3ft
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		 0F
exposure Deep Shade – Part Shade
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

Growing Notes

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.