As the name implies, the cast iron plant is a tough, no-nonsense plant for indoors or out.
Likepothos,snake plants, andZZ plants, low-maintenance cast iron plants (Aspidistraspp.)
are perfect houseplants for beginning growers.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Heres what you oughta know to successfully grow cast iron plants.
Inside, they grow in nearly every jot down of location.
Placing them in an east-facing or north-facing window works well, although the plant also enjoys a southern exposure.
Credit: Alice O’Brien
They enjoyslightly acidicandwell-draining soilindoors and out.
If youre using cast iron plants outside, space them at least 1 foot apart.
Increase soil acidity by adding compost made from high-acid materials like coffee grounds or organic mulch.
Credit: Blaine Moats
The container must provide adequate drainage.
Cast Iron Plant Care Tips
Light
A cast iron plant thrives in low-light environments.
If youre keeping it as a houseplant, it needs only dim,indirect lightto survive.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Soil and Water
These plants enjoy a rich, soil withadded amendmentssuch as bark or perlite.
The soil should have good drainage and dry out well in between full soakings.
If you are planting these outside, be aware of your areas weather conditions.
If the temperature is warm without precipitation for a few days, you should water more often.
Temperature and Humidity
Cast iron plants do not enjoy extreme temperatures.
These plants are native to rainforests; they tolerate humidity and enjoy moist air quality.
Fertilizer
This plant, like many houseplants, benefits from fertilization.
You should fertilize your cast iron plant during the growing season from late spring to early summer.
If your cast iron plant is a houseplant, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer according to the product instructions.
If it grows outdoors, a granular fertilizer is usually a better choice.
Avoid over-fertilizing, otherwise the leaves will lose their variegation and turn solid green.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary, but removing damaged or diseased foliage improves the plants appearance.
If you grow this plant outside, manage its size by cutting leaves at the base of the plant.
After you repot the plant without disturbing the roots, place it back where it was situated.
If you see these on the plants leaves, wash the leaves with lukewarm water to drown the bugs.
If this doesnt do the trick,apply neem oilor insecticidal soap to the leaves.
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in the seeds of the neem tree.
It repels insects, reduces feeding, and disrupts their hormones, preventing growth and egg-laying.
How to Propagate Cast Iron Plant
Propagating cast iron plants isdone by divisionand is simple to accomplish.
Replant these divisions immediately in a container with well-draining soil or in a prepared garden bed.
When taking root, these baby plants need adequate watering.
Dont let the plant dry out until it is established.
Its leaves are 24 inches tall, and it prefers shady spots in the garden.
It is named after Robin Lennon of Central Florida Foliage, who found the plant in his fields.
When grown outside, these plants may produce flowers in the winter months.
Hoshi-Zora
Aspidistra elatiorHoshi-Zora is a Japanese cultivar with a name that translates to starry skies.
The name is fitting because this plant has green leaves with white speckles.
This cultivar is the hardiest of the spottedAspidistraplants and has leaves that grow up to 30 inches tall.
Singapore Sling
Aspidistra yingjiangensisSingapore Sling was discovered by plantsman Alan Galloway during his excursions to Thailand.
It is a unique version of cast iron plant with thin 3-foot-long leaves.
The leaves are green with many white speckles.
It is the tallest of the spotted cast iron plant versions and isdeer-resistantas well.
It flowers in late winter with small purple flowers that form at the base of the plant.
It thrives in thehumidityof southern states and works well as a houseplant in northern states.
Snow Cap
Aspidistra elatiorSnow Cap is a cast iron plant from Japan.
It has green leaves with striking bright white tips.
These work well in a woodland shade garden where they brighten the surroundings with their bright white hue.
Trillium
Trillium, also called wood lily, is a graceful perennial for a shady spot.
Plant it where you could enjoy its spring blossoms.
It takes up to five years to bloom, but it is worth the wait.
It grows only 6 inches tall but spreads 12 inches wide, so it needs room to expand.
It often dies back to the ground in late summer.
They begin blooming near the end of bulb season.
These easy-to-grow perennials prefer partial shade and soil that isnt too damp.
They grow to 12 inches tall.
Fuschia
Fuschiaplants with their striking blooms are ideal for a burst of color in shady areas.
The plant is hardy in Zones 8-10 and grows as an annual in most places.
It grows up to 3 feet tall when planted in the garden.
Fuschia needs well-draining soil.
It doesnt like to sit in water, but it likes to be moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cast iron plants that grow outdoors bloom in spring.
The blooms are inconspicuous and located close to the ground.
When grown as houseplants, they rarely bloom.
These plants are slow growers and dont reach maturity for 35 years.
Indoors or out, this hardy plant is long-lived.
Cast iron plants have been known to last about 50 years with only minimal care.
Neem Oil Fact Sheet.National Pesticide Information Center.
