Aspidistra elatior (Cast-Iron Plant, Bar Room Plant, Common Aspidistra, Iron Plant, Aspidistra)
Michael's Opinion
A very reliable and tough plant for those that have the 'brown thumb' with house plants.
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Aspidistra |
| Species | elatior |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | China and Japan. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8 - 10 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -15 - 5 |
| Temperature (°F) | 5 - 41 |
| Height | 0.6 - 0.9 m |
| Spread | 0.3 - 0.6 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | March, April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | An easily grown houseplant, called the iron plant for it's ability to survive significant cultural abuse. |
| Landscape | Massing in tropical landscapes, but commonly used as a potted house plant in temperate landscapes due to its tolerance of low light conditions. |
| Propagation | Division of clumps. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in well-drained, peaty potting soil, in bright but indirect light to full shade. Direct sun will bleach leaves. Water regularly from spring to autumn, but reduce watering in winter. Overwatering will cause root rot. |
| Pests | Mites and scale. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Box Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Leaf Description | Arching, lanceolate, grows up to 60 cm long and 10 cm wide directly from the rootstock on long stems. |
| Flower Description | Small and appear at soil level. Flowers don't normally appear if it's a house plant. |
| Colour Description | Leaves are glossy dark green. |
Photographs
Aspidistra elatior, form.
Aspidistra elatior, leaf.
Awards
