The cast iron plant is a slow growing evergreen, herby plant which grows to about 32 inches tall. Unlike classic palms, the cast iron plant does not have a trunk. Its long, lanceolate, stalked leaves grow directly from the extremely woody, creeping rhizome, which gives it its compact and voluminous appearance.
How do I identify a cast iron plant?
How it looks and leaves: There is a green foliage type and a variegated that displays cream colored stripes along the outer edge and/or the center of each leaf. The base of the leaves are rolled, then opens out and narrows in to a point.
Where do cast iron plants grow?
Cast iron plant is a shade plant that needs to be in a location that receives filtered to deep shade. While soil quality is not a concern for this plant, it does prefer soil that is characteristically rich, fertile, and well draining.
How do you take care of a cast iron plant?
Water young cast-iron plants regularly to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Soil that remains wet for too long can cause root rot. Water established plants deeply, and then let the soil dry out a few inches down before watering again.
Can cast iron plants take full sun?
Cast iron plant can be grown outdoors in all regions of Florida and does equally well in filtered and deep shade—just don't plant it in full sun. The lance-shaped leaves of this evergreen perennial grow upright and reach 12 to 20 inches tall.
Is cast iron plant toxic to humans?
But the Cast Iron Plant is an exception to the rule: it is entirely non-toxic and safe for pets, children and anyone else who might be tempted to eat a houseplant.
What are cast iron plants good for?
Using cast iron plant in the landscape is common as a groundcover under trees where other plants fail to thrive and in other hard-to-grow areas. You can also use it as a background plant in your flower bed or along with azaleas for a nice, in-between filler plant.
Should I cut brown tips off cast iron plant?
It is very important to make sure that you keep your plants free of dust for optimal health. Your cast iron plant may get brown tips on the leaves. If this happens, I simply cut off the brown tips with scissors. Brown tips can be an indication that your plant has been kept too dry.
How long do cast iron plants live?
They also have incredible potential for longevity, with lots of anecdotal stories of peoples Aspidistra's reaching 50 years of age and beyond. The most common variety of Aspidistra is the one with all green leaves, A.
Should I cut yellow leaves off cast iron plant?
Leaves turning yellow or brown Avoid direct light, and make sure you are not overwatering your plant. In the meantime, remove any damaged leaves by simply cutting with clean scissors or a blade at the base of the stem.
How do I get my cast iron plant to grow more leaves?
You won't have to prune your cast iron plant much. Just cut or pull off any dry or yellowing leaves you see so the plant can redirect resources to healthy growth. If you notice a LOT of dead or dying leaves, make sure you aren't over- or underwatering and that your plant isn't in direct sunlight.
Do cast iron plants like to be root bound?
Your cast iron plant will tolerate being a bit rootbound, but it doesn't like its roots disturbed. At most, transplanting should happen every 2-3 years. There's two reasons to transplant: to propagate new plants or to provide more room for larger ones.
Why is my cast iron plant dying?
Browning on cast iron plant leaves can be caused by under watering, overwatering, or too much direct light. If you cast iron plant's leaves are turning a crispy brown and drooping it's most likely thirsty, but if the leaves are turning dark brown and soft it's watered too often.
Can cast iron plants survive winter?
In addition to being able to withstand cold temperatures, cast iron plants are hardy in zones 7 through 11, so they can take our summer heat. Evergreen in winter, they are also a cool, refreshing green in summer.
Can cast iron plant grow in water?
Since cast iron plants don't like to sit in water, you'll want to find a fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. Try a nice, light cactus mix and a pot that's about 2 inches wider than the root ball of your plant so it has a little room to grow.
How long do cast iron plants live?
They also have incredible potential for longevity, with lots of anecdotal stories of peoples Aspidistra's reaching 50 years of age and beyond. The most common variety of Aspidistra is the one with all green leaves, A.
How much water does a cast iron plant need?
You can water your Cast Iron Plant when its top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Just stick your finger into the soil every ten days or so, and water when those two inches are dry. The most important aspect of watering your Cast Iron Plant is to avoid overwatering.
What type of soil does a cast iron plant prefer?
Cast iron plant prefers a rich, fertile soil, but it will tolerate a range of soil conditions.
How tall do lance-shaped leaves get?
The lance-shaped leaves of this evergreen perennial grow upright and reach 12 to 20 inches tall. They're traditionally a rich, glossy green but a number of improved cultivars have variegated leaves that delight gardeners with cream- or yellow-colored stripes or spots.
Can you grow cast iron plants in Florida?
Cast iron plant can be grown outdoors in all regions of Flori da and does equally well in filtered and deep shade—just don't plant it in full sun.
Do cast iron plants need fertilizer?
After that they'll be quite drought-tolerant, though they will perform better if watered periodically. Likewise, your plants won't require regular fertilization but will respond well to feeding in spring or summer. For more information on cast iron plant, contact your county Extension office.
Is cast iron plant a groundcover?
This slow, spreading habit is what makes cast iron plant such an effective and easy-care groundcover. This versatile plant can even be grown as a bulletproof houseplant, and it's especially suited for homes and offices that don't receive much light. Cast iron plant is known scientifically as Aspidistra elatior and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness ...
What Makes A Cast Iron Plant Bloom?
Unfortunately, botanical interest towards aspidistras didn’t take hold until the 1980s, when the 8 or 10 known species suddenly began to expand.
What Do The Blooms Look Like?
When you think of flowers, you probably picture a bunch of petals arrayed in some shape around the plant’s sexual organs and sitting somewhere on or even towering above the plant.
Does The Cast Iron Plant Flower?
Believe it or not, cast iron plants do produce flowers, and your’s may have bloomed without you or your family even noticing.
How tall does a cast iron plant grow?
Although a slow grower, this reliable performer will live for many years, reaching a mature height of around 2 feet (61 cm.).
What is a cast iron plant?
The cast iron plant ( Aspidistra elatior ), also known as iron plant and ballroom plant, is an extremely hardy houseplant and a perennial favorite in some regions. Growing cast iron plants is especially favored by those who don’t have a lot of time for plant care, as this species can survive even the most extreme conditions where other plants would shrivel and die, which makes cast iron plant care a snap. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow a cast iron plant indoors or using cast iron plants in the landscape.
How to propagate cast iron plants?
Propagate cast iron plants by division. Although new plants are slow to grow, with some patience and time, the new plant will thrive.
Is cast iron a good indoor plant?
Growing cast iron indoors is extremely easy and rewarding. This China native is a member of the lily family. The plant has small purple flowers that only appear near the soil surface and are hidden in its foliage. For what this plant may lack in glitz, however, it makes up for in robust, healthy, dark green leaves.
Can cast iron plants tolerate water?
Although the cast iron plant will tolerate extreme conditions, it’s always a good idea to provide plenty of water, especially during very dry periods.
Can insects leave cast iron plants alone?
Insects seem to leave it alone, and it very rarely is bothered by disease of any kind. When you want a plant with such ease of care and flexibility or when all else fails, give this easy-care plant a try. Grow cast iron indoors or try your hand at using cast iron plant in the landscape for a unique look. Printer Friendly Version.
Can you use cast iron as a groundcover?
Using cast iron plant in the landscape is common as a groundcover under trees where other plants fail to thrive and in other hard-to-grow areas. You can also use it as a background plant in your flower bed or along with azaleas for a nice, in-between filler plant.
Why is the Cast Iron Plant called the Cast Iron Plant?
In fact, because it's fully capable of dealing with poor light, murky conditions as well as poor air quality, warm or cold temperatures it received its nickname: Cast Iron Plant for its near indestructibility. It famously even appeared in the 1936 novel " Keep the Aspidistra Flying " by George Orwell ...
When do cast iron plants emerge?
New Cast Iron Plant leaves often emerge from the soil in Springtime. By the time September has arrived the new leaves from the Spring are indistinguishable from the older ones and that's the end of that year's growth cycle. Once established and mature, the leaves do not change from year to year, although it's normal for older Aspidistra leaves ...
Why are my sage leaves turning yellow?
The odd leaf going yellow is normal and not something to be worried about. However if the leaves are going yellow on mass, or one at a time but over a long period this is a problem and is often caused by one of the following: 1 Cold temperatures: Exposure to very cold temperatures or heavy Frost can cause a rapid and mass yellowing effort. 2 Too frequent repotting: Try not to disturb the roots of the plant. The number one way of doing this is by repotting. If you're repotting a mature plant more than once every three years it's too frequent. 3 Too much water: If it had the choice an Aspidistra would rather be too dry than too wet. The soil should only ever be moist never soaked or sodden. If the soil is too saturated with water the roots will suffer and this is typically reflected in a large number of leaves taking it in turn to yellow up and die off.
How long do purple aspidistra flowers last?
It's normal to only get one flower at a time, and typically each one will last for a few weeks. Only mature plants will produce flowers and the light levels need to be reasonably good.
Why do purple aspidistra flowers stay in the ground?
Flowers emerge out of the ground and stay at soil level, this is because they're pollinated by slugs, snails and Amphipods out in their natural habitat . The purple Aspidistra Flowers are unusual for an indoor plant but not unheard of.
How tall can a sage plant grow?
The maximum height and spread for these plants is usually no more than 1m / 3ft at most. Realistically many plants will never reach that height and so 50cm / 1.5ft is pretty standard.
Why are my sage tips turning brown?
Perhaps near a radiator or open fire. Warm conditions are fine in short bursts, but over long periods brown tips can be a problem. Improving humidity levels around the plant should help. Thirdly, pests such as Spider Mites can cause brown tips over time, although this is the least likely reason out of the three.
What is cast iron plant?
Cast iron plants (also known as aspidistra elatior) are houseplants that require moderate sunlight and are very low-maintenance plants. They all function more or less the same in terms of growth and care, but the differences lie mainly within their features.
How tall do hoshi zora plants get?
The hoshi-zora is one of the most vigorous cultivars that has long leaves that grow up to 3-feet tall. It also sports spots that are each widely spaced apart from each other.
What is a flowing fountain?
Aspidistra ebianensis ‘Flowing Fountains’ is a unique cast iron plant. It was first transported stateside as an un-named clone of Aspidistra lurida from China’s Wuhan Botanical Garden by botanist Hayes Jackson.
What is a variegata?
Variegata is one of the simpler, easier-to-find varieties in the cast iron family, but it’ll still give your home that hint of accentuation that it needs to make your home look lively.
How tall are the leaves of the Akebono plant?
The akebono plant has leaves that are 30” tall. Each leaf on this variety is highlighted with a narrow and creamy yellow streak in the middle of the leaf. Towards the end of the winter season, they flower at ground level.
What color are the leaves on a sage plant?
The leaves on this variety come with either light green stripes or yellow stripes. The color patterns on all of the varieties may be similar, but the features that they come with are different. All of these varieties can serve as the “missing piece” to complement any home.
Where does the green gant come from?
The Alishan Green Gant is another cast iron type that can easily be grown as a houseplant. It has a rich heritage and comes from Taiwan’s Mt. Alishan.
How big does a cast iron plant grow?
The Cast Iron Plant is a slow grower, not showing too much growth over time. It will grow up to two feet tall and two to three feet wide.
How to propagate cast iron?
Follow these instructions to propagate your plant: Remove from pot - Remove a mature Cast Iron from its pot (or do this when you are repotting). Separate the roots - With your hands, gently separate a root cluster (rhizome) for propagation.
Why are my cast iron leaves turning brown?
If you see yellow or brown leaves on your Cast Iron, the most likely cause is either waterlogged soil (while these plants like to remain evenly moist, they do not like soggy soil), or your plant is getting too much light. Avoid direct light, and make sure you are not overwatering your plant.
Why are my plants brown tips?
If your plant has brown tips, it’s possible your plant is underwatered. While the Cast Iron is a very resilient plant, like any other greenery it will show distress if neglected for long periods of time. If you do not suspect underwatering, consider the possibility of mineral accumulation. Some areas have tap water that is too high in minerals for watering indoor plants. If this is possibly the case, try leaving a full watering can out overnight before watering your plants.
How long does it take for a cast iron plant to settle?
Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home. Shop the Cast Iron Plant at leonandgeorge.com.
When to repot cast iron?
When to repot - Cast Iron Plants have strong roots and will show you when it’s time ! When the plant begins to “bust” out of its pot, it’s time for a new home.
Can cast iron be grown in direct sunlight?
This plant does best in medium to low light. While the Cast Iron doesn’t mind bright indirect light, keep it out of direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves.
