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Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Tough Houseplant with Hidden Flowers

Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is an ovate, glossy-leaved plant usually grown as a houseplant. In early summer, it produces fleshy, bell-shaped, cream-colored flowers with maroon interiors.

Care

Water sparingly in winter.
Site outside in full to part shade.

Propagation & Problems

Divide in spring. Usually disease-free.

Quick Reference

Height	1–3 ft.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Light	Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture	Medium
Features	Showy flowers, showy foliage
Bloom Time	Early Summer, Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Evergreen
Uses	Beds, Borders, Container, Indoor Plant
Style	Shade, Woodland Garden
Type	Perennials

Other: Best Grass for Shade: Fine Fescue and Grass-Like Alternatives; Plants for Deep Shade: Hostas, Skimmia, Camellias, and Groundcovers; Shade Tree Alternatives to Maple, Oak, and Poplar; Greenhouse Winter Prep for Highland Nepenthes in Oregon; Sourcing Large Quantities of Aspidistra Rhizomes: Wholesale Channels for Commercial Growers; Best Soil Mix for Perennials and Shade Plant List; Heavy Shade Lawn Alternatives: Beyond Grass; Establishing a Lawn Under Oak Trees with Limited Irrigation; Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior): The Near-Indestructible Houseplant; Aspidistra elatior 'Cast Iron Plant': Indestructible Low-Light Foliage

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