Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Indestructible Foliage for Deep Shade

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) earns its name by tolerating deep shade, neglect, dust, and temperature fluctuations. It forms clumps of broad, lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves (up to 2 feet long) that rise directly from rhizomes.

Features

Slow-growing to 2–3 feet tall and wide. Rarely flowers indoors; small, purple-brown flowers appear at soil level. Variegated cultivars exist. Extremely long-lived—specimens over 50 years are known.

Culture

Deep to moderate shade; well-drained soil. Water when top inch of soil dries. Tolerates drought once established. Fertilize sparingly. Hardy in zones 7–11; excellent houseplant everywhere.

Taxonomy

• Family: Asparagaceae
• Genus: Aspidistra
• Species: elatior