This plant can survive lots of neglect and growing conditions that will kill many other plants, such as substantial shade. It has arching, lance-shaped, deep green, glossy leaves that can reach around 2 feet long and 4 inches wide.

When grown outdoors, it sometimes produces insignificant cream and purple flowers near the base of the plant, but the blossoms usually do not appear when the plant is grown indoors. The cast-iron plant has a fairly slow growth rate, and spring is generally the best time to plant it.

The Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra Elatior) receives its common name for its ability to withstand neglect. A nice and easy to care for foliage house plant.

Even the worst plant neglecter can keep the A. elatior alive and well with its tolerant attitude to light, dry air and lack of watering. There are still a few conditions a grower has to provide and take care of, which are very easy. Over-watering and re-potting too often seem to be the main problems that can cause this species problems.

A native to Japan and Taiwan the Aspidistra elatior is a hardy garden plant and very easy to grow ornamental plant for indoors. It has been known to bloom tiny flowers near the base of the foliage, although this seems to be a very rare occasion for growers – so its mainly grown for its foliage.

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. The linear leaves grow over a foot long and 5 inches wide – which display prominent ribs. Each of the leaves are grown from a stem that can be separated with its roots for growing new plants. You may also want to clean the leaves with a soft sponge (and water) to keep them looking attractive and dust free.

We’ll be sharing more about this plant in future.