The cast iron plant
(Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)Don’t be deceived by the papery dark green leaves of Aspidistra elatior, the cast iron plant, this tropical looking house plant is as hard as nails and will take everything you throw at it.
The cast iron plant has been a staple of the houseplant world in Britain as long as people have kept houseplants. It was a popular choice for wealthy Victorians, keen to bring the outside in.
Aspidistra have a high tolerance for low light, cold temperatures, forgetful watering and all round plant neglect. Perfect if you’re looking for a no fuss, east care green edition to even the darkest corner of your home.
How to care for a cast iron plant
Ultimately, as long as your aspidistra is not in full sun all day, and you water it occasionally you won’t kill it. But, if you want it to thrive, there are a few things you can do to recreate its natural environment in your own home.
Endemic to the forest understory of Japan and Taiwan, Aspidistras enjoy filtered light, warm temperatures and reasonably high humidity. Position away from a window, ideally in a kitchen or bathroom, rooms in the house that are typically more humid.
Your aspidistra does need some light, although they can survive short periods of time in total darkness. If you have a windowless bathroom, you could keep a couple of cast iron plants on rotation, to give you that jungle feel, where most plants really struggle.
Watch out for the mysterious purple and white flowers that emerge from the base of the plant, only growing a couple of centimetres tall. Something I am yet to witness!
How to propagate a cast iron plant
Aspidistra can be easily propagated by division. As slow growing plants, you’ll probably only need to do this if you’re plant has outgrown its pot (this takes a long time) or you want to share your Aspidistra with friends.
It’s worth keeping in mind that cast iron plants resent root disturbance, so limit this activity to only when it’s absolutely necessary, and do it in autumn or winter when your plant is naturally dormant.
To divide your cast iron plant you’ll need another pot for the divisions to be planted in. Make sure the pot is substantial enough to support the leaves, Aspidistra a there are drainage holes in the bottom),and some peat-free compost.
Slide your fingers between the stems of your Aspidistra to support the root ball, and carefully turn the plant on its side to remove the pot. If your cast iron plant is mature, the roots should hold the compost together, with less established plants the compost may fall away, this is ok! You can now carefully pry apart the plant into smaller clumps.
Remember two things when you’re doing this, as Aspidistras despise root disturbance, divide as much as you dare, to save you having to do it again in future, but keep in mind they are often slow to grow new leaves, so if a bushy plant is your ambition, divide with caution!
Repot the clumps at the same level they were before, and water well to settle the compost around the roots. The following spring, new leaves should unfurl from the base of the plant.
