Aspidistra includes about 3 or more species of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials. Their purple or gray-white flowers are borne on rhizomes at soil level and are mostly hidden by the plant's long, elliptic leaves.
A. elatior is native to China. It has wide, dark green and leathery evergreen leaves that grow to lengths of 12-20 inches long.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot 6 inches to 3 feet 4 inches |
| Width: | 1 foot to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 7a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | Brown, Purple |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Late winter |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Liquid All Purpose Houseplant Food |
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Divide in spring.
This plant gets its common name, Cast-Iron Plant, from its extreme toughness. They can tolerate most climates, but requires partial to full shade. Generally they are grown as indoor container plants. Grows best at 45-50F (7-10C).
Not grown for their flowers.
Needs moderate to regular water. Tolerates all soils, but performs best with porous soils that are augmented with plenty of organic matter.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly once plant is established.
Disease-free for the most part. At times, prone to fungal leaf spots, algal leaf spots and slime molds. Mealybugs, scale insects, vine weevil larvae, and spider mites can cause problems.