Aspidistra elatior
Well-known for its toughness and durability , the aspidistra was given its common name of castiron plant by the Victorians . they valued its ability to tolerate gas , a recent introduction to homes that killed many other indoor plants grown at the time. With the current fashion for some of the older styles of interior furnishing and decoration , the aspidistra is enjoying a moderate comeback in popularity . it makes an ideal subject for less well-lit positions , although the key to presenting and displaying the plant well lies in finding the right type of container or pot . for a little more color the variegated form , A.e variegate, can be grown , but this plant requires more light to promote the variegation.
Common name : cast-iron plant
Plant type:foliage plant with some what loose untidy habit
Season of interest: all year around
Size :30-60cm (12-24in)
Flower: uninteresting, purple, at base of plant in late summer
Leaf: broad, slightly ribbed, spear-shaped, 30-45cm(12-18in) long, 7.5-10cm(3-4in)wide
Temperature: 10-20C (50-68F)
Aspect/light: low to moderate light
Humidity : tolerant of moderately dry atmosphere
Watering : evenly moisten compost all year around , allowing to get on the dry side before re-watering
Feeding: once every four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation: separate rhizomes mid spring to early summer and pot them singly or in groups at 18-20C (65-68F) in houseplant potting compost
Potting: houseplant potting compost
Problems: mealy bug , root mealy bug
Availability : occasionally available throughout the year
Other varieties: A.e Variegata- cream and green variegated foliage
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