Cast Iron Plant

The Aspidistra elatior, more commonly known as the cast iron plant, is a native plant to the Eastern Himalayas, Taiwan, China and Japan. It is a member of the lily family and has acquired its name because of its unique feature of surviving in extreme conditions. This plant has been around for hundreds of years and is an old-fashioned houseplant which is tough and leathery. It was a favorite indoor plant in England during the Victorian ages as most of the houses then used to be dimly lit and not very airy. The cast iron plant existed long before any other indoor plants were known. It was introduced in America in 1824. Today, it grows abundantly in the southern parts of the United States.

Properties
The Aspidistra elatior consists of dark green leaves that are shiny and corn-like. It blooms occasionally with purple-brown small flowers. These flowers grow close to the base of the plant and thus go unnoticed most of the time. Size-wise, it is 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. Being a bushy plant, it is visually pleasing. The plant is usually grown in pots measuring 6, 8 or 10 inches, or can be planted into the ground directly. It takes a considerably long time to grow into the specimen size. Like other houseplants, this plant is not easily available in nurseries mainly due to its slow growth.

Like its name suggests, the plant is as sturdy as cast iron, and it is the most resilient of plants. It can tolerate temperatures going down to 28 degrees and other extreme conditions like drought, dimly lit places, as well as neglect. It is one of the few indoor plants that don't need sunlight. The plant also adds beauty to flower arrangements and decorations, as the foliage is not only attractive but can also last for weeks. It is easy to care and is incomparable as a porch plant or if it used to decorate the patio, or even as a simple houseplant as well. It can be used with innovation in landscaping and as borders to the garden. They can also be planted around trees under their shade or simply used in a hangover pot. The bushy leaves will add beauty and look ornamental. The arching leaves of a cast iron plant look wonderfully tropical, rising out of a terra cotta pot kept in any area of your home.

Propagation
The propagation of cast iron plants is undertaken in the early spring, and the plants are propagated through division. You can separate the plants into small clumps, but make sure each division has healthy roots and a minimum number of 12 leaves. Once potted, they will root within no time and form new plants. Another similar way of propagation is by cutting the roots into a number of pieces, with a leaf attached to each. These have to be potted separately, and within two months time, you will have a new fully formed plant.

Variegation
Cast iron plants also have variegated forms. One horticultural variety of Aspidistra elatior called the Aspidistra elatior Variegata has attractive and glossy green leaves striped in white. These creamy-white stripes are present along the rhizomes. The white streaked leaves brighten up a dark corner of your room instantly. Complete drainage after watering is an important factor while maintaining the striping. Otherwise the plant will soon go back being plain green.

The plant has another variegated form which is smaller. It is called the Aspidistra minor or Milky Way, as this form has white spots on the black-green leaves. Glossy, dark green leaves, speckled with white, are produced along the rhizomes. The flowers of both the variegated forms are creamy white with maroon inside. They are erect, fleshy, and bell-shaped.

Care
Taking care of a cast iron plant is not very time-consuming. Though it can survive even if neglected, proper care will enhance its beauty. Usually, the plant grows well in temperatures of 50 - 55 degrees at night and 70 - 75 degrees during the day. Ideally it requires light levels of 50 to 500-foot candles. For best results, keep the plant evenly moist but do not water them excessively. If you wish to plant it outdoors, a good quality garden soil along with decayed manure or humus can do wonders. Indoors, a good quality potting soil, especially the ones made for African violets will do. Use fertilizers once in 3 or 4 months in low light conditions with a half strength houseplant fertilizer. Though, cast iron plants are usually problem-free due to their sturdy nature, there may be an occasional attack by spider mites or scales.

Though the plant is a slow-growing and expensive, it is the best bet for long-term investment in a houseplant. So if you are looking for a luscious green plant to last for a long time in your home, the cast iron plant is the right choice.