Cast iron plant растение

Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron) Plant Care: Beginner’s Guide + Tips

The houseplant industry has plants that become stars, then fade after fifteen minutes of fame. Cast Iron plants are one variety that, despite being well-liked in the nineteenth century (due to tolerating low light and poor air quality in smoky parlors), has distinguished itself in lasting fame.

Due to being extremely hardy and tough, this tropical plant thrives in almost any condition.

Cast iron plants offer a lovely display of dark green leaves or green and white striped arching foliage. Occasionally, perhaps once every few years, it will bloom in the dead of winter or the first days of spring.

Quick Glance: Plant Care Guide

Native Area:	Aspidistra elatior grows natively in Taiwan and Japan.
Common names:	Cast Iron, Iron plant, Bar room
Growing Zones:	USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 11 are suitable for growing cast-iron plants. These plants thrive in climates like northern California or the southern United States, where daily temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold climate, homeowners can still grow Aspidistra elatior as an indoor plant.
Flowering:	Has rare small bell-shaped purple flowers on occasion.
Size:	3′ height, 2′ spread

Fun Facts

How the name “bar room plants” originated: The plants require very little light and can do well with poor air quality. Bill Bryson, in his book “At Home: A Short History of Private Life,” is quoted as saying,

“Aspidistra was immune to the effects of gas used for lighting in the Victorian era (other plants and flowers withered or yellowed), which might account for its popularity.” This also leads to how it found its way into parlors during those times.

Source

Small purple flowers: Cast irons display their bell-shaped flower rarely (and unfortunately, no one knows what causes them to bloom). Blooms close to the soil’s surface.

If they do show up, they don’t stay long and don’t have much of a fragrance.

Varieties

• A. elatior (or A. lurida): The most common species grown of the Cast Iron plant because it can withstand adverse conditions.

• A. I.’ Variegata’ ( Aspidistra elatior variegata): Features white or cream stripes on outer parts of the leaves, but otherwise is very similar to the parent plant.

Common Problems

Pests rarely attack these plants since they typically find the tough-to-penetrate leathery leaves a barrier.

Leaves Being Damaged

Split and damaged leaves could result from overfeeding. Feed only when the plant is actively growing, and cut the feed in half if the leaves begin to separate. Broken or spotted leaves frequently show that the plant hasn’t been watered properly.

Red Spider Mites

If the plant has mites, the leaves will turn dark, and the undersides will develop white webs. Apply a pesticide via misting.

The majority of leaf issues are brought on by excessive sun or overfeeding.

Brown Tips

Brown leaf tips suggest that the leaf was burned. It can be in too much direct sunlight or too close to a heat source. Cut off any damaged or dead leaves.

Mealy Bug

It is rare, but mealy bugs sometimes attack iron plants. If white woolly patches develop, wipe them away with cotton moistened with rubbing alcohol or apply an insecticide as directed.

Leaves Turning Yellow&Nbsp;&Nbsp;

Usually caused by too much light or water.

Repotting

Because cast-iron plants are a slow grower, you might only need to repot them every few years. When roots begin to poke through the soil, you’ll know it’s time to repot the plant. Always use fresh potting soil.

Dead Leaves

Should be pruned to promote new growth.

Ideal Conditions For Growing Cast Iron Plants

Light &Amp; Location

Cast iron plants can grow in low light conditions but thrive in bright indirect light, such as from a shaded window.

Avoid direct sun, as it will quickly scorch the foliage.

NOTE: Aspidistra elatior variegata (the striped version) will require more light.

Temperature

This houseplant can be kept in practically any place in the home because it fits the temperature range. However, the plants prefer temperatures between 55-70°F (13-21°C).

Watering

The top two inches of the soil should dry out completely before you water again.

Even for up to a month, the iron plant can withstand underwatering. However, overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill it.

Aim to keep the soil moist, while avoiding soggy or damp conditionsfor an extended period.

Good Drainage (Important)

Make sure your pot has drainage holes.

Water these plants sparingly throughout the year. But, in winter, the Cast Iron plant needs even less water.

Fertilizer

Cast Iron plants don’t require a lot of feeding. If the leaves begin to break, cease fertilizing for the remainder of the season and apply all-purpose liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing phase.

Seasonal Care

The cast iron plant has many benefits, one of which is that it requires far less maintenance than most other houseplants. Give it a little more water during the growing season and feed it occasionally.

When the growing container is brimming in the spring, new plants can be created by separating stem clumps from the main plant.

The rhizome must have at least two leaves in each region. Then, wait until the following spring to begin feeding the young plants.

Soil &Amp; Potting Mixture

Cast iron plants can be top-dressed once they reach the ideal size for the pot and hardly ever need to be replanted.

It’s better to keep older plants in their original containers. Then, if required, take out some roots and new growth.

The ideal potting mix for indoor cast-iron plants is neutral to slightly acidic. However, cast-iron plants may grow in clay and loamy soil outdoors.

Tip: Add a handful or two of perlite to the potting mixture to increase the drainage.

Propagating Cast Iron Plant

You can propagate Cast Iron plants through division (the best times as spring and summer), which is splitting up a section into multiple plants.

First, remove the plant out of its pot and find a section with a separate root system. It should be noted that the method works best if the piece you are separating has at least two to three stems.

Gently separate the roots of each with your fingers. Then, use a clean, sharp knife (or scissors) to cut the roots apart from one another if they are too knotted and impossible to disentangle by hand. While keeping the root systems together as best you can.

Put the section you’ve divided into a correctly sized pot. Then, water and maintain it as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that are commonly asked about Cast Iron plant care:

Are Cast Iron plants toxic to cats and dogs?

According to the ASPCA, Cast Iron plants are not toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. Although, it’s always best to keep pets away from houseplants.

How big will the Cast Iron plant aspidistra get?

Cast iron plants grow to be 3 feet in height and generally have 2 feet spread. However, since they are slow growers and it can take many years to reach maturity, you can put them in a smaller container that will limit them to a smaller size if you desire.

Can I grow cast iron plants outdoors?

Yes, if you live in the correct climate zone (southern united states). If not, you can still grow cast iron plants as indoor plants.

Before You Go, Here’s a Purchasing Tip: Pick a lush plant with many robust, colorful stems and a graceful arching curve, and avoid plants with split, speckled, or trimmed leaves.

Resources

Improving Growth of Aspidistra elatior by Using Media and Fertilization – researchgate.net PDF

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The Beginner’s Guide to Cast Iron Plant Care

The Beginner’s Guide to Cast Iron Plant Care

If you’re a total beginner to caring for houseplants, the cast iron plant should be on your short list for houseplants to try out. As the name implies, this plant is tough and perfect for beginners!

Yes, the cast iron plant is hardy, but it does require some care. And this is one of those plants that’s more likely to die from being loved to death (i.e., overwatered) than neglected, so it’s important to know what they need (and don’t need) to thrive.

Here’s a rundown of how this amazing plant works and how to care for it!

Meet the Cast Iron Plant

Not only is this plant super tough, it’s attractive as well! Its oblong, deep-green leaves and graceful stems blend perfectly into any decor style and provide a touch of life and nature to a space. These lovely leaves can grow up to 2 feet long, and the entire plant can reach 2-3 feet in height. It works well as an indoor plant, growing large enough to make a statement without taking over your whole living room.

The cast iron plant also tolerates low light conditions very well, which makes it perfect for indoor spaces.

As an added bonus, the cast iron plant is nontoxic, so it’s a great choice if you have curious cats, dogs, or children who might take a bite out of your plant!

How to Care for a Cast Iron Plant

The main thing to remember with cast iron plants is to keep them out of direct sunlight—which means the sun’s rays never shine directly on the leaves—and to avoid overwatering them. That’s it! The cast iron plant thrives on neglect, so a light touch works best. (If this sounds like your plant parent style, you might also want to consider snake plants .)

Let’s break down the ideal cast iron plant care so you can get off on the right foot, and you’ll be ready to go!

Soil and potting

Since cast iron plants don’t like to sit in water, you’ll want to find a fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. Try a nice, light cactus mix and a pot that’s about 2 inches wider than the root ball of your plant so it has a little room to grow.

To pot your plant, place a few inches of soil in the bottom of the pot, tip your plant sideways and gently work it out of the grower’s pot, then sit it upright in the new pot. Fill in the sides and top with soil, leaving about 2 inches of headroom at the top. Water generously so that the excess drains out the bottom of the pot. (Do this in the sink or immediately empty the drainage tray.) Add a little more soil on top to compensate for settling. That’s it!

Light

As we mentioned earlier, cast iron plants don’t like direct sunlight, but they tolerate low light conditions very well. So you can place your plant pretty much anywhere you want as long as the sun won’t shine directly on it! As long as there’s a window somewhere in the room, you really can’t go wrong.

Watering

The secret to properly watering a cast iron plant is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Poke your finger into the soil and if it feels dry, you’re probably good to go. If you really want to make sure, poke a wooden stick like a chopstick down into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water!

Slowly add water to the soil until the excess just starts to drain out the bottom, then empty the drainage tray. That’s it!

Pruning and Propagating

You won’t have to prune your cast iron plant much. Just cut or pull off any dry or yellowing leaves you see so the plant can redirect resources to healthy growth. If you notice a LOT of dead or dying leaves, make sure you aren’t over- or underwatering and that your plant isn’t in direct sunlight.

You can propagate your cast iron plant (or control its size) through division.

To do this, simply unpot your plant by tipping it on its side and gently working it out of the pot. Then massage most of the soil out of the roots and untangle the roots to separate the plant into two or more smaller plants. If you need to break or cut the roots apart to divide them, that’s fine.

Then plant the new sections separately into new pots. That’s it!

Fertilizer

Your cast iron plant needs nutrients to grow, so make sure to use a gentle liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer when the plant is growing.

I love to use Indoor Plant Food on all my houseplants, including my cast iron plant. It’s gentle enough to use with each watering, so you won’t have to remember a fertilization schedule like you do with other liquid fertilizers!

That’s it! Cast iron plant care is a snap, and a great place to start your journey into houseplant parenthood.

Read our other houseplant guides for beginners!

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