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An aspidistra is virtually indestructible; it seems to be able to survive in conditions
that would result in all other houseplants dying. Water it or forget to water it, good light poor light, warm room cold room,
the cast iron plant lives on. You’d never know that this plain looking plant with long leathery leaves and almost invisible
flowers is a relative of the lily. If you have a very low light area that needs a very easy care table or floor plant, the
aspidistra is the plant for you.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
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CARE OF CAST IRON PLANTS (ASPIDISTRA)
This will be brief, because there is almost nothing you can do or not do to a cast iron plant.
Light: A cast iron plant can live in anything from very low light to bright filtered light.
Water: Water a cast iron well and allow it to dry out before watering again. The lower the light the less often
the plant needs to be watered; in very low light it could be every 2-3 weeks.
Temperature:
Any temperature between 50-85 degrees works for a cast iron plant.
Fertilizer:
Feed with a basic household plant food, 10-10-10, when the cast iron is actively growing. The lower the light the less food
is needed.
Pests: On a rare occasion an aspidistra may get mealy bugs or
spider mites; because of the simple leaf arrangement these pests are easily treated with the green solution.
Special Note: This is a very plain plant with 2ft. long pointed leathery
leaves that emerge directly from the soil. The variegated varieties of aspidistra have a cream colored stripe down each of
the leaves; these will, however, revert to solid green in very low light.
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| Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra) |
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CAST IRON PLANT (ASPIDISTRA)
FAQ’S
Since this plant thrives on abuse and neglect, owners of a cast iron plant have very few problems. 1. When I bought my cast iron plant it was green and white, now all of the new leaves
are coming in green. If you want the leaves to regain their white stripe, move your plant to brighter light. 2. I am going away for three weeks; will my cast iron plant survive without water
for that long a time?If you move your plant to a low light cool area it will be fine for three weeks. 3. I don’t see any stems; don’t all plant have stems?The stems
are below the soil in the pot; the leaves only look like they come directly out of the soil.
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