Trachycarpus wagnerianus

Trachycarpus wagnerianus

Broussonetia papyrifera

Broussonetia papyrifera

Aspidistra elatior

Cast-Iron Plant
Size
ex 2L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£29.99
Quick Overview
  • Ideal foliage houseplant
  • Surprisingly hardy outdoors in the shade
  • Unusual flower
  • Prefers rich moist soil rather than neglect!
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Aspidistra elatior, Cast-Iron Plant is endemic to the Satsunan Islands, the group of archipelagos that form the Northern Ryukyu Islands of Japan, specifically the Uji Islands, the Ōsumi Islands and the Tokara Islands. The climate on these islands is humid and subtropical with very warm summers and mild winters. Moisture and high rainfall are a constant feature of the climate and there is rainy season from May through to September when rainfall is particularly heavy. The islands are volcanic in origin and Suwanosejima in the Tokara Islands is one of the most active volcanos in the world. The soils are volcanic and heavily mineralised. It is something of an irony therefore, that Aspidistra elatior has acquired the common name of Cast Iron Plant because of it sure-fire tolerance of neglect as a houseplant when subjected to prolonged periods of non-watering and depleted potting mixes. Imagine how lush it would grow for you if you gave it the conditions it thrives on! That said, it is a remarkably resilient plant... the ideal houseplant for many. Yet it is also surprisingly tough outdoors and more hardy than many people realise. It is capable of taking sub-zero temperatures down to around -12C or thereabouts and withstanding both frost and snow. Its main requirement is shade. An understory plant in its natural habitat, it has no tolerance of sun whatsoever and the foliage will quickly bleach or burn if exposed to full direct sunlight. It prefers a moist but well-drained fertile substrate rather than the dry impoverished soil it famously tolerates!


Additional Information

Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae
Sub-Family Nolinoideae
Synonyms Aspidistra attenuata, Aspidistra elatior var. elatior, Aspidistra punctata var. albomaculata, Aspidistra variegata, Plectogyne variegata
Geographical Origin Japan
Cultivation Usually grown as a houseplant. Indirect light. Prefers a moist well-drained soil but tolerates drying out. If grown outdoors it needs a well-chosen shady spot, ideally against a north-facing wall in a sheltered aspect with overhanging foliage
Eventual Height 60-90cm
Eventual Spread 1m: clump-forming
Hardiness Hardier than you may have thought, it will tolerate temperatures down to around -12 or lower particularly if in the protection of an overhanging structure or foliage. Mulch well
Aspidistra elatior
Cast-Iron Plant
Size
ex 2L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£29.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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