Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) Care Guide and Growing Tips

Growing guide for the Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant).
The Aspidistra, is a beautiful houseplant and very tolerant of our homes. It can seem a little old-fashioned, but it still has many fans and there are new interesting varieties hitting the shops.
It will thrive in medium light levels but will also put up with underwatering, neglect and some low light areas in your home.
In this video, I share what I've learned and what works well for me over the last 20 years of owning these plants.
If you still want more, then the full care guide can be found on my blog, including visitor stories and photos of their legacy Aspidistra plants - www.ourhouseplants.com/plants...

[@dawnsaurora]

Been on my wish list for so long! Finally got one and apparently in Ontario, Canada they always get brown tips. We think it’s humidity issue, but IDK. Thank you!

[@laurapearson3370]

I rescued my sisters old root rotted cast iron plant, after repotting a year ago it's throwing out 3 new leaves and it get full sun in the morning then dappled in the afternoon and it's very happy

[@ourhouseplants]

That's amazing! How do you do it, share your secrets! Mine can't stand full sun and over the years I've had so many comments and messages about Sun damage.

[@lordpurchase9189]

Many homes here in the UK are very dark like in my flat for example even though it might look light enough it actually isn't because no plat will survive unless its right up at the window, even the most lower light tolerant house plants like the Cast Iron plant, ZZ plants, Aglaonema etc they still need a light to keep them alive and growing. I normally use a flexible desk or floor lamp with an LED 6500K 1200 Lumen bulb with the defuser cap removed otherwise they die without any supplemental lighting I find. The second issue is dust build up on the leaves.

[@ourhouseplants]

This is partly true for sure. Most homes are going to be darker than what houseplants would prefer to be grown in. Grow lights can really help brighten dark areas and give much-needed light to plants (you can also use normal LED lights like you have. If you, or anyone reading this, is interested in learning more I've written an article about this topic - www.ourhouseplants.com/questions/do-regular-led-lights-work-for-plants )
However, I would say that I've been growing houseplants for over 20 years now, and many are not up against a window and do not have grow lights or normal lights directed on them. Most grow slowly (they would grow faster if given more light, for sure), but they do survive, so it can be done.
I agree with you about the dust!

[@viesiek]

🍀

[@marthatenkarian5586]

I find that these plants tend to get spider mites. Do you find that as well?

[@ourhouseplants]

I don't think in all the years I've owned these plants I've had spider mites! I don't get them generally, I've just assumed my humidity levels are too high for them. Do you treat yours or do they go by themselves eventually?

[@laurenglass4514]

Milley way will end up looking bleached or dead

[@ourhouseplants]

Yes exactly, that's why you need to avoid direct sun for these plants.

[@laurenglass4514]

Grow it outside in shade , you’re tiresome

[@ourhouseplants]

Lots of my watchers / readers either don't have outdoor space or don't want to grow them outdoors.