Cast Iron Plant Plant Care

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Aspidistra genus. Cast Iron Plant is native to China and Japan. Cast Iron Plant is also known as Bar Room Plant.

Cast Iron Plant displays a slow-growing, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cast Iron Plant produces small, inconspicuous purple to brown flowers at the base of the plant.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cast Iron Plant every 14–30 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cast Iron Plant thrives in low light. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Cast Iron Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aspidistra elatior tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cast Iron Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cast Iron Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cast Iron Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with low light and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cast Iron Plant is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cast Iron Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cast Iron Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cast Iron Plant is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Cast Iron Plant can be propagated through division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cast Iron Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cast Iron Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Cast Iron Plant is native to China and Japan.