PetalPal
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Cast-iron plant

Cast-iron plant

Aspidistra

DifficultyVery easy
SeasonYear-round
FoliageA perennial

Meaning

Staying power, a quiet pride

Broad leaves that come straight up out of the soil. Extremely shade-tolerant.

Safe for cats and dogs. Any plant can still upset a pet’s stomach if they eat a lot, so keep it out of reach.

Light

It takes shade. Indirect light.

Water

Water when it dries

Temperature

Hardy, down to 0°C

Feed

Once a month in spring and summer

Do this when you get home

  1. It can live in a dim indoor spot
  2. Water when the top of the soil is dry

Day to day

  • It almost looks after itself. Wipe the dust off the leaves.
  • The leaves are often cut for flower arrangements

Common questions

The white stripes disappeared?

A variegated kind goes green if the light is too dim, or if it's fed too much.

Plant doctor

More foliage

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PetalPal

Reminders and a care diary live in the app

Get a nudge when it’s time to water or change the vase water, and keep a diary for each plant, in the PetalPal app. Search “PetalPal” on the App Store or Google Play.