DIG THIS
A cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) can sometimes grow little spiky, purple flowers at soil level. The flowers are quite mysterious as experts are still unsure what pollinates them. They are a rare sighting, especially for indoor cast iron plants. So if you ever see one, consider yourself lucky!
As cute as that is, this is not a dainty plant. The cast iron plant earned its name by surviving Victorian parlors in the 1800s. A lifetime of gas lamps, smoky conditions and serious neglect. If you think you have a brown thumb, this is the plant to turn that mindset around.
Pretty Chill
Shade or
Partial Sun
Water When Dry
Pet Safe
SHADE OR PARTIAL SUN
AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN
A cast iron plant is one of the rare houseplants that actually prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Place it in a low-light area to keep it thriving and to avoid scorched leaves.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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OUR PICK
We recommend an north-facing window for a cast iron plant. This is one of the few plants that can thrive here.
⚠︎ Avoid south-facing ⚠︎
WATER WHEN DRY
A cast iron plant is considered a semi-drought tolerant plant. It can go longer stretches without water, making it perfectly low-maintenance.
Let the soil dry out completely before watering, then water deeply until water seeps from drainage holes.
LOW TO MODERATE HUMIDITY
It isn't fussy, so indoor humidity will work just fine.
SOIL
Cast iron plant isn't picky about its soil, but it needs good drainage to prevent root rot.
The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a cast iron plant.
If you'd like to add something to help with drainage, mix in a bit of perlite.
PERLITE
COMMON ISSUES
BROWN/YELLOW TIPS
Browning or yellowing leaf tips is a possible sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant. Remember: Cast Iron Plant prefers its soil to be on the drier side.
If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
CRISPING TIPS/EDGES
Usually a sign of too much sunlight (aka leaf scorch).
A cast iron plant prefers to stay in shaded or low light areas. Make sure it is not burning in harsh afternoon sun.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Mealybugs
Scale
Spider Mites
