Planting Cast Iron Plants – Tips for Growing Them Successfully

Cast iron plants are hardy. It’s a wonderful plant for beginners to garden since it thrives without attention. It is tolerant of short periods of dryness if you fail to water it. When planting cast iron plants must consider that it is also tolerant of extreme heat, unaffected by diseases and pests, and thrives in dim lighting. They’re also beautiful gardening plants.

Indigenous to China and Japan, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) has shiny green leaves that can grow up to 24 inches long. Certain varieties feature white or cream-colored streaks on their leaves, while some have white and yellow speckles. 

Also referred to as barroom plants, these slow-growing members of the lily family will mature at around 2 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in width. 

Planting cast iron plants rarely bloom indoors, but when they do, tiny pink flowers appear at the soil’s level and are difficult to spot under the foliage.

• Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
• Common Name: Cast iron plant
• Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Bloom Color: Purplish
• Uses: Plants for bordering, houseplants, ground cover

What Is a Cast-Iron Plant?

The cast-iron (Aspidistra elatior) plant is a tough flowering plant with glossy, deep green leaves. Cast-iron plants are referred to as barroom plants since they do not require direct sunlight. These robust plants feature green leaves with a striking deep shade. 

During the summer outdoors, cast-iron plants flower with white, milky flowers with a mauve-colored interior. 

Aspidistra elatior is native to Japan and Taiwan and is commonly used as an evergreen houseplant since it thrives in a low-light environment and requires minimal maintenance.

Types of Cast Iron Plants

Cast iron plants feature a variety of foliage, ranging from white or cream streaks, stripes, and spots to white and yellow dots. There are several varieties of cast iron plants, including:

• “Variegata”: This variety is characterized by green leaves with white stripes.
• “Asahi”: This variety’s green leaves turn white as they develop.
• “Hoshi-zora”: The plant’s name references the starry skies, and its green leaves are dotted with white and yellow dots.
• “Lennon’s Song”: The leaves of this variety feature light yellow or green stripes.

How to Grow and Care for Cast-Iron Plants

Planting cast-iron plants need little besides partial to full shade, well-drained soil, and regular rainfall. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cast-iron plants are well-maintained:

1. Plant in slightly acidic soil: Indoor cast iron plants thrive in neutral to moderately acidic soil. Outdoors, they can thrive in loamy or clay soil.
2. Give your cast-iron plants room to grow: Plant them at least 1 foot away from other plants. For indoor plants, choose a pot a couple of inches larger than the root ball to give the plant room to grow and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
3. Place your plant in indirect sunlight: Be sure to place your plant in a shaded location with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause fading and damage to the leaves.
4. Water once a week: Ensure the soil is not wet between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.
5. Clean up your cast iron plant: Pruning dead leaves will encourage the growth of new leaves.
6. Fertilize during the spring: Fertilize your cast iron plant monthly with liquid fertilizer to promote growth. Be careful not to damage the roots.
7. Repot every few years: Cast-iron plants grow slowly, so you may only need to repot every few years. Repot when you see roots emerging from the soil. Make sure to add fresh soil when you repot.

Cast Iron Plant Care Tips

Light

Cast iron plants grow in dark, dim conditions. If you’re keeping the plant indoors, it requires only indirect light to flourish. If planted outdoors, choose a shaded spot. The sun’s intense heat can burn the foliage and cause the leaves to fade.

Soil and Water

They thrive in a fertile soil that has additions like perlite or bark. The soil must have adequate drainage and be dry between soakings. 

The best guideline is that soil needs to be dry to a 50 percent level before you water it again to prevent root dehydration and rot. If you’re planning to plant these outdoors, you should be aware of the weather conditions for your area. 

If temperatures are warm with no precipitation for a few days, it is recommended to be sure to water them more frequently.

Temperature and Humidity

Cast iron plants don’t tolerate extreme temperatures. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. Any temperature outside this range can cause the plants to suffer, burn, and eventually die. 

Avoid placing them in a west-facing window where they might receive excessive sunlight, which can dry the plant quickly. From rainforests, cast iron plants can withstand humidity and prefer humid air.

Fertilizer

The plant, as with many other houseplants, benefit from fertilization. 

It is recommended to fertilize your plant with fertilizer in the period of growth from late spring until the early summer. If your plant is in a home, apply an appropriate fluid fertilizer like to the instructions of the product.

 If it is growing outdoors it is recommended to use granular fertilizers which is generally a better option. But, be careful not to over-fertilize otherwise the leaves could fade and turn solid green.

Pruning

Pruning is not required, but removing damaged or diseased leaves improves the plant’s appearance. If you’re growing the plant outdoors, you can control its size by cutting the leaves at the base of the stem.

Potting and Repotting Cast Iron Plants

When cast iron plants are young, they don’t need to be repotted more frequently than once a year. Repotting is necessary once the plant has been growing for a few years, but be cautious to avoid disturbing the roots. After repotting, place the plant back where it was.

Common Pests and Diseases

Cast iron plants are resistant to many common pests and problems, especially when planted outdoors in their natural environment. However, they are not entirely immune. Below are some common issues with cast iron plants:

👍🏽 Root Rot

Root rot is one of the most frequent problems for cast iron plants. You can prevent root rot by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.

Root rot is the primary disease concern for cast iron plants, usually resulting from overwatering. “This can cause the degeneration of the roots, which can eventually damage the entire plant. 

If there is root rot, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil after removing the decayed roots.”

👍🏽 Brown Leaves

Cast iron plants can develop brown leaf tips due to over-fertilization, low humidity, or excessive watering. Let the soil dry between waterings, and use rainwater or filtered water if your tap water is hard. If you’re experiencing dry air in your home, increase humidity using a humidifier.

👍🏽 Bleached Leaves

Another threat to cast iron plants is exposure to too much sunlight. If your plant’s leaves appear bleached, it may receive too much light. Be sure to place your plant in indirect sunlight for better health.

👍🏽 Pests

Indoor cast iron plants may become infested with insects such as scale, mealybugs, or spider mites. If you notice any pests, spray the plant with warm water to remove them. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Cast Iron Plant Companion Plants

Plants that thrive in shade and require minimal water make excellent companions for cast iron plants.

• Trillium: This perennial is often called wood lily, ideal for shady areas. Flowering takes up to five years but is well worth the wait. It grows to 6 inches in height and spreads to 12 inches wide, so it needs space to grow. It will die back at the end of summer.
• Columbine: Known for its beautiful flowers with bell-like shapes and spurs, columbines bloom at the end of the bulb season. They thrive in light shade and well-drained soil, reaching up to 12 inches in height.
• Fuchsia: With vibrant flowers, fuchsia adds a splash of color to shaded areas. It is hardy in Zones 8-10 and can grow annually in many regions. Fuchsia can grow up to 3 feet tall in gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t like to sit in water but should remain moist.

Are Cast Iron Plants Toxic to Pets & Kids?

It’s a relief for plant lovers to know that cast iron plants are not considered poisonous to animals or children. However, as with any plant, caution is necessary when handling them, as touching or ingesting plants may cause mild reactions.

FAQ

Can cast iron plants grow indoors?

Yes, cast iron plants are excellent indoor plants. They grow well without overtaking your space and are tolerant of low light, making them ideal for indoor environments.

How fast do cast iron plants grow?

Cast iron plants are slow growers. They typically grow to around 2 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width. Growth is slower in low-light conditions.

Can a cast iron plant be grown in water?

Cast iron plants do not like to be in water. Ensure you use soil that drains well and pots with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the roots.

How often should I repot my cast iron plant?

Repotting cast iron plants is typically required once every two to three years as they grow slowly. Use fresh soil when repotting, and choose a slightly larger pot with drainage.

What causes the leaves to turn yellow?

Yellowing leaves may be due to overwatering, which causes root rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained and water only when the top layer is dry.