Cast Iron Plant | Aspidistra elatior

It’s tolerant of shade, drought, drafts, pests and neglect; the aspidistra is nicked named The Cast Iron plant and is virtually indestructible.

ø14cm 65cm tall

Light: Bright, indirect light to shade

Water: Keep moist but this plant won’t suffer if you let it dry out.

Plant history: This plant was super popular in Victorian times because it was virtually one of the only plants that could tolerate dirty air, poor light and ventilation which was pretty much the state of things at the time. It was an ‘exotic’ must have for every home. For the lower middle class, a symbol of respectability and keeping standards up. Keep that aspidistra flying! By the time George Orwell wrote his novel in 1936 it had fallen out of fashion and has not ever really reached the dizzy heights of plant celebrity like the cheese plant or the fiddle leaf fig.

We think it’s time for some appreciation of this hardy little guy. The aspidistra can live for 50 years so could be your plant companion for life. They also produce some pretty, pink flowers from the soil if you they are particularly happy.