Introducing...
Aspidistra
Botanical name: Aspidistra
Common name: Cast-iron plant
Popular for their resilience and their large bold leaves, aspidistras are must-have houseplants. They thrive in dark corners and other tough spots, needing little attention and adding a tropical appearance without any fuss. No home should be without at least one.
Looks
Aspidistras form clumps of large upright or arching, tropical-looking leaves that are usually dark green, pointed and up to 60cm (2ft) tall. There are also cultivars with creamy-white speckles, blotches or irregular stripes on the leaves, giving a brighter effect.
Likes
Aspidistras are happy in low or filtered light and room temperatures of 5–20°C (40–70°F). They like regular watering from spring to autumn, with a slight reduction in winter. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust free and able to absorb maximum amounts of light.
Dislikes
Keep them out of bright or direct light, and take care not to overwater, as soggy compost can lead to root rot. They dislike heat, above 20°C (70°F), and cold, below 5°C (70°F).
Did you know?
In 1938, Gracie Fields recorded the hit song The Biggest Aspidistra in the World. Although her plant ‘shot up like a rocket and nearly touched the sky’, aspidistras don’t usually grow very large or fast, reaching only about 60cm (2ft) tall and wide, so they should fit easily into any home.
Growing guide
How to grow aspidistras
All the information you’ll need to grow these popular houseplants successfully in your home.
Aspidistras we recommend
Aspidistra elatior 'Variegata' (v)
variegated bar-room plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Aspidistra elatior 'Variegata' (v)
variegated bar-room plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Aspidistra elatior 'Variegata' (v)
variegated bar-room plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Houseplant 101: Episode Three
Houseplants for different locations
Houseplants: to support human health
How to choose healthy plants
How to grow houseplants
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.