How to grow aspidistras

What are aspidistras?

Aspidistras have long been popular as houseplants – they’re among the easiest to grow and form a clump of tropical evergreen leaves up to 60cm (2ft) tall. Also known as cast-iron plants, due to their resilience and adaptability, aspidistras thrive without any special treatment, valiantly coping with low light, erratic watering and fluctuating temperatures. They’re a handsome, low-maintenance choice, ideal for a tricky spot such as a dark corner or draughty hallway, and they can even improve the air quality in your home.

Choosing aspidistras

There are several species and cultivars to choose from, but the most popular and reliable are:

• Aspidistra elatior – the most widely sold aspidistra, with pointed, dark green leaves up to 60cm (2ft) long

• Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’ – similar to the above, but with leaves irregularly striped with creamy-white 

Both of these have an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which shows that our experts recommend them as reliable choices. 

Buying aspidistras

Aspidistras are widely available from houseplant retailers. For buying tips, see our guides and video:

Aspidistras usually grow quite slowly, so can be kept in their original pot for several years, until the roots start to appear through the drainage holes. They should then be repotted in spring:

• Choose a new container that is only slightly larger, to avoid overpotting

• Use a 50:50 mix of peat-free loam-based compost and peat-free multi-purpose compost

• Position the plant in its new pot at the same level it was previously growing. Firm down the compost around the roots, then water well to settle the compost

See our tips on repotting houseplants:

Location

Aspidistras are renowned for coping in very poor light, where most other houseplants would curl up and die. But ideally they enjoy a position in low or filtered light, well away from direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. In very poor light, plants will grow more slowly and those with variegated leaves may revert to plain green. Aspidistras can also cope with draughty spots, such as near a front door. 

Temperature

Aspidistras are happiest between 5–20°C (40–70°F), so a fairly cool room is ideal, away from heat sources. They can tolerate a bit more warmth in summer, if necessary. They can also cope well with fluctuating temperatures. 

Watering 

Although aspidistras can survive drying out occasionally, it’s best to water regularly throughout the growing season, from spring to autumn. Keep the compost moist but never waterlogged, as soggy compost can rot the roots. Reduce watering slightly in winter, but try not to let the compost dry out completely.

Humidity 

Despite their tropical appearance, aspidistras don’t need humidity – they are fine in the fairly dry air of typical homes. 

Feeding

To boost growth, apply a general-purpose houseplant fertiliser monthly from spring to late summer. 

Aspidistras are robust, resilient houseplants that can tolerate some neglect. They rarely suffer problems and can live for many years. Just take care not to overwater, as the roots can rot in waterlogged compost, and keep them out of bright light, which can cause the leaves to turn brown. Also check regularly for insects, including:

• mealybugs

• red spider mites – look for speckled or bleached leaves

• scale insects