Cast iron plant care guide
Aspidistra elatior
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) earned its name by surviving the dim, drafty parlors of Victorian homes. Its dark, upright leaves handle deep shade, cool rooms and neglect that would kill almost anything else.
This guide covers indoor care, outdoor care in shade gardens, pot sizes and varieties.
Low light · Medium light
Every 1 to 2 weeks
Easy
Pet-safe
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the top half of the soil is dry.
Where to put it
Dim corners, hallways and north-facing rooms.
Common mistakes
- Direct sun, which burns the leaves
- Soggy soil
- Expecting fast growth
Cast iron plant care at a glance
Water and light needs for indoor and outdoor cast iron plants.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light | Low to medium, indirect light. Shade outdoors. |
| Water | When the top 2 inches are dry, about every 1 to 2 weeks. |
| Temperature | 45°F to 85°F. Tolerates cool rooms. |
| Humidity | Average indoor air is fine. |
| Soil | Regular well-draining potting mix. |
| Fertilizer | A light feeding 2 or 3 times in spring and summer. |
| Hardiness | Outdoors in USDA zones 7 to 11. |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
Cast iron plant care indoors
Cast iron plants are one of the best choices for low light: north windows, hallways, interior offices and dim corners. They grow faster in medium, indirect light, but never put them in direct sun, which bleaches and burns the leaves.
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, about every 1 to 2 weeks, and less often in winter. Soggy soil is the main thing that kills them. Wipe the broad leaves with a damp cloth every month or two to keep them glossy.
Growth is slow, a few new leaves a year. Repot only every 3 to 5 years, when the plant fills the pot, and go up one size. Divide large clumps in spring.
Cast iron plant care outdoors
In USDA zones 7 to 11, cast iron plants are a go-to ground cover for dry shade under trees, along north walls and in shaded beds where grass won't grow. They spread slowly into dense clumps.
Plant in part to full shade, in soil that drains well. Water weekly the first season, then only during long dry spells. Cut damaged or browned leaves off at the base in early spring to make room for new growth. Hard freezes can brown the leaves, but the plant usually regrows from the roots.
In pots outdoors, choose a container at least 2 inches wider than the root clump, with drainage holes. A 12 to 16 inch pot suits most mature plants. Containers dry out faster than the ground, so water when the top 2 inches are dry.
Cast iron plants are a staple of our shaded terrace, courtyard and lobby designs. Leafstruck plans, installs and maintains plantings that work in low light.
Terrace and rooftop gardensCommon cast iron plant problems
This plant rarely has problems. When it does, it's usually one of these.
- Brown, bleached patches: direct sun.
- Yellow leaves and soft stems: overwatering.
- Brown tips: dry soil, salt buildup or very dry air.
- Variegation fading: too much fertilizer or too little light.
- Pests: scale and spider mites occasionally. Wipe the leaves.
Cast iron plant varieties
All share the same care.
Aspidistra elatior
Plain dark green, upright leaves to 2 feet.
Care: The toughest. Handles the deepest shade.
Variegated cast iron plant
Leaves striped in cream or white.
Care: A little more light and less fertilizer to keep the stripes.
Milky Way
Dark leaves speckled with cream dots.
Care: Standard care. Medium shade shows off the spots.
Okame and Asahi
Bold white stripes, or white-tipped leaves.
Care: Standard care in medium shade.
Your Cast Iron Plant watering schedule
Every 12 days · about every 2 weeks
Water the soil
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
Check first: When the top half of the soil is dry.
Schedules are a starting point. Always check the soil before you water. Full Cast Iron Plant care guide
Too many plants to keep track of? We water them for you.
Cast Iron Plant questions
How do you care for a cast iron plant?
Low to medium, indirect light, water when the top 2 inches are dry, and feed lightly a few times in spring and summer.
Can cast iron plants grow outdoors?
Yes. In USDA zones 7 to 11, they're excellent for dry shade under trees and along north walls.
How often should I water a cast iron plant?
About every 1 to 2 weeks indoors, when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Can a cast iron plant take full sun?
No. Direct sun bleaches and burns the leaves. Keep it in shade or indirect light.
What size pot does a cast iron plant need?
A pot about 2 inches wider than the root clump, with drainage holes. Mature plants usually fit a 12 to 16 inch pot.
Is the cast iron plant poisonous?
No. Cast iron plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs and people.
Plants for the darkest corners
Leafstruck picks low-light plants like the cast iron plant for interior offices, hallways and shaded courtyards, then maintains them for you.
Plants that like the same light
Test what you know
Water It Right game
Ten plants, two questions each: how often, and where does the water go?
GameFind the Right Spot game
Place each plant in the room where it will thrive, from sunny windows to windowless hallways.
QuizPlant matcher quiz
Answer five questions about your light, space and style to get three plants that will thrive.