Is cast iron plant fast growing?
The all green A. elatior is not a fast grower at the best of times, so a cultivar that is even slower may account for its lack of availability. There are the speckled types like “Milky Way” (below), which have white speckles covering the leaves.
Is cast iron plant low maintenance?
Even though it’s a spreader, know that cast-iron plant is a slow grower. But what it lacks in speed it more than makes up for in ease of maintenance. It will tolerate wet soil, dry soil, dark spaces, heat and sub-freezing temperatures.
What is a cast iron plant good for?
Using cast iron plant in the landscape is common as a groundcover under trees where other plants fail to thrive and in other hard-to-grow areas. You can also use it as a background plant in your flower bed or along with azaleas for a nice, in-between filler plant.
How big can a cast iron plant get?
2 ft. tall
Aspidistra elatior
| Botanical Pronunciation | as-pi-DIS-trah ee-LAY-tee-or |
|---|---|
| Average Size at Maturity | Slowly reaches 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous; prized for foliage. |
Do cast-iron plants need sun?
Keep cast-iron plants away from direct sunlight, which can bleach and burn the leaves. If you’re keeping one as a houseplant, a north-facing window is ideal. Set it slightly back from windows that get strong light to avoid direct sun.
How long do cast-iron plants live?
With the right care, cast-iron plants can live decades; some have been known to live over 50 years! The most common reason for a cast iron plant not being able to thrive is due to overwatering. If you notice yellow edges on your plant this is a sign that you have watered him too much.
How long do cast iron plants live?
Can cast iron plant handle sun?
Sunlight & Temperature Almost any mid-range lighting is good for cast iron plants. It’s best to avoid total darkness or direct bright sun, but anything else is fair game. Shadier or partial-shady areas of the yard work well. Grown indoors, your cast iron plant will handle low-light environments well.
Can I plant in cast iron pots?
Never plant flowers or plants directly into an iron planter. The soil will take up iron, and the moisture from watering the plant may cause the planter to rust.
Do cast iron plants need sun?
Can cast iron plants spread?
Common names often say a lot about a plant, and cast iron plant is no exception. Over time, a single plant will spread via its rhizomatous roots to create a larger clump. This slow, spreading habit is what makes cast iron plant such an effective and easy-care groundcover.
How fast do cast iron plants grow?
Growth. The Cast Iron Plant is a slow grower, not showing too much growth over time. It will grow up to two feet tall and two to three feet wide. Fertilize your plant one to two times per month in the spring and summer.
How do you care for cast iron plants?
Keep the soil of your cast-iron plant moist by watering whenever the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. Overfeeding will also turn the leaf tips brown. Feed the plant once a month from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Does cast iron plant bloom?
The Cast Iron plant does flower, but it is really quite a rarity. The flowers aren’t very impressive, and actually form at soil level, often hidden from view behind the foliage. They are purple in color, have no scent, and last only a few weeks. So, don’t get a cast iron plant expecting a spectacular display of blooms.
What is an iron plant?
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), also known as iron plant and ballroom plant, is an extremely hardy houseplant and a perennial favorite in some regions.