Aspidistra

( ass - pi - DIS - truh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Cast Iron Plant or Bar Room Plant, this genus of evergreens produces green, tropical foliage and flowers that appear at ground level. Species are native to southeastern Asia, mainly China and Vietnam, and are very popular houseplants that thrive even when neglected. They can also be grown as outdoor groundcover plants; Aspidistras are generally hardy down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and are not picky about soil. Use these ornamentals to add a tropical look to protected areas of the garden, as groundcover, or as indoor or greenhouse plants.

Aspidistra Species and Varietals

The genus Aspidistra is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae and includes around just under 200 species. Species and their varietals are listed and described below. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 7-11, and are grown outside of their range as greenhouse or indoor plants. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aspidistra eliator (Bar Room Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Haran, Baran)
This species is native to Japan and Taiwan and its flowers are pollinated mainly by fungus gnats. This species can be grown either indoors or outdoors (in a protected, shaded area) as long as temperatures stay above 23 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are tolerant of low light conditions outdoors. Commonly cultivated varieties include 'Asahi' (chocolate brown new leaves), 'Hoshi-Zora' (with faintly speckled leaves), 'Lennon's Song' (discovered by Robin Lennon), and 'Variegata' (with white stripes running along the length of the leaves).

Aspidistra grandiflora (Barbershop Plant, Cast Iron Plant)
This species is native to Vietnam, where it grows in lowland forests with lime-rich soil. It forms a creeping rhizome, and produces very interesting ground-level flowers with spidery-looking petals. Individual plants reach up to 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide at maturity.

Aspidistra lurida
This species includes a very commonly cutlivated variety 'Ginga' (also referred to as 'Milky Way'), and is commonly (and erroneously) sold under the botanical name Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'. This species has foliage speckled with white spots, reminiscent of a sky full of stars. This species is a commonly grown houseplant and outdoor tall groundcover. Individual plants reach up to 1-3 feet tall with an equal spread.

Caring for aspidistra

Aspidistra plants are typically purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. They can be grown outdoors in warmer zones (USDA hardiness zones 7-11) or indoors as houseplants. Outdoors, they need a protected space and temperatures that must remain above 25 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can form nice groundcovers and will spread via underground roots over time, so make sure to give them some space to roam. Protect from direct sun, which can scorch leaves. They appreciate filtered or indirect light; protected, shady beds are ideal. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants appreciate deep waterings with periods of dry soil in between. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Aspidistra plants can thrive on neglect, and do not need much in the way of pruning, except to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage during the growing season. Divide plants every few years when their performance declines. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Cast Iron Plant, see the Propagation section below. These plants are quite long-lived perennials in the landscape, persisting for 25-50 years on average before needing to be replaced. They will form colonies over time, however, providing lush foliage for extended periods of time.

Growing Aspidistra Indoors
Choose a space indoors that receives medium to bright indirect light; they can take low-light conditions provided they are first gradually acclimated to these settings. Temperatures should stay between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best growth. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom, and fill the pot with well-draining soil. A mixture of potting mix plus organic material and perlite is ideal. Water new plants regularly as they establish a strong root system in their pot; at maturity, these plants like to have their soil dry out completely between waterings. Soil that is allowed to remain moist at all times will lead to root rot issues. These plants actually thrive on a bit of neglect; pruning is not typically needed unless removing dead, damaged or diseased foliage. Divide plants every few years when their performance declines. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Cast Iron Plant, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

The best way to propagate these plants is through division of existing rhizome roots of larger plants. If you will be growing your Asarum in a container, this process will need to be completed every few years to make sure there is enough space for healthy root growth. To propagate your Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) by division, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Asarum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the rhizome roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section with viable growing points.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided roots about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly. If any part of the rhizome root seems like it is already growing, make sure to place that end of the root towards the soil surface.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout the following springtime.