Aspidistra is a genus containing more than 200 species of flowering, evergreen, herbaceous perennial plants in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). These plants are native to Asia and vary in size and shape. They are usually found as an understory plant in woodland areas. Leaves generally grow from the ground and the flowers range from the showy to the insignificant. The genus name comes from the Greek word aspidion meaning a shield. Several species of this genus have become popular to grow either outdoors or as house plants. They are generally low maintenance, tolerate a range of temperatures, and are shade and drought-tolerant. These rugged plants are sometimes referred to as cast iron plants due to their ability to thrive despite poor soils and neglect. The plants spread by means of rhizomes. When grown as houseplants, they will typically do well in a well-drained mixture of peat and potting mix, sited in indirect light, with regular watering from spring to fall. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant and avoid direct sun. They also act as air purifiers for the home. Additional Aspidistra Images at J uniper Level Botanical Gardens Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.s. Mites and scale are occasional problems and overwatering may cause root rot. Direct sun will bleach the leaves.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves are either solitary or grouped in small "tufts" of two to four. They arise more or less directly at ground level from the rhizome, rather than being borne on stems. Each leaf has a long stalk.
Flower form
Insignificant
Flower shape
Bell; Cup; Urn
Flower detail
The flowers appear among the leaves and can be bell-, urn- or cup-shaped. They vary in size and shape, although few are showy. Generally insignificant flowers appear more or less directly from ground level.
Fruit type
Berry
Stem detail
Stemless
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Eastern Himalaya to Japan.
Distribution
Southeastern United States, Spain, Great Britain, Korea