Genus

Cast Iron Plant Care: The Toughest Houseplant There Is

Named for what it survives. Aspidistra tolerates deep shade, cold, drought and neglect, and it is safe for cats and dogs.

  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Native to East Asia
  • Easy

Aspidistra earned its common name in Victorian parlours, where it survived gas lighting, coal smoke, cold draughts and months of being ignored. Nothing else managed it.

It is still the plant to reach for when a spot has defeated everything else.

What every Aspidistra wants

Low light. Not tolerates, prefers. Direct sun bleaches and scorches the leaves badly.

Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry, and expect that to be a long time. It handles cold down to about 5°C (41°F), dry air, and irregular attention.

The trade-off is speed. Aspidistra produce perhaps two or three new leaves a year, so a large plant takes a decade. Buy it at the size you want it.

Aspidistra are non-toxic to cats and dogs.