Aspidistra elatior
(as-pe-DIS-tra)
Cast Iron Plant
LILIACEAE
George
Orwell knew what he was talking about when he used this plant as a symbol
of the downtrodden. In "Keep the Aspidistra Flying" this plant lived its
life on a dingy windowsill.
We have a book on houseplants that says if you have dim or almost no light, the only plant you should consider is the aspidistra.
Native to China and a member of the lily family, aspidistra has long been appreciated for its ability to withstand enormous neglect.
Its heavy green leaves can sometimes appear black as it sits neglected in a corner. But with proper care this is a beautiful plant.
As you can see in the photo, ours grows, neglected, out of doors year-round in zone 9a.
Indoors this plant can deal with bright filtered light to very dim lighting. Outdoors: shade.
Water regularly in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Water sparingly in winter.
It is relatively disease and pest free under most conditions.
Propagation is by division of root mass in early spring.
It grows outdoors in zones 7 to 10.