Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant)
- Low stock - 3 items left
ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
We love this Cast Iron plant because it’s so hardy! The Aspidistra plant is named the Cast Iron plant for a good reason! It’s easy to look after and care for and almost indestructible! The Cast Iron Plant, or Aspidistra elatior, is a hardy and attractive evergreen plant that is native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan. Despite its tropical origins, this plant is incredibly resilient and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor cultivation.
The Cast Iron Plant grows in moist, shaded areas in the wild, typically under dense tree canopies. It thrives in the loamy, acidic soils found in these areas and can grow in areas with little light, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation. The plant grows in clumps of glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long and 4 inches wide. The plant's root system comprises rhizomes that spread horizontally, allowing it to form a dense, bushy habit. In early spring, the plant produces small, insignificant, purple-brown flowers on short stems near the base of the leaves.
The Cast Iron Plant is a great houseplant choice due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements. It is ideal for beginners or those with busy lifestyles, as it is very forgiving regarding watering and light.
To care for the Cast Iron Plant, ensure that it is planted in a well-draining potting mix and that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate low light conditions, making it perfect for homes or offices with minimal natural light. If the plant becomes too large for its container, it can be repotted in the spring. Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to keep it healthy.
When styling the Cast Iron Plant with a pot, choose a container slightly larger than the current pot, as this plant prefers to be a little root bound. Terracotta pots are a great choice, allowing for better drainage and airflow. For a more contemporary look, consider a minimalist white or black pot. Consider a woven basket or a wooden pot for a more natural look.
In summary, the Cast Iron Plant is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for indoor cultivation. Its attractive foliage and air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of green to their home or office. With the proper care and styling, this versatile plant can thrive and bring a touch of nature to any space.
Since Victorian times this variegated Aspidistra Elatior has been very popular with its beautiful, paddle-shaped, elegant leaves that have graced many a film set. You can capture this style in your own home and enjoy the sophisticated looks of the Cast Iron Plant in any room.
It’s a slow grower - which has advantages because you will know that it will fit the space chosen! It’s not a rare plant, but it is hard to find in this large size. However, you can get it here in our houseplant shop!
If you’re buying the Cast Iron plant as a special gift, we’ll enclose a free, handwritten card with your order. Just note your message at the basket stage of the checkout, and we’ll do the rest! No paperwork is included either to spoil the surprise!
Where should I put the Cast Iron Plant?
The Cast Iron plant likes a dry, bright spot and can tolerate some full sun but not all day.
How should I water it?
Water when you feel the top 2 inches of soil are dry, this plant can survive being left alone, in fact, prefers it!
Is it suitable if I have pets?
It’s not toxic to cats and dogs. A pet-safe houseplant.
Do I need to feed it?
You can give a feed once a month in spring and summer. Why not try our vegan, organic plant food?
What size is this Cast Iron Plant?
W17cm x H70cm
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
We post to most of the UK, but we’re unable to deliver to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands because of higher shipping costs.
When we list a plant’s height, it always includes the grow pot, stem, foliage and living root system — not just what you see above the soil. Because every plant is unique, yours may arrive a little smaller or larger than the size listed.
Happy Houseplants is the UK’s leading online plant shop for rare and unusual houseplants. At Happy Houseplants, we’re more than just a shop. We’re a family-run business, proud RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners, and home to the UK’s number one houseplant blog. Plant lovers across the country trust us for beautiful, healthy plants and expert care.
We specialise in everything from easy-care houseplants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors. Every order is hand-packed by our small team in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered through DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and consistently praised for the quality of our plants, the care we take with packaging, and our friendly, knowledgeable service. When you choose Happy Houseplants, you’re choosing sustainability, knowledge and a genuine passion for plants.
Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
