Aspidistra Elatior “Cast Iron Plant”

The Cast Iron Plant, or Aspidistra elatior, has been a favourite houseplant since Victorian times due to its incredibly hardy, or ‘cast iron’ constitution – hence its common name. It is tolerant of very low light levels, dust, fumes and general neglect. However, it is more than just a plant for difficult locations.

Aspidistras have long, dark green ovate leaves held upright on quite long stalks. The large leaves, which can grow as long as 75cm, are quite tough and the plant is also slow-growing.

In Victorian houses, the plant was often displayed in special pots, or jardinieres, that had a characteristic shallow urn shape, and they were often highly decorated.

An especially unusual feature of the plant is its rarely-seen flowers. They grow close to the ground and resemble small fungi – and they are pollinated by fungus gnats, which are usually considered a nuisance when found among houseplants. All our potted plants come in compostable coir pots.