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Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

SCENTIFIC NAME: Aspidistra elatior

KNOWN AS: Bar Room Plant, Iron Plant

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Asia | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: The Cast Iron plant is a hardy houseplant that doesn't need much care. It has thick, dark green leaves that are shiny and feel like leather. This gives it a unique and hardy look. The Cast Iron plant can grow in low light and be ignored, which makes it a great choice for people who are just starting out or have busy lives.

Easy difficulty & pet safe

Cast Iron Plant Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

The best lighting for an indoor cast iron plant is low to moderate, indirect light. These plants are highly adaptable and can tolerate low light conditions in a pinch, this makes them an excellent choice for areas with limited natural light. Place your cast iron plant in a north-facing window or in a bright spot with indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause their leaves to burn.

Lighting Recommendations
Aspect™ LED Growlight
Large 40w / White Large 40w / Black
Aspect™ LED Growlight
$220.00 CAD - $293.00 CAD
-12%
Sale
Vita™ Grow Light
White / Wide (60°) Black / Wide (60°)
Vita™ Grow Light
$110.00 CAD $125.00 CAD Sale
Highland™ LED Track Light System
White / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees) Black / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees)
Highland™ LED Track Light System
$337.00 CAD - $1,084.00 CAD
Grove™ LED Grow Light
Black White
Grove™ LED Grow Light
$191.00 CAD

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. This plant prefers distilled water.

The watering method for indoor cast iron plants requires minimal care and attention. These plants are quite drought-tolerant and prefer to be kept on the drier side rather than too moist. It's best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. When watering, be sure to thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot, but avoid leaving the plant sitting in standing water. It's also important to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can cause damage. In general, cast iron plants need less water during the winter months when they are in their dormant phase. It's important to monitor the plant's response to the watering schedule and adjust as needed based on environmental conditions and the plant's growth stage. With proper care, cast iron plants can thrive with infrequent watering and are a great choice for low-maintenance indoor plants.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Cast iron plants are hardy indoor plants that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) (we asked) during the day and a minimum of 50°F (10°C) at night. They can tolerate lower temperatures but can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Cast iron plants prefer low to medium light conditions, but they can tolerate brighter light. It's important to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as this could cause the leaves to burn. Additionally, it's important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 50%; Moderate Humidity

Cast iron plants are known for their tolerance to low humidity levels, but moderate to high humidity is still ideal. Ideally, humidity levels should be around 40% to 50%, but these plants can still thrive in low-humidity environments. If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can increase humidity levels around the plant by misting the foliage regularly, placing a tray of water near the plant, or using a humidifier. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. In addition to maintaining proper humidity levels, it's important to provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. With the right level of humidity and care, cast iron plants can thrive and add a touch of green to any indoor space.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Propagation of cast iron plants can be done through the cutting of an established plant. To do this, gently remove the plant from its container and carefully separate the roots into smaller groups, ensuring that each group has some foliage and a healthy root system. Replant these smaller clumps into their own containers using fresh potting soil, water thoroughly, and place them in a location with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soaked, be sure to provide occasional fertilization to encourage new growth. It may take some time for the new plants to establish themselves, but with proper care, they will thrive
Toxicity
Cast iron plants are considered non-toxic to humans and pets. While the plant's leaves may cause an upset stomach if ingested in large quantities, they are generally not harmful. This makes cast iron plants a good choice for households with pets or small children, as they are unlikely to cause any serious health problems if accidentally ingested. However, it is still recommended to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets and to seek medical attention if ingested.
Repotting
To repot a Cast Iron plant, first, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and be sure it has drainage holes. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of gravel or small stones to help with drainage. Then, fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, loosening any tangled or compacted roots. Watering before repotting may aid in the transfer of the plant to its new pot. Place the plant in the new pot and add soil around the root ball. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light location. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in standing water.
Pruning
To prune a Cast Iron plant, wait until the plant has become overgrown or has dead or damaged leaves. Use sharp, clean shears to cut the affected leaves or stems at the base of the plant. You can also remove any leaves that are turning yellow or brown. If you want to control the size or shape of the plant, you can prune back up to one-third of the total growth to encourage bushier growth. Additionally, you can pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage branching and a fuller plant. After pruning, water the plant thoroughly and keep on regular care. The plant should produce new growth in the coming weeks to months. Cast Iron plants are slow to grow, so avoid over-pruning, it will take the plant a long time to regenerate.
Fertilizer
Cast iron plants are low-maintenance and do not require frequent fertilization. However, they benefit from an annual fertilizing of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the growing season (spring and summer). Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots. It's important to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to keep from burning the roots and to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. Cast iron plants can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but they prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Fertilizing once a year can help promote new growth and keep the plant looking healthy. If the plant appears stunted or has yellowing leaves, it may benefit from additional fertilizer or improved lighting conditions.
Soil
Cast iron plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. A recommended soil mixture consists of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, with some compost added in to increase the organic content. It is important to avoid using soil that contains too much sand, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. Additionally, cast iron plants should be grown in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from hanging around in the soil, which will cause root rot. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and the plant should be watered with room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

Hanging Heights

Cast Iron Plant Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Aspect Hanging Heights - Cast Iron Plant

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Soltech's Recommendation -

Large Aspect : 24" to 60"

Small Aspect : 12" to 48"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Cast Iron Plant

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 80"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 48"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Cast Iron Plant

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 96"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 72"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Cast Iron Plant

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Similar Lighting Requirements