A PLANT THAT’S TOUGH TO BEAT

The name “cast iron” gives you an indication of just how tough this plant is. Cast iron plant, aspidistra elatior, creates a lush and tropical feel in warm climate gardens but is also ideally suited for growing indoors.

It’s particularly good for dim rooms as it tolerates low levels of light, and beginner and time-poor gardeners will also enjoy growing cast iron plants, as they’ll still look lovely and leafy with minimal maintenance.

Cast iron plants develop long, spearshaped leaves, up to 90cm long. Most have green foliage but there are also interesting variegated and spotted varieties available.

Follow these easy steps to grow a fabulous indoor cast iron plant:

Use a well-drained pot at least 20cm in diameter.

Cast iron plants do best in a brightly lit spot, out of direct sunlight, however they will also grow well in low light areas.

Half fill the pot with Yates Specialty Potting Mix Indoor Plants & Ferns.

Remove the cast iron plant from its container, and tease out the outer roots.

Position the plant in the middle of the new pot and backfill around roots with fresh potting mix. Keep level of new potting mix the same as the original level of mix around the plant, so all the roots are covered. Water well to settle potting mix around the roots.

Keep the potting mix just slightly moist, though cast iron plants are usually forgiving if you occasionally forget to water them.