Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant is renowned for surviving where almost nothing else will: dim corners, irregular watering, drafts and temperature swings. This durability made it a Victorian parlor staple and earned it the nickname "bar room plant."

It is a slow-growing, clump-forming perennial that sends up long, leathery, dark green leaves directly from underground rhizomes. While it will never grow fast, it is one of the most reliable, long-lived and forgiving houseplants you can own.

Look for upright clumps of large, glossy, strap-shaped dark green leaves rising from soil level.

• Leaves: broad, lance-shaped, leathery, deep green, 30 to 60 cm long, each on its own stalk
• Habit: clumping, spreading slowly by rhizomes; 60 to 90 cm tall
• Flowers: small, dull purple, cream-flecked blooms borne at soil level, rarely seen indoors
• Variegated forms: some cultivars have white stripes or spots

Tolerates low to medium indirect light, including dim corners; avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

• Water: let the top of the soil dry between waterings; it tolerates occasional neglect better than overwatering
• Soil: any well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: very adaptable, roughly 7 to 27 C
• Feeding: light feeding once or twice in spring and summer; it grows slowly
• Propagation: divide the rhizome clump at repotting
• Note: wipe dust from leaves to keep them glossy

Native to the shaded forest floors of Japan and Taiwan, where it grows in deep shade under dense canopy, an origin that explains its remarkable tolerance for low light. It is grown worldwide as a houseplant and, in mild climates, as a hardy evergreen groundcover for difficult shady spots.

Primarily an ornamental foliage plant for low-light interiors and shady gardens where little else thrives. Its sturdy, long-lasting leaves are also popular in floristry as cut greenery. It is non-toxic and safe around pets.