How to grow Aspidistra? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Summary Cultivation methods: Aspidistra (cast iron plant) is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam. The growing medium can be mixed from garden soil, leaf mold, peat soil, etc. After planting, it needs to be placed in a shaded spot for one week to recover, then moved to a spot with diffused light for growing. Normally, keep the soil moist and you can spray water on the leaves. In spring, summer and autumn, apply 1 time of dilute fertilizer water every week. Precautions: It must not be grown in a spot with direct sunlight; even a short period of exposure to the sun will scorch the leaves.
I. Cultivation Methods for Aspidistra
1. Soil planting
Aspidistra has low requirements for soil and is relatively tolerant of poor soil. It can be grown in loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam. The planting density is about 9-12 plants per sq m, and during this period the seedlings should be planted at equal spacing.
2. Pot planting
(1) It is suitable to grow in a shallow pot. The growing medium can be mixed from garden soil, leaf mold, peat soil, etc. After choosing the pot, cover the drainage hole at the bottom with a small amount of broken tiles and lay on window screen, then sprinkle in coarse mountain soil particles and place the plant in. The root system of Aspidistra should spread out and must not touch the pot wall.
(2) During this period, add growing medium to the pot, burying up to the leaf base of the pseudobulb. Cover the surface of the pot soil with a small amount of white pebbles or Selaginella uncinata, which helps maintain an attractive appearance and moisture, and also prevents water from washing away the soil. Then use the bottom-seepage method to soak the soil through and take it out. You can rinse the soil off the leaf surface with water, then place it in a shaded spot to recover. After 7 days it can be returned to normal care.
3. Watering
During the growing period, keep the soil in the pot moist. During this time you can frequently spray water on the leaf surface, which helps promote sprouting and the growth of new leaves. After autumn, reduce the amount of watering.
4. Fertilizing
Spring, summer and autumn are the periods of vigorous growth. During this time, apply 1 time of dilute fertilizer water every 7 days. When winter arrives, stop applying fertilizer.
5. Light
Aspidistra can also grow well in a bright spot without direct sunlight. Light is relatively strong in summer and autumn. During this period, shade netting can be used for shading. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise yellow spots that cannot fade will appear on the leaves, causing the growth rate to slow down and affecting its ornamental value.
6. Temperature
Aspidistra likes to grow in a warm environment and is afraid of severe cold. The suitable growing temperature is about 15-25°C. In winter, the temperature should not be lower than 5°C. From planting new plants to harvesting finished products takes about 6 months, after which finished products can be harvested successively. After about 3 years of cultivation, the old plants need to be renewed. During this period, the clustered Aspidistra can be divided and replanted.
II. Precautions for Growing Aspidistra
During the vigorous growth periods in spring and summer, apply 1-2 times of liquid fertilizer every 30 days, which helps keep the leaves clear and bright. Aspidistra can be grown indoors with sufficient light, but whether indoors or outdoors, it should not be kept in direct sunlight. A short period of exposure to the sun will also cause the leaves to scorch, thereby reducing its ornamental value.
III. Propagation Methods for Aspidistra
Division can be used for propagation, generally carried out in March in spring. During this period, dig the large clumps out of the soil, shake off the old soil, and cut them with a knife along the direction of the rhizomes. Each clump of rhizome needs to have 8-9 buds. After dividing the new Aspidistra plants, place them in a cool spot to air-dry for half a day before planting.