How to grow Aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior)? Detailed cultivation and care methods

Aspidistra, also known as cast-iron plant, is an ornamental foliage plant with a flowering period that generally lasts 4-5 months. Aspidistra mostly grows wild under evergreen broad-leaved forests or beside stream rocks, and dislikes dryness and direct sunlight. Aspidistra likes warmth and is highly adaptable; potted plants still keep their leaves green at a low temperature of 0°C and under weak light. Aspidistra likes loose, well-drained soil. Aspidistra is suitable for growing in a shady, humid environment. Aspidistra is highly adaptable and grows quickly, so it should be repotted once every 1-2 years. The potting soil can be an equal mix of loam, leaf mold and sand. When repotting, add a small amount of crushed bone pieces or cake fertilizer powder as a base fertilizer, then water thoroughly after planting and place it in a shady spot to grow. If the air is too dry, it easily causes the leaf edges and leaf tips to scorch. Apply 1-2 times a month of dilute liquid fertilizer to encourage new leaves to sprout and promote healthy growth. Variegated varieties should be given light fertilizer; if the fertilizer is too rich, the spots on the leaves easily disappear. During the growing period, water fully and frequently spray water on the leaves to maintain high air humidity. In summer, avoid direct sunlight and place it in a shady spot outdoors or in a bright indoor spot, but pay attention to ventilation and promptly remove yellow leaves. During the stage from new leaves sprouting to new leaves actively growing, it must not be placed in a dark indoor spot, otherwise the new leaves will grow thin, long and weak, affecting its ornamental value. In northern regions, it should be moved indoors in winter, with reduced watering and stopped fertilization; if the potting soil is too wet at this time, it easily causes root rot, but it still needs to be regularly sprayed and washed with warm water to keep the leaves clean and attractive. For the propagation of Aspidistra, division is mainly used, usually in spring when the temperature begins to rise and before the new buds have sprouted, in combination with repotting. When dividing, use a sharp knife to split the mother plant into several clumps and replant them separately, making sure each clump has several new buds; otherwise, even after growing for several years, it cannot fill the pot, and the plants will be scattered, affecting the ornamental effect. When dividing and replanting, one point especially worth noting is to plant each leaf upright to enhance the beauty of the plant. Article source: http://www.dfac.cc Editor: Yuhuaren Share to: Qzone Sina Weibo Renren Kaixin More