Grow a cast iron plant this way for it to be strong and green

How to keep a cast iron plant strong and green

As a foliage plant, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is loved for being easy to grow, evergreen and seldom troubled by pests and diseases. But to make the plant grow strongly, with green leaves and greater ornamental value, you need to master the growing tricks.

Before winter sets in, in mid-to-late November, water the pot thoroughly, move it indoors and place it in a ventilated, sunny spot, keeping the temperature above 0°C, or briefly a little below 0°C, and it will overwinter safely. During this time the soil should be kept half-dry, never too dry, and depending on the situation you may lightly spray the soil surface at noon. After the thaw in mid-to-late March, move the pot outdoors to an open spot or an open balcony so the plant can fully take in rain, dew and sunlight. Once the weather warms up a little, that is, when the temperature rises above 7°C-8°C, loosen the soil in the pot, add fresh leaf mould and apply a light fertiliser, then keep the potting soil airy and on the moist side.

Winter is the period when the mother plant conserves its strength, and early spring is the period when it develops young shoots. If there is plenty of light, and after the spring warmth the fertiliser and water keep up and the soil surface is warm, this helps form sturdy young shoots. After the young shoots emerge from the soil they grow into seedlings, and when the seedlings have grown to a certain point they show green leaves and become small plants. At this stage they should receive plenty of sunlight to make the new plants thick and strong.

To keep the leaves emerald green, after late May, because the temperature is higher and the maximum temperature can often reach above 26°C, and the new plants have basically grown to full size, light should be moderately reduced, and if conditions allow, move the pot under the shade of a tree to block the direct sunlight at midday. After the plum rain season ends, cut away the old plants from the previous year and keep the new plants [Jishan Huayao].

From July to September the weather is hot, and direct light easily scorches the leaves of the plant. During the day you can move the pot indoors to a spot away from the sun or in a darker place, and at night move it back outdoors to an open spot or an open balcony. Keep the potting soil moist; water it when it is half-dry, and apply a little diluted liquid fertiliser at the right time, which helps the plant grow strong and emerald green.

Although placing the pot among the weeds under a large tree can also reduce light and keep the leaves of the cast iron plant emerald green, once the plant is hidden from view it loses its effect of being ornamental and setting off its surroundings.