What are the correct methods for hydroponics and care?

How to grow and care for Aspidistra elatior in water?

Aspidistra elatior, also known as the cast iron plant, with alternative names such as bamboo-leaf plate, large-leaf evergreen, bamboo-node tendon-stretcher, nine-dragon plate, etc., belongs to the Liliaceae family, genus Aspidistra, and is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. Aspidistra elatior has thick creeping rhizomes, with single basal leaves that can reach up to 70cm in length, hard in texture, with the base narrowing to form a grooved long petiole. A single flower is borne at the leaf base, with a bell-shaped perianth, brownish-purple, producing a capsule. Natural flowering period is April-May, and fruit ripening period is June-August.

1. Hydroponic method

(1) Cut 3-5 leaves with new buds from the creeping stem of Aspidistra elatior, and directly immerse the plant in a container with nutrient solution. In the early stage of hydroponics, the nutrient solution should be appropriately diluted.

(2) Aspidistra elatior has short and sturdy stems, with upright and slender leaves, and consumes little nutrient solution. In summer, add clean water once every 7-10 days, and renew the nutrient solution once every 30-60 days. The initial liquid level of the nutrient solution should not be too high; it only needs to just submerge the roots. As fleshy water roots grow out, the nutrient solution can be lowered to submerge 2/3 of the roots. As shown in the picture, this is hydroponic Aspidistra elatior.

2. Care guide

(1) Light and temperature Aspidistra elatior has strong adaptability, is shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and can be placed in a bright indoor area for long-term cultivation, or moved outdoors to a semi-shaded spot or under other plants after the beginning of spring. In summer, it must not be placed in direct sunlight. When new leaves grow in spring, place it in a location with sufficient light. When cultivating in northern regions, it should be moved indoors before winter, with the temperature controlled below 25°C to prevent the room temperature from being too high and causing the leaf surface to lose its luster [Jishan Huayao].

(2) Fertilization During the vigorous growth period in spring and summer, Aspidistra elatior is mostly fertilized with decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure, generally once every 10-15 days.

(3) Watering For hydroponic Aspidistra elatior, dust on the leaves needs to be removed regularly, either by spraying water or wiping with a cloth. When the air is dry, a small amount of water can be sprayed on the leaf surface and the ground.