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Aspidistra (cast iron plant) question.

15 years ago

I have a cast iron plant (aspidistra) as a potted house plant in my living room. I've had it for 2 years now and it has NEVER made any new leaves. I understand that they are slow growing, but this is ridiculous. Every once in awhile, one of the leaves slowly turns brown and then I have to cut it off. I'm starting to get worried because its starting to really thin out. Whats going on? Does anybody know? I've fertilised it and I've even gently changed some of the soil careful not to damage roots or new leaves coming up but I didn't find any. I keep this plant in the shade but it has plenty of indirect light. Is there any way to help it make new leaves? thanks

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Comments (2)

karen715
15 years ago
Despite what you've written, I suspect it may be a light issue. Aspidistras do better in low light than most other plants, but there are limits. If the light is too low, it may maintain itself for quite some time, but it won't grow. This is after all, a plant used in outdoor landscapes, where shade is equivalent to a sunny spot in our homes.

In the area where you keep your plant, can you read a newspaper (or other smallish print) without turning on a light for most of the day? If the area is too dim to read in, it is probably too dim for your plant to put out new growth. Move it to a somewhat brighter spot, without direct sun.
User
15 years ago
I don't know, but when you find out call me. I have gazillions of plants and this one grows slower than plastic ones (inside or outside). I've given up all hope for growth. I expect nothing from it except NOT to die--which is too bad because I could use the space.
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I am delighted to announce that both the original aspidistra plant and the offshoot I planted in a different pot are exhibiting new growth. For the record, I put them in a north facing window where they receive light but not direct light, give them one cup of water every 12-13 days, and left them alone. It seems July is the growing season for these plants, because it is also around this time last year that they put out new leaves. As for your yellowing Sans2014, I'm not sure what's causing it but I did find a pretty good site here where they may answer your question: http://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/aspidistra From reading that site, it seems your problem could be caused by too cold temps (unlikely in July), too frequent repotting, or most likely overwatering. I water mine every 12-13 days and this is in July in Las Vegas, where temps in my apartment can reach 90 if i turn the A/C off before going to work. If you leave in a cooler climate, I wouldn't water it more than every two weeks, maybe even less.
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The fastest growth can always be had by optimizing cultural conditions - light, temps, soil moisture levels, and fertility levels are the big ones. Unfortunately, that's not the easiest thing to do in the winter. I'd put it in a south window/warm spot if available, but out of direct sun. If I was buying a plant this time of year, I'd be thinking in terms of getting it through the winter and to a point where it has enough stored energy to cut it back pretty hard. From that point forward, if what you're doing suits the plant, all the growth it puts on should be very attractive. Don't be afraid to cut this plant back at appropriate times for a do-over. Most plants respond well to that treatment and regular pinching, too. I always figured there's no sense in fussing about a bedraggled plant when the only thing required is a haircut and a little bounce-back time. Al
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