University of Connecticut Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Plant Growth Facilities. University of Illinois Extension. This plant is an excellent air purifier and it helps remove formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. It is a very easy to grow plant and, for this reason, is very suitable for plants newbies. I just came across an article about cast iron plants and saw a picture and thought that's got to be it, there has to be some hostas and some cast iron plants and some places where they are both mixed together. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), the 7 Benefits You Need To Know About The Sansevieria Plant, Ceropegia Woodii Care | Growing a Healthy String of Hearts, Succulents Safe For Cats; 5 Best Non-Toxic Succulents, Choosing Paint Colours For Your Walls The Proper Way, Misting Indoor Plants | Why It Really Works, How to Care for a Norfolk Island Pine Indoors, Christmas Cactus & Thanksgiving Cactus | Schlumbergera Distinction and Care, The Truth About The Peace Lily | How To Keep It Healthy And Beautiful, Tall Indoor Plants | 7 Best Large Houseplants to Grow in Your Home, How to Plant in Pots Without Drainage Holes - 4 Simple Solutions. Unfortunately that means, these plants can also be toxic to cats, dogs and crawling toddlers if ingested. This is another reason why you should regularly clean your plant’s leaves. The flower surfaces at the ground level and looks a bit like a Star Trek flower. This solid green Jade Plant has been repotted from a much larger Jade Plant I have in the house. It comes in many different species,  variegations and sizes making it an excellent plant to decorate interior spaces with; whether it’s on a table top, on a shelf, on a plant stand or even on the floor in a nice container. It really likes hot and dry conditions and does not well in colder environments. The cast-iron plant, also called the parlor palm, is a hardy house plant that bears broad, oblong, leathery leaves from creeping rhizomes below soil level. Contact Us . Aspidistra are sometimes known as the Cast Iron Plant because they’re almost impossible to kill. All plants, whether indoor or outdoor are susceptible to pests; insects or bugs. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1320.html, Geranium Culture. The most common, ‘Variegata’, has broad stripes of white and an upright character. The cast-iron plant gets its name from its hardy, iron-clad constitution. Choosing Plants. These plants should not be watered on a schedule. AgriLife Extension. http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/introsheets/bamboo.pdf, California Poppy. They’re practically bomb-proof (we have not tested this). http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Wildseed/22/22.1.html, Aspidistra elatior. This plant enjoys moderate to low light conditions. The Cast Iron Plant is an almost indestructible house plant, right up there with Snake Plant and Philodendron. Like the Snake Plant, Jade Plants can be toxic to pets and toddlers if ingested. With a variety of colors, geraniums can fit in any household. They have done really well, but I must prune them now because last winter was fierce here, and they did take a beating. This is the go to plant when you’ve killed all your other plants! I have a Cast Iron Plant collection, i currently have 14 different types of cast iron plants. The fact it’s one of the most pest resistant indoor plants, it makes it even more attractive to people that are just getting started with plants. Meet the cast iron plant, Aspidistra elatior! http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/scindapus.cfm, Sansevieria, Mother-in law tongue, Snake plant. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water! http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/chlorophytum.cfm, Jade plant. Having said that, I admit that half the battle is choosing plants that are more resistant than others to pests. Jade Plants are extremely easy to propagate. Cast iron plants are not particularly eye catching. Jade Plants are also considered great air purifying plants. Houseplants. This is a foliage plant that features long 4-inch-wide (10 cm.) My much smaller table top Sansevieria Cilindrica keeps me company on my desk. This Plant's Growing Zones: 6 - 11. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. While most cast iron plants are a dark green glossy color there are a few other varieties. Texas A&M Dept. Sometimes cast iron plants are prone to spider mites. Your climate may be too cold for this plant. http://www.bamboo.org/GeneralInfoPages/BarnhartIntro.html, Bamboo. University of Illinois Extension. In Japan, it is a prime training plant for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Rustic Plant Caddy,Cast Iron Heavy Duty Iron Potted Plant Stand with Wheels Square Flower Pot Rack Indoor Outdoor Planter,Type A(11 inch) 4.9 out of 5 stars 20 $28.99 $ 28 . Pollination for the Cast Iron Plant. This plant’s leaves, like the majority of the pest resistant indoor plants, are toxic to pets and children, if ingested. The most popular color? The most common cast iron plant material is metal. http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/198500883.html, Aspidistra elatior. University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program. It is also an excellent choice for dark spaces. This plant has been in cultivation since the early Victorian era as a houseplant. This plant has glossy, coarse-textured, lance-shaped leaves that grow upright. The Dragon Tree or Dracaena is native to Africa. http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/ASPELAA.PDF, Yard and Garden Brief. I keep it in our bedroom to help clean the air while we sleep. Just to compare, I attached a photo of a cast iron plant we bought locally this week after this one arrived battered and bruised. The Chinese Evergreen is another air purifying plant that helps remove xylene and formaldehyde from the air. If you do have spider mites on your cast iron plants, there are a number of ways to deal with these pests. Cast iron plant prefers a rich, fertile soil, but it will tolerate a range of soil conditions. "If you're looking for a plant that does well in a shady spot, this is the one for you. It is ultimately our responsibility, as plant parents, to learn to recognize signs and symptoms of pest’s infestation and to take action to protect our plants. (It’s no coincidence that this is one of the most popular plants for malls and offices). http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week060.shtml, Jade plant. In general, if a plant enjoys moderate to strong acidic soil -- a pH that ranges from 4.0 to 6.0 -- it requires a large amount of iron. Scientists have been debating over what pollinates the cast iron plant flowers for a long time. You guessed it: brown. Summary. You're reviewing: Cast Iron Plant. Simply pinch the stems off when the plant is growing leggy or too big and plant those stems directly into a pot of soil. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEHE Scindapus, Devil's ivy, Golden pothos, Silver pothos. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1328.html, Spider plant, Chlorophytum. Planting and Care. Low light conditions will induce Jade Plants to grow leggy. My big Silver Queen Snake Plant. It looks like a plant you would put on a table. Houseplants. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/sansevieria.cfm, Spider Plant. The more I researched pest resistant plants and experienced caring for them on my own, the more I realized, these plants also happen to be among the lowest maintenance indoor plants to grow. The most common bugs, (mites, scale, gnats, mealy bugs and thrips), tend to stay away from certain plants because their leaves are naturally toxic to them. They are very easy easy to grow, i have not seen any pest's on them at all. Cast iron plants do not like any direct sun and do best in total or mostly shade. A hardy plant that withstands more than its share of abuse and neglect, Aspidistra elatior is also known appropriately as cast iron plant. it is an excellent air purifier, helping remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. Even though this plant can endure the most extreme conditions, it still needs to be watered well once every two to three weeks. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Approximately 3-4 … CAST IRON PLANT PROBLEMS. Do pest resistant indoor plants really exist? I have been collecting for 2 years, and i want to share some things about them with you. Also known as the bar room plant, the Cast Iron Plant has been a popular houseplant since the Victorian era of the 1800s due to its ability to flourish in dark and drafty rooms. Ivy is so hard to kill it may just take over your house. They are extremely easy to care for, requiring very little maintenance and water. Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is an herbaceous perennial that has earned its reputation as a nearly indestructible houseplant, though it's also hardy outside in USDA growing zones 6 to 11.It has arching deep-green glossy leaves and is so undemanding that it survives neglect that would easily kill lesser plants. 10 Best Non-Toxic Houseplants That are Safe For Children, Cats & Dogs. USDA. Like many other succulents, Jade Plants need a lot of bright light and even direct sunlight to thrive. SIGN-UP FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION AND UPDATES ON NEW PLANTS. Also known as iron plant and barroom plant, this native of China features long, oval-shaped, pointed dark green leaves that emerge from the soil with seemingly no stems and grow to two feet. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely! University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. I prefer to use more natural methods in pest control. It’s not only one of the most pest resistant indoor plants, the Snake Plant is one of the easiest indoor plants too grow and it has many benefits; Water it approximately once every two weeks. Fact Sheet. University of Illinois Extension. Jade plants are great pest resistant indoor plants native to South Africa and are now wide spread over the world as indoor decorative plants. Crassula argentea. Dan Gill is a horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter. Cast iron plant does flower but most folks never see it unless they search for it. http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h146ficus.html, University of Oklahoma Department of Botany & Microbiology, Texas A&M Dept. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. These plants can grow quite old and big, if cared for properly and in the right environmental conditions. Houseplants. glossy green or variegated leaves that are described as “corn-like” in appearance. Plant Talk Colorado. It is highly tolerant to poor light conditions, dry environments and drought. http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/geraniums.html, Introduction to Hardy Bamboos. The Cast Iron Plant … 817 E. MONROVIA PLACE AZUSA, CALIFORNIA 91702-1385. A nice and easy to care for foliage house plant. If you want to use cast iron plant as a groundcover, space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart to leave them room to grow. Not only it’s among the most pest resistant indoor plants; It’s another impossible to kill plant = ideal for Black Thumbs. If you forget to water yours, give it a dark spot and just generally forget it exists for a bit, it will merrily make do on its own. Cast iron plant is known scientifically as Aspidistra elatior and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 7-11. Its fountain-shaped cascading foliage is shade tolerant and ideal for … Also called the bar room plant, this plant has a long and storied history. University of Illinois Extension. These stems can go for days if they're not trimmed. Well you're in luck, because here they come. Submit Review. I am not fully convinced of it. But when I try to positively identify each plant I … Even the worst plant neglecter can keep the A. elatior alive and well with its tolerant attitude to light, dry air and lack of watering. HOW TO PLANT IN POTS WITHOUT DRAINAGE HOLES. Dracaena’s leathery leaves are toxic to pets and children. Once established, they are extremely tolerant of drought, salt and neglect. Cast iron plants prefer full shade; they like the sun never to shine on them during the day. VIEW ALL NEWSLETTERS. Another advantage of this plant is that is not toxic to pets and children! About Cast Iron Plants. This is why the title of my article is “The 5 Most Pest Resistant Indoor Plants”. I water them about once every two weeks. It is similar to the Peace Lily in appearance but less glamorous and even hardier. University of Minnesota Extension Service. The Chinese Evergreen plant is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/hedera.cfm, Plants Profile: Hedera helix. Overwatering is one of the main causes of death for the plant. The name ‘cast iron’ gives you an indication of just how tough this plant is. Keep in mind Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride so it is always best to water them with distilled water if your tap water has high fluoride levels. In deep shade, they stay green and healthy other than the … Houseplants. Notice the waxy, dark green leaves versus the yellowed leaves of this one off of Amazon. University of Oklahoma Dept. Nickname. The cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is named for its ability to survive a wide range of conditions. There are 1133 cast iron plant for sale on Etsy, and they cost $26.38 on average. Review. If you’re looking for low-maintenance greenery that can survive low light, low humidity, irregular watering, and temperature fluctuation, the cast-iron plant is THE plant for you. The Cast Iron Plant is there to help. The best way to determine whether or not water is needed is to touch the plant’s top soil. Water this plant approximately once every two weeks and allow to dry through before the next watering. It is slow to grow but can withstand neglect like no other plant. Plant of the Week. If you want to learn more about Jade Plants, their care and meaning, read my article on Jade Plants. But its small purplish flower opens close to the ground, so often its overshadowed by the foliage and hardly noticeable to most. Aspidistra plants come by the common name, cast iron plant, honestly as they are extremely durable. Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs, and Other Friendly Ficus. The Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra Elatior) receives its common name for its ability to withstand neglect. How convenient! A ficus can be fickle, so don't move it around too much. Hedera sp., English ivy, Canary Island ivy. Another plant you will find in older Sydney gardens has a chartreuse streak down the centre of the leaf. They became popular houseplants not only for their ease of maintenance, but because they are believed to bring good luck to the person who owns them, (that’s why they are also called Money Plant). However, the simple, but lush green foliage is a nice green backdrop for more colorful focal pieces or a hardy way to add natural color in office or home environments that do not support other living plants. of Botany and Microbiology. American Bamboo Society. The shape, color, and location of a flower is related to the pollinator that it is trying to attract. The landscape person put 4 cast iron plants in the garden. Change Zip Code. 99 Cast Iron plant is available in a number of variegated cultivars. It may be the old Japanese cultivar ‘Akebono’. See more pictures of house plants . The Dracaena is drought tolerant, so you don’t have to water them very often. Cast Iron Plant 5/5 based on 3 customer reviews Aspidistra is a Victorian favourite related to the Dracaena and Beaucarnea now making a comeback because, as its common name suggests, it … Sign up to receive weekly plant inspiration & knowledge. Cast iron plants in gardens will prove to be steady performers with just a modicum of care and a basic understanding of their minimum requirements. Plant Talk Colorado. The Snake Plant is native to the tropical regions of West Africa. This may not be the world’s most beautiful plant, although the long, oval lives have a certain simple beauty, but it certainly is one of the world’s toughest plant, surviving under conditions where other plants simply give up and die. Colorado State University Extension. Like the Cast Iron Plant, it does not like cooler temperatures and needs to be away from drafts. Next step, plastic plants! Not only it’s … Colorado State University Extension. Although it does like bright light, direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Insects and bugs truly dislike their poisonous sap! They sure are easy indoor succulents! The Cast Iron Plant is native to Japan and Taiwan. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about cast iron plant? Cast Iron Plant is ideal for frequent travelers for its low-maintenance qualities and slow growth rate. Cast Iron Palm (aspidistra elatior) The Cast Iron Plant is native to Japan and Taiwan.