The cast iron is an old plant known to be a potted plant in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It was widely grown as a popular houseplant in this country from 1870 to 1940.  Do you remember the song “How’s your aspidistra”?

It will tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions, but an average potting soil and shade will make this a happy plants. The soil should be allowed to go dry between watering. Any kind of fertilizer is good, but this plant is a slow feeder.

Its best use is as a houseplant, placed near a window. Used as a ground cover under trees.  This plant is hardy to South Georgia. It is grown for its foliage. The Cast Iron plant can reaches a height of about 3 feet and forms a lush under growth. Flowers are inconspicuous, borne close to the ground.