The OG indoor plant: the aspidistra

Aspidistra elatior, also known as the cast iron plant, was one of the first plants to be widely grown as an indoor decoration. It is an underrated plant that doesn’t hold the same prestige as others in the indoor plant world, but I think it’s time for it to make a resurgence.

Aspidistras originate in Asia, where they have long been popular in cultivation in Japan and China.

The name ‘cast iron’ harks back to Victorian times, where the plant was able to survive drought and pests, and thrive in the low light and poor air quality of Victorian homes.

The cast iron plant even made its way into George Orwell’s novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying as a symbol of middle class respectability.

The aspidistra was coveted in Victorian times for good reason, it makes an excellent houseplant, and there’s no reason you can’t take advantage of what it has to offer.

In modern times, you’ll find this plant used as groundcover in gardens, in outdoor pots, or as an indoor plant. It’s a very slow grower, but the leaves stay lush and green all year round.

Because it’s a slow grower, it tends to be more expensive in nurseries. You can often find it for cheap (or even free!) though, on websites like Facebook marketplace and Gumtree from people clearing out their gardens!

I’d recommend shoving one in one of the darker areas of the house, because the aspidistra won’t punish you for it. But, if you’ve got the space for it, put one where there’s lots of natural light and you’ll be treated to healthy plant that looks so much better.

The plant is also unusual in that its flowers are not in full show; if an aspidistra is in bloom, you’ll find its flowers at the base of the plant or even under the soil!

There are many types of aspidistra, but there are two different kinds you can commonly find in nurseries. One is a variegated type with striking white streaks through its leaves, and another has white ‘stars’ on it, and is accordingly named aspidistra ‘milky way’.

Whichever one you choose, the aspidistra elatior makes an excellent and hardy houseplant with an interesting history behind it.