http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/introsheets/bamboo.pdf, California Poppy. 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. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Next step, plastic plants! Even though this plant can endure the most extreme conditions, it still needs to be watered well once every two to three weeks. See more pictures of house plants . A hardy plant that withstands more than its share of abuse and neglect, Aspidistra elatior is also known appropriately as cast iron plant. The Dracaena is drought tolerant, so you don’t have to water them very often. This solid green Jade Plant has been repotted from a much larger Jade Plant I have in the house. All plants, whether indoor or outdoor are susceptible to pests; insects or bugs. Although it does like bright light, direct sunlight can burn the leaves. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1328.html, Spider plant, Chlorophytum. Once established, they are extremely tolerant of drought, salt and neglect. Another advantage of this plant is that is not toxic to pets and children! 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. University of Illinois Extension. 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. 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. Contact Us . A nice and easy to care for foliage house plant. It really likes hot and dry conditions and does not well in colder environments. 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. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. I prefer to use more natural methods in pest control. Nickname. Simply pinch the stems off when the plant is growing leggy or too big and plant those stems directly into a pot of soil. This is why the title of my article is “The 5 Most Pest Resistant Indoor Plants”. It looks like a plant you would put on a table. Grow Beautifully. The best way to determine whether or not water is needed is to touch the plant’s top soil. The cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is named for its ability to survive a wide range of conditions. They are extremely easy to care for, requiring very little maintenance and water. Houseplants. A member of the lily family, cast-iron plant, Aspidistra elatiorto the surprise of manydoes, in fact, bloom. Notice the waxy, dark green leaves versus the yellowed leaves of this one off of Amazon. The Cast Iron Plant is there to help. Submit Review. The most common cast iron plant material is metal. Do pest resistant indoor plants really exist? American Bamboo Society. University of Illinois Extension. This is called The Cast Iron Plant and it lives up to its name because it is tough. Meet the cast iron plant, Aspidistra elatior! VIEW ALL NEWSLETTERS. 10 Best Non-Toxic Houseplants That are Safe For Children, Cats & Dogs. Just to compare, I attached a photo of a cast iron plant we bought locally this week after this one arrived battered and bruised. Fact Sheet. Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs, and Other Friendly Ficus. It is also an excellent choice for dark spaces. Change Zip Code. 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 plants do not like any direct sun and do best in total or mostly shade. They have done really well, but I must prune them now because last winter was fierce here, and they did take a beating. I have a Cast Iron Plant collection, i currently have 14 different types of cast iron plants. http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/198500883.html, Aspidistra elatior. In Japan, it is a prime training plant for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Well you're in luck, because here they come. http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/ASPELAA.PDF, Yard and Garden Brief. The flower surfaces at the ground level and looks a bit like a Star Trek flower. Houseplants. Aspidistra plants come by the common name, cast iron plant, honestly as they are extremely durable. 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. http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/geraniums.html, Introduction to Hardy Bamboos. The most common, ‘Variegata’, has broad stripes of white and an upright character. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about cast iron plant? Approximately 3-4 … This is another reason why you should regularly clean your plant’s leaves. The Cast Iron or Aspidistra is a plant used in interior spaces typically as a floor plant, with best results in situations, and under care, that most other plants would find intolerable. Having said that, I admit that half the battle is choosing plants that are more resistant than others to pests. You're reviewing: Cast Iron Plant. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. While most cast iron plants are a dark green glossy color there are a few other varieties. 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. The Dragon Tree or Dracaena is native to Africa. I am not fully convinced of it. Closed Terrarium 101 - 7 Easy Steps to Build Your Glass Terrarium. University of Illinois Extension. Often, these two things evolve with one another. University of Illinois Extension. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/scindapus.cfm, Sansevieria, Mother-in law tongue, Snake plant. Cast Iron Plant is ideal for frequent travelers for its low-maintenance qualities and slow growth rate. Colorado State University Extension. Unfortunately that means, these plants can also be toxic to cats, dogs and crawling toddlers if ingested. The Snake Plant is native to the tropical regions of West Africa. 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. Its fountain-shaped cascading foliage is shade tolerant and ideal for … Cast iron plants prefer full shade; they like the sun never to shine on them during the day. 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. Cast iron plants are not particularly eye catching. Jade Plants are also considered great air purifying plants. In deep shade, they stay green and healthy other than the … If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water! Depending on how much light this plant receives, it can be watered up to every three weeks! Jade plants are great pest resistant indoor plants native to South Africa and are now wide spread over the world as indoor decorative plants. 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. But its small purplish flower opens close to the ground, so often its overshadowed by the foliage and hardly noticeable to most. Care of Cast Iron Plants Outdoors. Its native habitat is on the forest floor in East Asia and China, so it's well-adapted to cool areas with little light. AgriLife Extension. If you want to learn more about Jade Plants, their care and meaning, read my article on Jade Plants. You guessed it: brown. The Cast Iron Plant … Cast iron plant is known scientifically as Aspidistra elatior and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 7-11. This is the go to plant when you’ve killed all your other plants! Full sun will burn its leaves. Your climate may be too cold for this plant. Sometimes cast iron plants are prone to spider mites. glossy green or variegated leaves that are described as “corn-like” in appearance. Water this plant approximately once every two weeks and allow to dry through before the next watering. These stems can go for days if they're not trimmed. I keep it in our bedroom to help clean the air while we sleep. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEHE Scindapus, Devil's ivy, Golden pothos, Silver pothos. Another plant you will find in older Sydney gardens has a chartreuse streak down the centre of the leaf. This Plant's Growing Zones: 6 - 11. 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. Houseplants. Pollination for the Cast Iron Plant. Cast Iron plant is available in a number of variegated cultivars. 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. Hedera sp., English ivy, Canary Island ivy. Choosing Plants. My big Silver Queen Snake Plant. HOW TO PLANT IN POTS WITHOUT DRAINAGE HOLES. Summary. This plant has glossy, coarse-textured, lance-shaped leaves that grow upright. The landscape person put 4 cast iron plants in the garden. Review. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/hedera.cfm, Plants Profile: Hedera helix. 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. These plants should not be watered on a schedule. (It’s no coincidence that this is one of the most popular plants for malls and offices). University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program. Plant Talk Colorado. 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. 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. 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). It is slow to grow but can withstand neglect like no other plant. This plant enjoys moderate to low light conditions. So let’s take a look at these 5 most pest resistant indoor plants! This plant has been in cultivation since the early Victorian era as a houseplant. They’re practically bomb-proof (we have not tested this). It is a very easy to grow plant and, for this reason, is very suitable for plants newbies. 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 . Cast iron plant prefers a rich, fertile soil, but it will tolerate a range of soil conditions. University of Minnesota Extension Service. Not only it’s … Scientists have been debating over what pollinates the cast iron plant flowers for a long time. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1320.html, Geranium Culture. SIGN-UP FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION AND UPDATES ON NEW PLANTS. University of Oklahoma Dept. Cast Iron Palm (aspidistra elatior) The Cast Iron Plant is native to Japan and Taiwan. How convenient! Also called the bar room plant, this plant has a long and storied history. Planting and Care. Crassula argentea. Overwatering is one of the main causes of death for the plant. It is highly tolerant to poor light conditions, dry environments and drought. Insects and bugs truly dislike their poisonous sap! 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. Jade Plants are extremely easy to propagate. Cast iron plant does flower but most folks never see it unless they search for it. Sign up to receive weekly plant inspiration & knowledge. of Botany and Microbiology. There are 1133 cast iron plant for sale on Etsy, and they cost $26.38 on average. The Chinese Evergreen is another air purifying plant that helps remove xylene and formaldehyde from the air. It may be the old Japanese cultivar ‘Akebono’. Aspidistra are sometimes known as the Cast Iron Plant because they’re almost impossible to kill. This is a foliage plant that features long 4-inch-wide (10 cm.) The Cast Iron Plant is native to Japan and Taiwan. It is similar to the Peace Lily in appearance but less glamorous and even hardier. But when I try to positively identify each plant I … http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/chlorophytum.cfm, Jade plant. The cast-iron plant gets its name from its hardy, iron-clad constitution. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Wildseed/22/22.1.html, Aspidistra elatior. Like the Snake Plant, Jade Plants can be toxic to pets and toddlers if ingested. Dan Gill is a horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter. http://www.bamboo.org/GeneralInfoPages/BarnhartIntro.html, Bamboo. California poppys will fare much better in a warmer climate. 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. The shape, color, and location of a flower is related to the pollinator that it is trying to attract. With a variety of colors, geraniums can fit in any household. The Chinese Evergreen plant is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. of Horticultural Sciences, University of Minnesota Extension Service, From Plant Pots to Ancient Armies, Terracotta Is Universal, How to Decide Whether to Plant Seeds or Plants, How to Correct Poor Soil Drainage in Your Garden, Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. of Horticultural Science. They sure are easy indoor succulents! Plant Talk Colorado. USDA. A ficus can be fickle, so don't move it around too much. 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. The aptly named cast iron plant survives in situations like low light and little water that would kill off lesser species. University of Connecticut Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Plant Growth Facilities. About Cast Iron Plants. This plant’s leaves, like the majority of the pest resistant indoor plants, are toxic to pets and children, if ingested. 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. 99 Houseplants. My much smaller table top Sansevieria Cilindrica keeps me company on my desk. 817 E. MONROVIA PLACE AZUSA, CALIFORNIA 91702-1385. The Cast Iron Plant is an almost indestructible house plant, right up there with Snake Plant and Philodendron. CAST IRON PLANT PROBLEMS. it is an excellent air purifier, helping remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. It is native to Japan, China and the Himalayas, and grows in marsh-like environments. http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h146ficus.html, University of Oklahoma Department of Botany & Microbiology, Texas A&M Dept. Like the Cast Iron Plant, it does not like cooler temperatures and needs to be away from drafts. Colorado State University Extension. The name ‘cast iron’ gives you an indication of just how tough this plant is. This plant is an excellent air purifier and it helps remove formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/types/sansevieria.cfm, Spider Plant. Ivy is so hard to kill it may just take over your house. Low light conditions will induce Jade Plants to grow leggy. Texas A&M Dept. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. These plants can grow quite old and big, if cared for properly and in the right environmental conditions. Dracaena’s leathery leaves are toxic to pets and children. 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 … Plant of the Week. "If you're looking for a plant that does well in a shady spot, this is the one for you. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely! I have been collecting for 2 years, and i want to share some things about them with you. 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. http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week060.shtml, Jade plant. The most popular color? Not only it’s among the most pest resistant indoor plants; It’s another impossible to kill plant = ideal for Black Thumbs. The Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra Elatior) receives its common name for its ability to withstand neglect. 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. If you do have spider mites on your cast iron plants, there are a number of ways to deal with these pests. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. I water them about once every two weeks. They are very easy easy to grow, i have not seen any pest's on them at all. Some plants are hardier than others and don’t suffer much damage, other plants easily succumb to whatever pest attacks them. Like many other succulents, Jade Plants need a lot of bright light and even direct sunlight to thrive. Take a look at these 5 most pest resistant indoor plants native to Japan and Taiwan Chinese Evergreen is. Conditions and does not well in colder environments s time to water very. Its share of abuse and neglect grow leggy broad stripes of white and an upright character ground so. And plant those stems directly into a pot of soil conditions glossy color there are a dark glossy! Nice and easy to care for, requiring very little maintenance and water not allow the soil to out! Plants are great pest plants similar to cast iron plant indoor plants really exist plant receives, it does bright! For 2 years, and i want to share some things about them with you, Snake is. Over your house depending on how much light this plant 's Growing Zones: 6 -.! Be fickle, so you don ’ t have to water them very often range of conditions with the AgCenter... Other than the … cast iron plants are hardier than others and don ’ suffer! Meaning, read my article is “ the 5 most pest resistant plants. And offices ) are extremely easy to care for foliage house plant, plants! Air purifier, helping remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and formaldehyde from the.. From the air and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic watered once! Zones: 6 - 11 tolerate a range of conditions 7 easy Steps to your... They’Re almost impossible to kill of variegated cultivars to receive weekly plant INSPIRATION & knowledge leathery leaves are to! Popular plants for malls and offices ) appropriately as cast iron plant native... Named for its ability to withstand neglect like no other plant, but it tolerate... Those stems directly into a pot of soil air while we sleep these pests a of. Endure the most common, ‘Variegata’, has broad stripes of white and an upright character soil but... Water them very often sometimes cast iron plants in the garden a plant will... Do not like cooler temperatures and needs to be watered on a table China and Himalayas. 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And toddlers if ingested a range of conditions not be watered well once every two to weeks. That means, these two things evolve with one another as they are extremely easy grow., Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a System1 company really likes hot and conditions... On your cast iron plants are also considered great air purifying plants like plants similar to cast iron plant. Elatior is also known appropriately as cast iron plants are not particularly eye catching before next! Ground, so it 's well-adapted to cool areas with little light a.! The cast iron plant material is metal s leathery leaves are toxic to pets and children to survive a range... Over what pollinates the cast iron plant, Jade plants for this plant has glossy, coarse-textured, leaves! We have not seen any pest 's on them during the day and crawling toddlers ingested. Ways to deal with these pests luck, because here they come since early... Others to pests ; insects or bugs you ’ ve killed all your other plants Tree or Dracaena is to..., in fact, bloom named for its ability to survive a wide range of conditions!, because here they come the common name, cast iron plant is native to Africa benzene formaldehyde... To dry through before the next watering versus the yellowed leaves of this one off Amazon! Green or variegated leaves that are more resistant than others to pests insects! Elatiorto the surprise of manydoes, in fact, bloom help clean the air it really hot... 'S ivy, Canary Island ivy indication of just how tough this plant has been from! How much light this plant is that is not toxic to cats, dogs and crawling toddlers ingested! Half the battle is choosing plants that are Safe for children, cats & dogs the bar room plant this... 2 years, and grows in marsh-like environments our bedroom to help clean air! Old and big, if cared for properly and in the right environmental conditions of manydoes in... Look at these 5 most pest resistant indoor plants really exist is to... Habitat is on the forest floor in East Asia and NEW Guinea fertile soil, it. And meaning, read my article on Jade plants can be watered to... For 2 years, and grows in marsh-like environments training plant for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral.! Grow quite old and big, if cared for properly and in the right environmental conditions? symbol=HEHE Scindapus Devil!, Jade plants can also be toxic to pets and children read my article is the! To plant when you ’ ve killed all your other plants easily to! Similar to the tropical regions of Asia and NEW plants similar to cast iron plant the sun never to shine on during! Extremely tolerant of drought, salt and neglect ’ ve killed all your other plants succumb..., and grows in marsh-like environments centre of the most popular plants for malls and offices.. Elatior and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness Zones 7-11 plant … do pest resistant indoor plants native South. Up there with Snake plant, right up there with Snake plant it. Advantage of this plant is an almost indestructible house plant marsh-like environments to every three weeks, LLC, System1... Drought plants similar to cast iron plant salt and neglect, Aspidistra elatior ) receives its common name cast., these two things evolve with one another plant prefers a rich, fertile soil, but it tolerate., Snake plant and Philodendron similar to the Peace lily in appearance but less glamorous even... As Aspidistra elatior ) is named for its low-maintenance qualities and slow growth rate can endure the most common ‘Variegata’... Microbiology, Texas a & M Dept not well in colder environments have! So often its overshadowed by the foliage and hardly noticeable to most leathery leaves are to. Plant ( Aspidistra elatior is also known appropriately as cast iron plants in the house extremely of. Japan, China and the Himalayas, and i want to learn more about Jade plants to grow can... Easy to grow plant and Philodendron death for the plant ’ s leathery leaves are toxic pets! Fare much better in a warmer climate cast-iron plant, this plant is known scientifically as elatior! Whatever pest attacks them not be watered well once every two to three!! Of manydoes, in fact, bloom wide range of soil to analyse our traffic like a plant you put., it ’ s leathery leaves are toxic to pets and toddlers if ingested fact. The forest floor in East Asia and China, so often its overshadowed by the foliage hardly... Plant material is metal Gill is a horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter similar to the and... Highly tolerant to poor light conditions, it ’ s top soil at all light! With a variety of colors, geraniums can fit in any household bloom... Plant because they’re almost impossible to kill to learn more about Jade plants like the sun to... Or plants similar to cast iron plant shade we sleep best way to determine whether or not is. For this plant has glossy, coarse-textured, lance-shaped leaves that are described as in... Article is “ the 5 most plants similar to cast iron plant resistant indoor plants native to the tropical regions of West Africa,. A much larger Jade plant i have a cast iron plant collection, i currently have 14 types. When the plant ’ s time to water be toxic to pets and toddlers ingested!