Aspidistra: Cultivation and Care

Description and Botany

Aspidistra in a Victorian interior

Aspidistra is a perennial rhizomatous plant from the Convallariaceae family, like lily of the valley and Liriope muscari. There are around 60 species, including the common Aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior), also nicknamed “barroom plant”, which is the most commonly grown indoors. Aspidistra linearifolia, with narrow leaves, Aspidistra hainanensis, with linear leaves, or Aspidistra sichuanensis and Aspidistra minutiflora, speckled with light green or white, enrich the genus. This Asian perennial originates from Taiwan and Japan, where it grows in the undergrowth of Oshima Island. It later became naturalised in China. Appealing for its robustness and resistance to neglect and poor treatment, it was introduced as a houseplant in Europe in the 19th century, first in Britain, conquering Victorian interiors, then in French and European living rooms. Such resilience earned it the nickname “cast-iron plant” across the Channel. Today, its qualities are being rediscovered, this time in the garden, as it is also an excellent evergreen and relatively hardy plant.

Aspidistra slowly develops, from a thick rootstock, a beautiful clump with a flexible habit, both upright and slightly fan-shaped, reaching 35-50 cm in all directions. The solitary, lanceolate, pointed and leathery leaves, with a long rigid petiole, grow tightly packed together in a dense cluster. The leaves on the edge of the clump droop slightly. They can reach up to 50 cm in length and about 8 to 10 cm in width. Over the years, the clump thickens without ever becoming invasive. Aspidistra is remarkable for its evergreen foliage in mild climates, very graphic for much of the year. The type species, Aspidistra elatior, with beautiful glossy green foliage, has given rise to varieties offering sumptuously variegated and subtly cream and yellow striped leaves; zebra-striped (‘Zebra’), variegated (‘Variegata’), spotted (‘Milky Way’) or striped (‘Lennon’s Song’).

Aspidistra elatior on the left, and on the right, the spotted variety ‘Milky Way’ (© Leonora Enking)

The flowers of Aspidistra are quite intriguing. When flowering occurs, it is much more discreet, though original, as it appears at the base of mature plants. Aspidistra only flowers when growing conditions are optimal (fresh and well-drained substrate, sufficient light but no direct sunlight). Nestled under the foliage, strange fleshy and waxy flowers appear from January to June. These true botanical curiosities take the form of upright bell-shaped flowers 2-3 cm in diameter, composed of 8 purple lobes tapering at their ends. These solitary flowers blooming at ground level are pollinated by slugs and snails that feast on their nectar. Despite their singular appearance, they emit a subtle fragrance that attracts pollinators. These strange and captivating flowers later turn into small spherical dark berries.

Many Aspidistra species are cultivated in Asian botanical gardens. Aspidistra elatior is the houseplant awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Aspidistra elatior: foliage, and on the right the peculiar flower at ground level (© Stewart Black)

Main species and varieties

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Planting the Aspidistra

Where to Plant It?

The Aspidistra has variable hardiness depending on the variety, but it is less tender than it appears. The Aspidistra eliator is the hardiest species of all, tolerating short frosts of around -12 to -15°C. The foliage may crystallise under frost, but the plant can regrow from the stump in spring. It proves hardy in zones 7b and 8a. This is why, in most of our regions, it is typically grown in pots, to be brought indoors, sheltered from frost during winter. It is a robust and undemanding houseplant (not to say indestructible), which withstands difficult living conditions (forgotten watering or repotting, cool rooms, lack of light, temperature fluctuations…) and will appreciate being taken outside in the warmer season, avoiding scorching sun and draughts. Indoors: it will thrive in your conservatory or living room, near a window or glass door, as it needs a bright spot. Be wary, however, of intense sunlight through glass, which could scorch the foliage. This plant can grow in low-light environments, making it an ideal companion for dimly lit rooms. When temperatures exceed 15°C, you can place it on your terrace or balcony. Position the pot in a warm, sunny spot, sheltered from cold winds.

The Aspidistra can only be grown in the ground in the mildest areas of our country (zone 7b), even though it can tolerate brief frosts in well-drained soil. If your climate allows, you can grow it in the ground in dappled shade, even dry shade, under large trees, for example.

The Aspidistra loves partially shaded areas of the garden and tolerates all non-scorching exposures. It even copes with full shade, though it will be less vigorous there. In warm regions, always opt for partial shade to prevent the foliage from drying out in intense sun.

It thrives in humus-rich, slightly acidic soil (such as heather soil), light, and always very well-drained. Although it prefers rich, well-drained soil, it also adapts to less fertile ground. In clay soil, ensure good drainage to prevent its roots from suffering from waterlogging in winter.

Its resilience in challenging conditions makes it suitable for many situations. It is ideal in light woodland to cover dry, shaded garden areas where nothing else grows, at the base of trees and bushes, on difficult slopes, along pathways, in shaded beds, or in cool rockeries. It is so accommodating that it will forgive missed watering and is an excellent candidate for low-maintenance or weekend gardens.

Its lush foliage makes it perfect for large, luxuriant containers that can be kept on balconies or terraces all summer or in conservatories during winter.

Aspidistras thrive in the ground or in attractive pots (© Gwenaelle David Authier)

When to Plant Aspidistra?

In the ground, it can be planted in spring or autumn, once the risk of frost has passed. For container-grown indoor plants, you can plant year-round.

How to Plant It?

In the Ground

Using a spade, prepare the soil by working it to a depth of 30 cm.

1. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball
2. Place the plant in the centre, keeping the collar of the root ball level with the soil
3. Fill with a mix of good compost and potting soil
4. Firm down
5. Water thoroughly, then regularly to encourage establishment

In a Pot

• Choose a pot at least 30 cm in diameter and depth, with drainage holes
• Place a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom for drainage
• Fill part of the pot with substrate: use a mix of good potting compost (houseplant compost), well-rotted compost, and perlite for drainage and root aeration
• Position the Aspidistra in the centre, ensuring the top of the root ball sits no more than 3 cm below the rim
• Fill with the remaining substrate, lightly firming to remove air pockets
• Water generously to encourage rooting
• Bring the pot indoors in autumn in colder regions

Cultivation and Care of the Aspidistra

The Aspidistra is easy to grow in regions where the frost is not severe. Whether in pots or in the ground, it requires sufficient moisture at the base, especially during dry summers or when there is no rainfall.

In the garden

In the ground, the Aspidistra needs regular watering, particularly during the hottest and driest months. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. During dry spells, water at least once a week. Once established, it requires less frequent watering. In cooler months, reduce watering.

In pots

In very mild regions, you can leave the pot outdoors year-round. In colder regions, overwinter your Aspidistra in a bright, frost-free room while maintaining watering. Throughout the year, water regularly without saturating the root ball. In summer: once or twice a week, and in winter, water approximately every two weeks. Ideally, keep the plant between 7°C and 10°C in winter. You can move the pot back outside in spring once the risk of frost has passed, acclimatising it gradually.

In pots, the growing medium depletes faster than in the ground. From March to August: use a liquid fertiliser for foliage plants once a month, bearing in mind that excess fertiliser can cause variegated cultivars to revert to green. Indoors: regularly clean the leaves with a damp sponge to remove dust.

→ To learn more, read our article: “Aspidistra Indoors: Year-Round Care“.

A mass planting of Aspidistras in the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes enhances an exotic space (©Gwenaelle David Authier)

Pruning

Maintenance simply involves tidying up the clumps in late winter: remove damaged, yellowed, or dead leaves by cutting them at the base to keep the plant clean and healthy.

Repotting

Every two years in spring, repot your plant into a slightly larger container. If the pot size and the Aspidistra’s growth make this impractical, opt for top-dressing once a year in spring by replacing the top layer of old compost with fresh potting mix.

→ Also read Pascale’s advice in How to Grow Aspidistra Indoors and Outdoors?

Diseases and potential pests

Indoors, it can be susceptible to mealybugs. To get rid of them, spray rapeseed oil after removing them with an alcohol-soaked cloth. In spring, follow our advice to protect its young foliage from slugs and snails, which are particularly fond of it.

Be careful with overwatering: overly moist compost may cause the leaves to yellow.

→ Read also: Diseases and Parasites of Aspidistra: Identification and Treatment.

Propagation

Every two to three years, divide the clumps to propagate them. This division also helps rejuvenate the plant.

1. Take sections of rootstocks from the outer edges, ensuring they have a few leaves
2. Replant immediately in pots with good compost
3. Keep the soil moist to encourage rooting
4. Transplant into the garden once the new young plants are well-established

Pair

Aspidistra is an essential perennial plant for shade gardens, where its evergreen green or variegated foliage brightens up shaded and wooded areas as well as neglected corners. At the edge of woodland, in rockeries or flower beds, it pairs beautifully with other shade-loving perennials such as ferns and hostas. Its slender leaves create a lovely contrast with the broader, more graceful habit of Osmundas, such as Osmunda regalis ‘Purpurascens’. With its ground-covering qualities, it perfectly complements Epimedium, Asarum or ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea).

Under trees, it will thrive alongside other shade-loving ground-cover perennials to create lush carpets of colourful foliage, such as heucheras and Vinca.

As it prefers slightly acidic soil, it can create stunning displays when planted near heather soil-loving bushes that grow in shade or partial shade, such as camellias or rhododendrons.

Several Aspidistras surrounded by Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle), a beautiful rhododendron, Asarum, Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’, and Epimedium warleyense