Aspidistra sichuanensis "Rawhide Cast Iron Plant" 14cm

Aspidistra 'Rawhide' is one of the most amazing cast iron plants we've ever grown. Plantsman Ted Stephens of Nurseries Caroliniana brought this unusual selection of the Chinese Aspidistra sichuanensis from the garden of the late variegated plant collector/author, Dr. Yokoi of Japan. The leaves have the thickness of hard plastic...you'll swear it's fake. This is most likely due to a ploidy mutation...probably a tetraploid. The 20" tall stalks include 10" long x 4" wide leaf blades, heavily spotted with yellow or white spots. Aspidistra 'Rawhide' is one of those virtually indestructible plants that actually looks and feels artificial. In the ground, we see foliage burn below 15 degrees F, so in colder climates, it's best as a house plant.

Maintenance:

Aspidistra are very low maintenance perennials. Each leaf can last up to 3 years, but after the second year, it will begin to show signs of aging and leaf degradation. For that reason, we recommend removing all old foliage regularly to retain the attractiveness of the clump. It's always disappointing to see large patches of cast iron plants in public spaces where it hasn't been properly maintained.

Growing Conditions:

Cast iron plants grow well in both moist and dry soils as long as the drainage is good. Aspidistra must be grown in shade, since their foliage will scorch if they are subjected to sun. In the jungles where they grow, they are often seen in very deep shade.

In containers, they make superb house plants. The common name cast iron plant speaks to their durability in less than ideal conditions. Regular moisture, including increased humidity when they are grown as house plants, keeps them from getting stressed and becoming susceptible to spider mites.