aspidistraAspidistra

Aspidistra, plant care and growing guide

Published on: January 10, 2022 Modified on: 25 April 2024

aspidistra-growing-guide

Aspidistra ( Aspidistra elatior ) is a plant native to China, the Himalayas, and Japan. It is often used as a houseplant, and it decorates the room with its leaves. The plant is a bush with many leaves with prominent ribs and it can reach a height of 40-50 cm. In the soil, it has rhizomes from which grow large, glossy, lanceolate, dark green leaves. The flowers are insignificant from an ornamental point of view. They have the shape of bells, are purple, and rarely appear, discreetly, at the base of the leaves.

Species and varieties

The best-known varieties are:

Variegata – it has long leaves, with longitudinal, cream-colored striations;

Aurea – the leaves have golden spots;

Argentea – the leaves have white spots.

Environmental conditions

Light. Aspidistra prefers places with shade and partial shade, but it also thrives in places with more light, if it is not placed in direct sunlight. It grows intensely during summer, and in winter the plant needs a period of dormancy.

Temperature. It prefers moderate temperatures of approximately 18-20° C during summer and a minimum of 7-10° C during winter.

Humidity. It has moderate requirements regarding substrate and air humidity.

Substrate. Aspidistra needs a fertile substrate, composed of equal parts of gravel and sandy soil, with a very good drainage capacity.

Watering

It should be done moderately since excessive moisture in the substrate can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

It should be done from April to September, using fertilizers for decorative plants.

Repotting

The plant can be repotted once every 3-4 years if the pot becomes too small and the roots come out of the pot.

Propagation

It is done through plant division, in spring, at the same time with the repotting if this procedure is necessary. It is recommended to section a part of the rhizome which has at least 2 leaves, and then plant the cutting in a new pot with a fresh substrate, which should be kept moist and in a warm place until it begins to sprout new leaves.

Diseases and pests

Aspidistra is sensitive to pest attacks. During the summer, the plant is sensitive to mites attacks, and during winter, to scale insects attacks.

In addition:
  • excessive watering and keeping the soil too moist leads to plant wilting.
  • it is recommended to clean the leaves weekly with a damp cloth.
  • in the Victorian era it was considered the symbolic flower of the middle classes.

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