Cast Iron Plant plant

Cast Iron Plant

أسبيديسترا (النبتة الحديدية)

Aspidistra elatior

Approximate price

Approx. SAR 100-250

Available size

Medium · Approx. 40-90 cm

Pet safety

Pet Friendly

Care level

Easy

Light

Low light

Watering

Low water

Recommended placement

Indoor · Entrance, Office, Bedroom

Availability

Usually available, subject to seasonal stock

Pot size

17-21 cm pot

Estimated prices for a healthy medium-size plant in a standard pot at premium Riyadh plant shops; they vary by size, pot and availability.

Plant overview

Broad dark leaves rising straight from the soil; almost unkillable.

The pet-safe answer to the ZZ plant: survives dark hallways, dry air and neglect.

Botanical name

Aspidistra elatior

Varieties: Green, Milky Way (spotted), Variegata

Mature size

Approx. 40-90 cm

Final size varies with the variety, pot size and light conditions.

Light details

Low light

Happy with indirect light in inner rooms. Avoid an exposed south-facing window.

Watering details

Water only when the soil has dried out completely. Push a finger in to one knuckle; if it feels damp, wait. Overwatering is the main cause of damage.

Watering needs change with room temperature, pot size and season, so check the soil rather than following a fixed schedule.

Humidity

Low humidity is fine

Handles dry air well and needs no extra humidity.

Temperature

Ordinary indoor temperatures between 18 and 28°C suit it well.

Avoid direct AC airflow and intense heat behind glass in summer.

Soil

A well-draining indoor potting mix.

Fertilizer

A balanced diluted liquid feed once a month from spring to early autumn; stop in winter.

Repotting

Repot when roots fill the pot or push through the drainage holes, when the plant becomes unstable, or when growth slows. Move up one pot size only.

Pruning

Remove yellow or dried leaves at the base; most of these plants need no regular pruning.

Leaf care

Wipe broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and avoid leaf-polish products.

Caring for this plant in Riyadh

Slow-growing, so buy the size you want. Wipe the broad leaves to remove dust.

Pet safety details

CatsPet FriendlyDogsPet Friendly

Non-toxic.

Source: the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet swallows any plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Common problems

  • Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Brown tips: dry air, tap-water minerals or a direct AC draft.
  • Root rot: the main risk for this plant, caused by watering too often.
  • Slow growth: not enough light or time to repot.

Common pests

Spider mites in dry conditions, Mealybugs on stems and leaves

Best placement

  • Entrance
  • Office
  • Bedroom
  • Living room

Gifting

Pot and planter

Simple cream ceramic in keeping with the Flower Palace look.

Size options

  • Small·20-40 cm · 12-15 cm pot
  • Medium·40-90 cm · 17-21 cm pot
  • Large·90-150 cm · 24-30 cm pot
  • Statement·Over 150 cm · 30 cm pot and above

Available sizes vary by plant and stock; confirm the size when ordering.

You may also like

ZZ Plant plant
Indoor
ZZ Plant

Approx. SAR 110-300

Not Pet Friendly
Peace Lily plant
Indoor
Peace Lily

Approx. SAR 120-300

Not Pet Friendly
Snake Plant plant
Indoor
Snake Plant

Approx. SAR 100-300

Not Pet Friendly
Parlor Palm plant
Indoor
Parlor Palm

Approx. SAR 130-350

Pet Friendly
Accepted payment methodsMadaVisaMastercardApple Pay