Cast iron plant
Nearly indestructible in shade — the one thing that kills it is being kept wet.
Care
Shade to bright indirect light; direct sun scorches the leaves. One of the few plants for a dark corner.
Low-medium — let the top half of the compost dry out; tolerates occasional drought well.
Loam-based, free-draining compost.
Cut damaged or brown leaves at the base.
A light balanced feed every month or two in spring and summer; overfeeding causes brown spots and loss of variegation.
Divide the rhizome in spring, keeping two or three leaves with each piece.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilRepot or divide only when crowded, every few years. how ›
- JuneWipe the leaves to remove dust.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilRepot or divide only when crowded, every few years. how ›
- JuneWipe the leaves to remove dust.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot or divide only when crowded, every few years. how ›
- JuneWipe the leaves to remove dust.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot or divide only when crowded, every few years. how ›
- JuneWipe the leaves to remove dust.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Bleached or brown patches.
What to do. Too much direct sun; move further from the window.
How to spot it. Pale mottling in dry, warm rooms.
What to do. Wipe leaves and raise humidity.
How to spot it. Yellowing leaves, soggy compost.
What to do. Water less often.
Questions
Cast iron plant: is it hardy?
H3: Half hardy. It survives down to −5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes indoors; also a shade plant outdoors in mild, sheltered gardens.
Cast iron plant: when do you prune it?
Cut damaged or brown leaves at the base.
When do you feed it?
A light balanced feed every month or two in spring and summer; overfeeding causes brown spots and loss of variegation. Feeding months, UK: May, July.