Aspidistra, Cast-Iron Plant
Botanical Name
Aspidistra elatior 'Lurida,' Aspidistra elatior 'Variegata,' Aspidistra elatior 'Minor,' Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' (Liliaceae Family)
Description
A large, lance-shaped (lanceolate) leaf with a heavy midrib. Overall size varies by cultivar but averages 15 to 18 inches long and 3 to 6 inches wide. Colors also vary, with the most common sold being green, a variegated green/white, and the yellow speckling against the green leaf.
Seasonal Availability
Year-round
Vase Life
12 to 16 days
Purchasing Hints
Leaf tips and edges should be free from browning or yellowing. Overall leaf surface should be glossy and damage-free.
Care and Handling
Remove bundle ties and slant-cut 1 inch from stems base. Place stems in 2 to 3 inches of tepid water. Condition at room temperature for an hour and then place in a cooler at 36 degrees F.
Design Tips
Excellent foliage for tropical and large arrangements. Use as background foliage, roll into "ti roses" or cut into "tea-louvers." Double-cut the stems base into a "V" shape for easy insertion into floral foam.
