Why do my aspidistras die?

Question

My mother gave me an established aspidistra and it died leaf by leaf. Now I have inherited one from her which has been in the family for generations and already several leaves have gone yellow from the tip downwards and died. I have morning sun through the front windows, afternoon sun through the back, none through the side and I keep it out of the sun and watered. What should I do? I'm emotionally attached to this plant and really don't want to lose it.

Answer 1

Aspidistras thrive on neglect.They flourish in dull corners,being kept nearly dust dry,used as ashtrays and underfed.

You're killing it with kindness,wipe the leaves with Leafshine,let the compost dry out and find it a cool shady spot,just avoid draughts.

Answer 2

It is a fallacy that aspidistra’s do not like light. They will survive in a dark corner, hence the common name ‘Cast Iron Plant’ but they will not produce many new leaves and flourish. I have seen some with striped variegated foliage and some with variegated foliage that is spotted in lighter green.

They do much better and prosper with light that is not direct such as a sunless window. Direct sun CAN scorch the leaves but not if you get them slowly accustomed to early morning sun or late afternoon sun. Hot mid-day sun is too much for them. The ambient temperature is irrelevant because this plant will survive at almost any indoor temperature.

Water them well and then not again until the soil is ALMOST completely dry before watering them again. The soil should have excellent drainage properties. They can also be given a very mild standard water soluble fertilizer (say at 1/4 quarter strength) at every watering or compost can be added to the top of the soil and watered in. When the compost has disappeared – add more. They do not need to be repotted but every 4 or 5 years. If the plant has not grown much and doesn’t need a bigger pot, repotting would only be done to replenish the soil or you can remove as much of the ‘top-soil’ from the pot (without disturbing the roots) and replace it with fresh soil (‘top-dressing’).

I think the problems you are facing are caused by too much water (a common mistake). Wait until the top two-thirds of the soil is dry before you water again - the condition of the plant should improve dramatically.

Answer 3

It's the hedgehogs with their flamethrowers.

Answer 4

Too much light (aspidistra's like it cool and not direct light)

too much water (they prefer it dryish)

they are best put in a cool corner out of draughts and only watered when the leaves thin out and the sol feels dry and sandy and only a little water.