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Re: plants for dark places (was rubber plant question)

Hi Eveyone:
I don't often post to the list, but the discussion of low-light plants
compels me to add my 2 cents worth.  A plant that is often overlooked by
houseplant enthusiasts, yet was a stay during the reign of Queen
Victoria, is the Aspidistra.  I have copied the Time-Life series
comments about the plant, and they fail to mention the flowers which are
unusual and fascinating.

Aspidistra elatior 
A. elatior (cast-iron plant)

     The cast-iron plant lives up to its name--it withstands not only
heat, cold, wet soil and drought, but also dust, neglect and dimly
lighted places. But with such maltreatment it only survives; with good
care it grows about 3 feet tall and bears handsome arching leaves 15 to
30 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. The variegated cast-iron plant,
A. elatior variegata, has leaves with white and green stripes that
revert to solid green if the plant is given more than the prescribed
amount of fertilizer or less than the prescribed amount of light.

     HOW TO GROW. Both cast-iron plants and variegated cast-iron plants
do best in the
shadowless light of a north window; if only artificial light is
available, provide at least 150 foot-candles. The plants prefer night
temperatures of 50° to 55° and day temperatures of 68° to 72°, but will
tolerate extremes from 45° to 85°. Keep the soil barely moist at all
times. Fertilize established plants monthly from early spring through
early fall; do not fertilize during the rest of the year and wait until
the following spring before feeding newly potted plants. Repot
overcrowded plants in early spring before new growth starts. For best
results use a mixture of 1 part loam, 1 part peat moss or leaf mold and
1 part sharp sand; to each gallon pailful of this mixture add 1 1/2
teaspoons of 20 per cent superphosphate, 1 tablespoon of ground
limestone and 2 teaspoons of 5-10-5 fertilizer. Otherwise, use a
packaged general-purpose potting soil. Propagate plants by dividing the
roots in early spring. Several pieces of root, each with one or more
leaves, can be planted together to make a large plant. Generally pest
free.

(Poster's comment.) Aspidistra is an ideal plant for the beginner.

Keith Davies
depau@northwest.com
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