Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'
Cast iron plant
Also known as Aspidistra 'Milky Way'
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes an attractive plant with long smooth arching leaves that are strap-like in character. The leaves are dark lustrous green and variably embellished with cream-coloured spots and tiny splashes. It may occasionally flower in late summer and autumn when it produces starry pink blooms that appear at ground level. Generally grown as a container plant where it is famously tolerant of neglect. In places where it can be grown outside it makes good groundcover though susceptible to slug damage. The foliage has been recommended for cutting for use in floral decorations.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 7C minimum temperature
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water to keep soil moist
Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
7C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 7 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.