Aspidistra

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.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding

Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.

It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.

Spring-Winter · Planting

Remove dead leaves

Remove dead leaves as they are noticed to keep the plant attractive.

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.

Winter · Outdoors

Water lightly during dormancy

The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.

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.

Planting

Divide some varieties differently

Some plant varieties within this genus have different requirements for dividing them when they get big. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for guidance, and/or check the label.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in indirect light indoors

Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.