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Cast iron plant is an indoor plant that often escapes the attention of the general public. It is native to shaded forest areas of Taiwan and southern Japan and became popular during the Victorian era due to it requiring low levels of maintenance and the ability to tolerate low light levels.
Even though it is less common today as a houseplant, it is commonly seen in places such as business offices and shopping malls. For purchase, it is less frequently found in box stores but is available from retailers specializing in indoor plants.
Cast iron plant grows to 18 inches high. Some variegated and speckled cultivars are available with gold stripes or spots against a green background.
Even though it grows well in low light, it prefers a moderately bright situation out of direct sun. In fact, in excessively bright light, leaves appear moderately bleached and stressed. Allow the soil it's planted in to dry out moderately between irrigations. Fertilize periodically from spring to fall with any good house plant fertilizer according to label instructions. Transplant every two to three years into a slightly larger pot. Cast iron plant is resistant to most diseases and insect pests.
