About
Aspidistra attenuata is a robust, evergreen perennial that develops a dense clump through its thick, spreading rhizomes. Its elongated, lanceolate leaves can reach lengths of up to 70 cm and are characterized by a glossy dark green surface, occasionally featuring subtle pale yellow speckles. In summer or autumn, this species may produce fleshy, star-shaped flowers with a purplish tint and yellow-white coloration, which emerge near the base of the plant and are later followed by green berries. While commonly cultivated as a houseplant, it also serves as an effective garden specimen in temperate regions, thriving in shaded environments and demonstrating resilience to dry conditions.
About the genus
Aspidistra are perennial plants that grow from rhizomes, characterized by their upright, leathery leaves which can be either elliptic or lanceolate in shape. Their flowers, which are brownish and not particularly noticeable, develop directly from the rhizome.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- As a houseplant, grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based potting compost. Although shade tolerant, growth is best in bright, filtered light with a minimum temperature of 7°C. Water to keep compost lightly moist and apply a general liquid fertilser monthly from May to August. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, fertile, sandy loam with added leaf mould, in full or part shade with shelter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and vine weevil larvae
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free