Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant) propagation

The Aspidistra – also known as the cast iron plant – is one of the toughest houseplants around. It handles dry air, low temperatures and even some neglect. And luckily, propagating it is pretty straightforward, although it does take some patience.

You propagate Aspidistra by dividing the root ball. All you need is a healthy plant, a clean knife and some fresh potting soil.

Rinse your knife or scissors under hot water with a little soap. Then disinfect with alcohol to prevent bacteria or fungi.

Lay down a towel to catch any loose soil. Gently take the Aspidistra out of its pot and remove as much old soil as possible. This helps you see where to divide the plant.

Gently pull or cut the root ball into sections. Each piece should have its own roots and at least one growing point. Aspidistra roots can be quite dense, so take your time.

Place each division into fresh potting soil. Water lightly and place in a spot with indirect light. Want to speed up root growth? Place a clear plastic bag over the pot to increase humidity.

• When: spring or summer
• Light: low to indirect light
• Water: let the soil dry slightly between waterings
• Patience: slow-growing but resilient
• Humidity: a plastic bag can help stimulate root growth

Yes, as long as each cutting has roots and a growth point. The plant is slow but very forgiving.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating Aspidistra plants. All methods are tested in our plant studio and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.