It’s as hardy as its namesakehere’s how to grow this leafy evergreen in your home.
These hardy, flowering plants hail from Japan and Taiwan and are also called bar room plants.
Here’s how to care for a cast iron plant so it thrives.
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Characteristics
These resilient evergreen plants grow 2 to 3 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide.
They can be damaged by direct sunlight, which canburn their leaves.
If you have outdoor cast iron plants, ensure theyre in shady places and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Water
To keep cast iron plants healthy, allow them to dry out between waterings.
Do not let their pots sit in trays of excess water.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, the main risk for these otherwise resilient plants.
Cast iron plants do well in average humidity.
Soil
Regular potting soil or mixesdesigned for succulents or cacti can work well for cast iron plants.
Cast iron plants grow well with a mildly acidic to neutral pH.
They are flexible and can grow in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
You do not need to fertilize them in the fall and winter months.
For outdoor cast iron plants, give them an all-purpose fertilizer once a year in the spring or summer.
See below for common issues people face with cast iron plants.
Root Rot
Root rotis one of the most common issues for cast iron plants.
Root rot is the primary disease concern for cast iron plants, usually resulting from overwatering, Ingham says.
This condition can lead to the decay of the roots, eventually harming the entire plant.
If you have dry air in your home, you might increase humidity with a humidifier.
Bleached Leaves
Another risk cast iron plants face is from direct sun exposure.
If your cast iron plants leaves look bleached, your plant may be getting too much sunlight.
ensure your cast iron plants are out of direct sunlight to ensure healthy leaves.
If any ofthese pests attack your plants, spray your plants with warm water to knock the pests off.
If you have an infestation, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to eliminate the pests.
Are Cast Iron Plants Toxic?
Cast iron plants are totally safe to keep out around dogs, cats, and small kiddos.
