Aspidistra flower care at home. Aspidistra: care at home

Aspidistra - belonging to the Asparagus family, is a small genus, including 8 species. Home floriculture uses tall aspiridum, a hardy, long-living plant.

These beautiful herbaceous plants with lush basal leaves grow in East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan) and spread throughout the world more than a hundred years ago. Ideal for beginners and people who spend little time on indoor greenery.

Description of aspidistra

Aspidistra is a stemless herbaceous plant, with leaves about 50-60 cm high, and a powerful root system. Numerous dense roots quickly entangle the earthen ball; the root part of the plant is slightly thickened and curved. Over time, a flower bed is formed on the land plot, consisting of many closely spaced greenery, the so-called “friendly family”. The shiny leaf plates are belt-shaped, often curved outward, and the entire length of the leaf is longitudinally covered with relief veins. The length of the leaf plate is 50-80 cm, width is approximately 10 cm.

How aspidistra blooms

Produces sessile small flowers, located singly above the ground. They look like pink or purple bells with a diameter of about 2.5 cm, often called aspidistra roses due to the color and structure of the bud. Sometimes it is not easy to detect, but at home it is extremely rare and is perceived as a significant event. The result of flower pollination is fleshy, round fruits.

Enthusiasts can try growing aspidistra from seeds, waiting until they are fully ripe.

Reproduction of aspidistra by dividing the bush

It is most convenient to divide the rhizome: in March, free the plant from the pot, carefully cut the root into pieces with rosettes of at least 3-5 leaves. Sprinkle the cut with crushed charcoal to avoid rotting, and immediately plant it in the soil. Choose small pots for new plants, provide an air temperature of 18-20 °C for a week, water moderately

Reproduction of aspidistra by leaf

For leaves, cut off an adult, healthy-looking leaf, remove the petiole until compacted at the base. Pour some water into a small jar, place the base of the leaf plate in it, cover with film and leave in a warm, bright place. After a couple of weeks, small white roots will appear at the site of contact with water. Remove the cutting from the jar, plant it in fertile soil, and cover with a bag or transparent cup. When the root gets stronger, new leaves will appear.

Transplanting indoor aspidistra

Transplantation by the plant is poorly tolerated. After transplantation, the plant develops slowly and sluggishly. It is recommended to replant the flower only when necessary. Transplantation occurs in mid-spring. It is enough to replant once every 3-4 years, using the transfer method, into a stable pot larger than the previous one. Be sure to place a thick layer of drainage at the bottom. Do not destroy the earthen ball; leave the upper part of the root collar on the surface.

The soil needs to be light, fertile, slightly acidic or neutral; give preference to deciduous soil mixed with peat.

Proper care for aspidistra

Aspidistra is very simple: choose the right place for it and follow a few simple rules. In its natural environment, the plant is distributed in the shade of tropical forests. Therefore, the best place in the house for aspidistra is deep in the room or even in a dark room. Variegated forms require a little more light, but you should not expose them to direct sunlight: brown spots-burns will appear.

• Room temperature is quite acceptable for green bushes. Aspidistra can grow at 18-25 °C, winter cooling down to 10 °C is acceptable, but there is no need to specially create such conditions.
• In summer, place pots of the plant in shady parts of the garden.
• For subtropical regions, wintering in open soil is possible.
• It is important to protect the plant from drafts.
• Darkened and withering leaves will indicate to you hypothermia or sudden temperature changes.
• Water regularly, avoiding drying out the soil, but remove excess moisture from the pot. Use softened water, low in lime and chlorine.

Spray periodically with purified water using a spray bottle with small holes to prevent stains and smudges from appearing. Wipe off dust with a soft cloth or sponge, and bathe in a warm shower. If there is a lack of moisture, the tips of the beautiful leaves will turn brown or the leaves will dry out altogether.

From April to October is the time for monthly feeding. Use universal complex fertilizers for indoor plants.

Errors in care, diseases and pests of aspidistra

The plant is resistant to plants and pests. Excessive watering and dampness can develop root rot that spreads to the above-ground parts.

When the air is dry, spider mites and scale insects can attack juicy greens. Small pests are washed off with a soap solution, a slightly hot shower, or it will be most effective to treat with an insecticide. To destroy larvae, repeat spraying every 5-7 days.

Chlorosis is a disease that develops from watering with poor quality water. With it, the leaves remain elastic, but turn yellow, and the rich color is lost. It will be saved from chlorosis by using complex fertilizers and watering with high-quality clean water.

Aspidistra varieties with photos and names

Aspidistra high or elatior Aspidistra elatior

The main decorative species, widespread in indoor floriculture, with large dark green leaves collected in a dense crown, reminiscent of a lush waterfall. The decorative foliage plant aspidistra can fit perfectly into any office or apartment interior.

Let's look at the popular varieties of tall aspidistra.

Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’

Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’ photo

The surface of the leaf is covered with white longitudinal stripes of different widths;

Aspidistra Blume

The leaves are smaller, dark green, monochromatic, the flowers are yellow or crimson.

Aspidistra Milky Way

With dark green large leaves covered with white dots and shapeless spots.

Aspidistra Amanogawa

Aspidistra elatior ‘Amanogawa’ photo

The center of the leaf is decorated with white dots, the edges are covered with wide yellow stripes.

Aspidistra Fuji-No-Mine

Wide dark green leaves with lighter stripes on the sides.

Aspidistra Snow Cap

The leaves are whitish at the ends, as if dusted with snow.

This is a description of several interesting varieties; there are many more of them; breeders often develop new varieties that differ in leaf size, density or width of stripes, and speckling.

Aspidistra is a herbaceous stemless plant that belongs to the Asparagus family. The genus Aspidistra includes about 6-8 species.

The plant comes from the distant forests of China and the Japanese islands. In the wild it is located under the shade of trees.

Varieties

Aspidistra Elatior Blume

This is the only type of aspirid that is grown in home floriculture.

An additional name for this species is “friendly family.”

It is associated with the presence of many root cuttings with leaves in the plant. Aspidistra does not have an erect root.

The rhizome is compacted, partially hidden in the soil. The leaves are elongated in shape, lanceolate, reaching a length of up to 60-80 centimeters and up to 13-15 centimeters in width.

The platinum leaves are shiny and dark green. Some species have white and yellow lines along the leaves.

The flowers are unremarkable, planted in purple perianths.

The fruits are large pear-shaped berries.

Aspidistra variegata

Grown in garden conditions. This plant has lighter leaves with cream-colored stripes. This species is more thermophilic than aspidistra high and requires an air temperature above 16 degrees Celsius for comfortable growth.

Video with interesting information about the plant:

Home care

Tall aspidistra can be successfully grown in an apartment with sufficient care.

In general, the plant is unpretentious in care.

After purchase, the plant needs to be transplanted from the transport container into a regular pot with all the necessary conditions.

Bloom

Aspidistra blooms both when grown in the wild and when grown indoors. But its flowers have no decorative value.

Small flowers are produced from the rhizome and are located on the ground.

IMPORTANT: A prerequisite for planting is the presence of a pot with holes in the bottom and the creation of a drainage layer.

Transfer

It is necessary to replant in mid or late spring, when the roots have grown. The pot should be larger in diameter than the previous one. A drainage layer made of expanded clay or shards is required.

Transplantation is allowed once every 2-3 years. This frequency is associated with the plant’s painful attitude towards transplants.

For mature bushes, the top layer of old soil in the pot is removed annually and fresh soil is laid.

IMPORTANT: The rhizome should be carefully removed from the pot, without removing the old soil in the spaces between its plexuses, and also carefully planted, without hiding the root entirely in the soil.

Reproduction

There are several ways to reproduce a “friendly family”.

The soil

Aspidistra tall grows well in ordinary universal soil or garden soil. Aspidistra variegata is not so unpretentious, because it grows only on well-fertilized and loose soils with the obligatory addition of humus and sand.

Lighting

“Friendly Family” is shade-tolerant. The plant can be placed on windowsills of northern, eastern or north-eastern orientation.

If there is not enough space, the bush can be placed deep in the room, which will not affect its ability to develop.

Variegated varieties need good light conditions.

In the warm summer, it is good to take the aspidistra out onto the loggia in the fresh air.

IMPORTANT: Installation in intensely sunny places should be avoided, choosing a location in the shade.

Temperature

Normal room temperature creates a sufficient temperature regime for a “friendly family.” This does not require the creation of additional special conditions.

Aspidistra high is tolerant of drafts and ventilation, but in winter the plant should not be kept below 10-11 degrees.

The room for autumn and winter maintenance may well be cool, but not freezing.

Benefits and harms

Aspidistra is known for its good medicinal properties. Both leaves and rhizome are used for treatment. It is used for certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, urolithiasis, pain and convulsive contractions in the muscles.

In addition, the plant perfectly helps to humidify the air and cleans it of bacteria.

Diseases and pests

With improper care, the following problems may occur:

• Yellowing of leaves.

Some leaves may turn yellow and die as a result of the aging process. If a lot of leaves turn yellow, then the plant does not have enough light. The plant is shade-loving, but you should not completely deprive it of light.


• Brown tips on leaves.

Formed when the air is too dry or heated by sunlight. The plant needs to be moved to a darker place or away from heating devices.


• Blackening leaves.

This process indicates excessive soil moisture. Watering should be moderate.

Sometimes aspidistra can be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids or scale insects.

If an illness occurs, care should be taken to treat it.

To get rid of harmful insects, the plant is treated with appropriate chemicals sold in specialized stores.

ADVICE: Aspidistra is not particularly demanding in care and is suitable for beginning gardeners. Growing a large specimen will require a lot of time and patience from a lover of indoor flowers.

Arranging bouquets

The video below shows 7 ways to use flowers when making bouquets:

Finally, a few interesting photos of interior design using Aspidistra:

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Aspidistra is a very beautiful herbaceous plant with lush, basal leaves. The small genus belongs to the Asparagus family and includes only 8 species. Of these, only Aspidistra talla is used in home floriculture - a very hardy, long-lived plant. The aspidistra flower spread throughout the world more than a century ago from East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan). It will be a real find for beginners who cannot devote much time to indoor plants.

Botanical description

Aspidistra is a herbaceous stemless perennial with a powerful root system. The height of the curtain is on average 50-60 cm. Many dense white roots quickly entwine the earthen ball. The basal neck is slightly curved and thickened. Over the years, a dense clump of many leaves forms on a small plot of land, which is popularly called a “friendly family.”

Each aspidistra leaf has a long, erect petiole. Its base is covered with small scales. Upon closer examination, they also turn out to be tiny petioleless leaves. Their purpose is to protect the main sheet. The leathery leaf blade has a lanceolate or belt-like shape and often bends outward. Along the entire length of the shiny leaf, relief longitudinal veins are visible. The leaf blade is 50-80 cm long and about 10 cm wide.

Aspidistra blooms small sessile flowers. They are located singly just above the soil surface. Small pink or purple bells with a diameter of up to 2.5 cm are sometimes very difficult to detect. Because of their bud structure and color, they are often called “aspidistra roses.” In indoor conditions, flowering occurs extremely rarely, but, of course, becomes a significant event. As a result of pollination, oblong, fleshy berries ripen.

Varieties of aspidistra

A total of 8 species have been recorded in the genus Aspidistra. Of these, only tall aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior). Its large dark green leaves gather in a thick mop, like a lush waterfall. To diversify the choice for exotic lovers, flower shops offer aspidistra in the following ornamental varieties:

This is only part of the list of decorative aspidistra species; in various catalogs you can see many more interesting varieties, and breeders are constantly adding new varieties. They differ in the shape and size of the leaves, the density and width of the stripes or specks.

Reproduction

At home, it is convenient to propagate aspidistra by dividing the rhizome. In March, the plant is dug up and freed from most of the earthen coma. Using a sharp knife, separate the rosette with 3-5 leaves and a section of rhizome. The cut area is sprinkled with crushed charcoal to prevent rotting. Immediately after division, the plants are planted in the soil. For young aspidistras, small pots should be selected. After planting, they need an adaptation period. For a week, the flowers are kept at an air temperature of about +18...+20 °C and watered moderately.

Aspidistra can be propagated by leaves. To do this, cut off an adult leaf without signs of damage. The petiole is removed until it thickens at the base of the leaf. Pour some water into a small jar and place the base of the leaf plate in it. The jar is covered with film and left in a warm, bright place. After 1-2 weeks, small whitish roots will appear at the point of contact with water. The cuttings are removed from the jar and planted in fertile soil; the top of the seedling is covered with a cap. After some time, the roots will get stronger and the aspidistra will begin to produce new leaves.

Transplanting indoor aspidistra

The plant does not tolerate transplantation well and develops rather slowly, so the procedure is carried out only as needed. In mid-spring, once every 3-4 years, the bush is transferred to a stable pot one size larger than the previous one. A thick layer of drainage is poured onto the bottom of the container. It is not recommended to damage the earthen ball. When planting, the upper part of the root collar should remain on the surface.

The soil for aspidistra is light and fertile with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. Preference is given to deciduous substrates with a small addition of peat.

Features of care

Caring for aspidistra at home is very simple. It is enough to choose the right place and follow just a few simple rules. In nature, the plant lives in shady tropical forests, so it feels good even in the back of a room or a dark room. Variegated forms need a little more light, but aspidistra should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Burns in the form of brown spots quickly form on the leaves.

The home temperature for aspidistra is quite comfortable. It can grow at +18…+25 °C. In winter, cold temperatures up to +10 °C are allowed, but there is no need to specially arrange them. In the summer, it is recommended to place the pots in a shady garden. In subtropical regions, the plant can overwinter in open ground. It is important to ensure that it is protected from drafts. When hypothermia or a sharp change in temperature occurs, the leaves begin to darken and wither.

The aspidistra should be watered regularly so that the soil does not dry out, but excess water should immediately leave the pot. Irrigation water should not contain large amounts of chlorine and lime.

The plant needs periodic spraying. It is advisable to use a fine-hole sprayer and purified water to prevent unsightly limescale stains from forming on the leaves. You also need to regularly wipe the vegetation with a soft cloth to remove dust and bathe it in a warm shower. If the aspidistra does not get enough moisture, the tips of the beautiful leaves will turn brown and dry out.

In April-October, the flower needs monthly feeding. You can use a universal mineral complex for indoor plants.

Possible difficulties

If the quality of water for irrigation is poor, a disease such as chlorosis may develop. With it, the leaves retain their elasticity, but turn yellow and lose their rich color. Fertilizers and using cleaner water will help cope with the problem.

For those who do not have time for painstaking care of indoor plants, but want to see a pot of herbs on the windowsill, aspidistra is suitable. This is a completely undemanding flower. It thrives in dark and cold rooms and can withstand irregular watering and soil nutrition. For this, people call him the “Iron Lady.”

Aspidistra is a perennial, trunkless plant with a powerful, spreading root system in the ground, belongs to the lily family. Long leaves on cuttings grow from the root very tightly to each other, for which it received the popular name “friendly family”. The length of the leaf of an adult plant can reach 60 cm, and the width - 10 cm. The leaf surface is shiny and covered with relief veins. Aspidistra blooms with small, near-earth flowers of pink or purple color, shaped like bells. Unfortunately, flowering is extremely rare at home. With the help of artificial pollination, pear-shaped berries grow from them.

In natural conditions there are about 8 species. Only one species has been “domesticated” – Aspidistra tall.

Breeders managed to develop several varieties of the original type of plant, the difference in which is in the shape and color of the leaves:

• Variegata is a variety with leaves with beige stripes on a dark green background.
• Milky Way - this variety got its name for the small specks of beige and white, of different sizes, on the green leaves.
• Snow Cap - narrowed tips of white leaves. Looks very interesting.
• Okame - features a wide leaf with bright white stripes. Up to 50% of the leaf area can be painted in this color.
• Asahi - in the middle of the leaf, a white vein runs through the entire length, with an expansion of thickness at its end.
• To Ryu Mon - the veins on the leaves are light green, and their top is bordered by a white stripe.
• Green Ball is an unusual variety, characterized by a long petiole. The leaf itself is very wide and curled, the color is darker than usual, and its length is shorter than the petiole.
• Stars ‘n Stripes – this variety is tall and reaches a height of up to 90 cm. Large leaves are painted with light green and white stripes. There are also small specks in the color.

The varieties don't end there. Every year, breeders develop new and interesting varieties, with leaves of different sizes and a variety of colors.

Agrotechnics of cultivation

Growing a plant is a simple and not troublesome process. It does not require a special soil composition, so ordinary soil from the garden or garden, or universal soil from the store are suitable for planting. You can place the pot with the plant in any, even the most shaded, corner of the room, but it should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight. They can burn the leaves of the flower. Artificial light can also be used as lighting.

The containers where the flower will grow must be large in size so that there is room for the development of the root system. The plant does not like heavy waterlogging, therefore, the presence of drainage at the bottom of the pot is mandatory.

Optimal conditions of detention

The best place for aspidistra to grow is considered partial shade or a room with windows facing east. So the negative impact of direct sunlight will be minimal. The optimal temperature for the plant in summer is 20 - 22 degrees, and in winter - 15 - 17 degrees. In winter, a lower temperature stimulates further growth and development of the flower. In dry and hot air, the leaves may turn yellow and dry out, so you should try to moisten the room by spraying.

Caring for aspidistra at home

Care is as follows:

• Watering should be moderate. You should not allow an excess of moisture, but also do not allow the soil to completely dry out. In the intervals between waterings, the soil should dry out by 2–3 cm. On hot summer days, you should pay more attention to soil moisture and additionally spray the leaves.
• For dense, juicy and bright leaves, the plant requires feeding. Universal liquid fertilizers are often used. Feeding is carried out from May to September at intervals of 2 weeks.
• During the process of growth and development of the root system, the flower should be transplanted into larger pots. Aspidistra grows slowly, which is why it is replanted every 3 to 4 years. This must be done with extreme caution so as not to damage the roots. To do this, you need to let the earth dry well, completely remove the entire earthen lump and move it to a new container. This way the transplant will be better tolerated by the plant.
• It is also recommended to take these flowers outside or onto the balcony in the spring and summer and wash the leaves in the shower once a month.

Indoor flower propagation

Reproduction is carried out in two ways:

• Rhizome division. To do this, cut the root system with a knife so that each part has 5–6 leaves. The root sections are sprinkled with charcoal, planted in a prepared container with soil and watered. The flower takes root quite quickly. The main thing during this period is to water carefully. Excess moisture is strictly prohibited, because Roots that are not yet strong may rot. You can feed only a month after planting. This propagation method is usually combined with flower transplantation.
• Leaf propagation. In the summer, the dried leaf, cut from the petiole, is placed in a glass container with water and the access of air is limited with a tight lid. This container should be kept in a well-lit, warm room until the roots begin to grow. After which the germinated leaf is planted in the ground and covered with a jar, creating the effect of a greenhouse. The jar is removed when the seedling takes root. Rooting is indicated by the appearance of a new leaf.

Disease and pest control

Aspidistra is rarely attacked by pests. In these rare cases, it can mainly be affected by spider mites and scale insects.

When a scale insect is detected, adult insects are removed manually, and the plant is treated with soapy water. If the lesion is total, it is necessary to use a special-purpose drug (Fufanon, Karbofos).

Spider mites are fought with a solution of ethyl alcohol and an aqueous solution of laundry soap. For severe lesions, treatment with Actellik is used.

Important! The most dangerous disease in which the flower can only be disposed of is infectious chlorosis. In this case, the disease slows down growth, the leaves turn yellow sharply and massively. At the first signs of disease, the aspidistra should be thrown out so as not to infect other existing indoor plants.

The result of very frequent watering is the flower being damaged by root rot. Signs of this disease are that the flower sheds its leaves and begins to fade. To combat rot, the plant should be transplanted into another pot, and the affected areas of the roots should be cut off and sprinkled with activated carbon. From now on, control the schedule and abundance of watering.

Signs of insufficient care for aspidistra

Often, flower disease and changes in its condition are not associated with infection, fungus or pests. As a rule, these are the consequences of not entirely correct care for it.

Bringing the plant back to normal is not difficult:

• Brown and dry spots on the leaves are burns from direct sunlight; the location and lighting were not chosen correctly. The flower pot must be moved to a more shaded place.
• The color of the leaves turns pale and loses brightness - this is the result of insufficient light. Although aspidistra is a shade-loving plant, it also needs lighting, which must be provided.
• The lack of regular feeding in the spring and summer leads to a lack of nutrients, which slows down the growth of the flower.
• The tips of the leaves become brown and dry - very dry air in the room. Constant air humidification will help cope with this problem.
• Poor drainage or lack thereof leads to stagnation of water in the soil, causing leaves to wither.

Aspidistra will fit perfectly into any room interior and decorate office premises. With proper care, it will delight you with beautiful, bright green leaves for many years. Aspidistra leaves are loved by florists who use them when arranging bouquets. They retain their natural appearance for a long time and serve as decoration for any flower arrangement.

Aspidistra is a herbaceous plant of the Asparagus family, native to the subtropical forests of Japan and Southern China. Aspidistra is an evergreen plant that does not have a stem, with fleshy leaves and small flowers. Each large leaf of aspidistra belongs to a separate vertical shoot, but there are also smaller leaves, without a leaf blade or stem. In indoor conditions, the plant very rarely goes through the flowering stage.

For its ability to tolerate not the most comfortable conditions, aspidistra received the name “cast iron plant.” And although at first glance it does not make a striking impression, thanks to high-quality care it can become a real decoration of your home. Many beginners in indoor floriculture begin their hobby by growing aspidistra, because caring for it at home does not require deep knowledge and special skills.

Aspidistra: types of ornamental plants and photographs

Despite the diversity of aspidistra species in the wild (there are about 100 of them), humans have managed to cultivate only 2. The most commonly grown aspidistra is the tall aspidistra (aspidistraelatior), for which almost any room is suitable. This plant has large oval leaves with a shiny surface, attached to long, dense cuttings. The leaves reach half a meter in length (including cuttings), and 13-15 cm in width. The base of a large leaf is covered by 1-2 small leaves. The rhizome of aspidistraeliator is highly branched and goes deep underground.

The garden form of aspidistra - variegata - differs from the indoor form in the color of the leaves, but otherwise is completely identical to it. The leaves of the garden aspidistra are decorated with white or creamy stripes.

Caring for aspidistra indoors

The plant feels good when the air temperature is 10-15 degrees

Perhaps the main key feature of indoor aspidistra is its shade tolerance. It is recommended to place it away from the window or on the windowsill of a room facing north. In winter, you should not turn on the heaters; the plant can withstand temperatures up to +3-5 degrees Celsius.

So, the optimal conditions for growing aspidistra at home are:

• Temperature. Room temperature, around 10-15 degrees. In the warm season, you should cool the air in the room where the plant is located, since overheating has an adverse effect.
• Humidity. The plant does not need additional moisture if ideal temperature conditions are met. If desired, you can spray it no more than once a week. However, in summer, aspidistra needs more frequent spraying, up to 2-3 times a week.
• Watering. A young plant requires abundant watering twice a week, a more “mature” one - no more than once every 6-7 days, and the amount of liquid used should be reduced. In the cold season, it will be enough to perform the watering procedure a couple of times a month. Remember that an excess of moisture is much more harmful to aspidistra than its lack.
• Lighting. Partial shade or moderately lit place is preferred. Do not expose the plant to open sunlight.
• Caring for aspidistra leaves . To avoid dust, wipe the leaves with a soft cloth moistened with warm water.

As for the soil, the optimal soil for aspidistra is mixed soil, consisting of turf soil, leaf soil, sand and humus. The required proportions are 2/1/1/1, respectively. The bottom of the pot will need drainage. Additionally, you should feed the plant with liquid fertilizer mixed with water before watering. But in no case should you exceed the dosage indicated on the package, otherwise there is a high risk of burning the roots.

Variegated aspidistra needs more frequent feeding, otherwise the leaves will quickly lose their original color. The procedure must be repeated at least once every 30 days.

Aspidistra reproduces by dividing rhizomes

The frequency of aspidistra transplantation depends on its age. A young plant needs a change of “personal living space” every year, a mature or old one – once every couple of years. During the replanting process, great care must be taken not to damage the roots.

You can use commercial palm or ficus soil as new soil for aspidistra, but it is recommended to add about a quarter of compost to it. The most favorable time for transplanting aspidistra is April-May.

It is very important to combine the propagation of aspidistra with transplantation. The process is carried out by dividing the rhizome. The aspidistra should be carefully removed from the pot and then a fragment of the rhizome with 5-6 leaves should be cut off with a sharp knife. Sprinkle the cut areas with crushed coal. Plant the root in a separate container and water regularly. The new plant must be kept in a warm place for the first weeks, and then the usual conditions for aspidistra must be created.

Aspidistra can be propagated in summer, but using a special method. It is necessary to trim a healthy leaf of the plant without a cutting, preserving the fleshy thick overgrowth and dry it slightly. Then place the whole thing in any wide-necked bottle. Close tightly and, for greater security, cover with plasticine so that air cannot get inside the dish. Place the bottle in a well-lit, warm place. And after roots appear on the cut leaf, it must be removed and planted in thoroughly loosened soil (ideally leafy soil). Cover with a large jar and place in an indoor greenhouse.

If the roots begin to rot, you can cut the leaf again and place it again in a bottle of purified water.

Flowering of aspidistra, as well as the main enemies of the plant during this period

Slow growth is due to lack of nitrogen

Aspidistra can bloom only with very careful and careful care, but its flowers will repeatedly attract attention and arouse genuine interest. The reproductive parts of this exotic plant are different from the “flowers” ​​in our usual understanding. They are like mini boxes of purple-brown color in the shape of stars. Flowers form right next to the soil, in the axils of leaf cuttings. Unfortunately, aspidista flowering is extremely short-lived: visible flowers appear only for one day.

Despite its durability and unpretentiousness, aspidistra, like other representatives of the flora, is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. It makes sense to consider the main problems and ways to solve them:

• Withered leaves. This phenomenon is caused by a lack or excess of moisture, as well as dry air in the room. Therefore, you should regularly spray the plant and monitor the optimal balance of liquid in the soil and plant.
• Very slow growth. Obviously the soil is lacking nitrogen. It is necessary to feed the plant more often.
• Pale leaves, loss of color brightness. The reason is lack of illumination. And although the aspidistra does not particularly like light, the darkest corner is not the best place for it. It is worth carefully monitoring the level of illumination.
• Yellowing of leaves. This phenomenon is often observed in plants that have outlived their age, as well as with excessive watering. The solution is to reduce the frequency and intensity of watering.
• The leaves turn brown in a “thin cobweb” pattern. Most likely, the plant is attacked by a red spider mite. You will have to moisten the atmosphere near the plant as often as possible, and also regularly treat the leaves with Actellik.
• Rapid yellowing and falling of leaves. This happens if the plant has suffered attacks from the aspidistra scale insect. In the name of saving the “green pet” you need to collect all visible scale insects, and then treat the leaves with a soap solution combined with karbofos.

It will also be useful to watch a video about this plant, we wish you pleasant viewing.