Aspidistra
Aspidistra, the cast iron plant, supplies florists with broad, glossy, deep-green leaves on long slender stalks. Almost indestructible, it is a favourite for structural and contemporary designs where a single leaf can be looped, rolled, folded or stitched. Some cultivars carry cream stripes or speckles for extra interest. Its clean lines and remarkable vase life make it a staple of modern, architectural and ikebana-style work.
| Family | Asparagaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan and southern China (East Asia) |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 40–75 cm |
| Vase life | 14–21 days |
| Colors | green, variegated |
| Price tier | budget |
Wipe the leaves clean and cut the stalk at an angle before conditioning in cool water. Aspidistra tolerates handling and manipulation exceptionally well, so it can be looped or rolled without bruising. Keep it cool and out of direct sun; the leaves resist wilting for weeks. Recut and change the water periodically to keep the stems clear.
- •Wipe leaves to a clean shine
- •Cut stalks on an angle
- •Loop or roll leaves for design
- •Keep cool and out of direct sun
- •Change water to prevent stem slime
