Cast iron plant

Aspidistra elatior (Liliaceae)

Also called Bar Room Plant, Iron Plant, Variegated Cast Iron Plant.

Cats and dogs

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: non-toxic Dogs: non-toxic

Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.

Source: ASPCA entry "Cast Iron Plant", checked October 3, 2026.

Prefers shade and does not tolerate direct sun, which makes it one of the best choices for dim rooms and offices with little light.

Direct sun: best kept out of it.

On our scale it grows well from about 3 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).

Care level: Easy. Water: Water regularly from spring to autumn and sparingly in winter; it is drought tolerant once established.

Its common name comes from its ability to survive neglect.