Aspidistra (Cast Iron) Plant

Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior

As its common name suggests, Cast Iron Plant is tough. It will survive low light, infrequent watering and extreme heat that would be deadly to most plants.

In fact, it practically thrives on neglect. Don't overwater -- it doesn't like soggy soil. And don't repot it very often -- it doesn't like to be disturbed. Respect its Greta Garbo attitude and it will do just fine.

Keep it Clean
You can keep those shiny leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth. It won't really mind the dust, but you might.

This plant grows slowly in a clump of 6-inch (15 cm) stems with glossy, dark-green leaves growing 24 inches (60 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

Small, unattractive, purplish-brown flowers may appear at the plant's base in spring. But, don't expect them. Flowers don't appear often, and they're hardly noticeable.