• Image of Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Seiun' taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Seiun' taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Seiun' taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
1 4

Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Seiun'

Star Cloud Cast Iron Plant

Write a review
| Ask a Question

Item #: 7060

Zones: 8b to 10b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 12" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: Vietnam

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


$32.00
$32.00
Sale Sold out
PDN Guarantee Logo

Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Seiun' is a hard-to-find, highly-prized, small-growing cast iron plant that makes a unique clump of dark green leaves which are heavily freckled with yellow on both the front and back. The 1' tall x 2" wide leaves emerge directly from the ground with no petiole apparent. This is a superb houseplant in northern climates. In the garden, the foliage of Aspidistra 'Seiun' was burned back at 10 degrees F but the leaves resprouted in spring from the rhizome. The name 'Seiun' means "star cloud."

Maintenance:

Aspidistra are very low maintenance perennials. Each leaf can last up to 3 years, but after the second year, it will begin to show signs of aging and leaf degradation. For that reason, we recommend removing all old foliage regularly to retain the attractiveness of the clump. It's always disappointing to see large patches of cast iron plants in public spaces where it hasn't been properly maintained.

Growing Conditions:

Cast iron plants grow well in both moist and dry soils as long as the drainage is good. Aspidistra must be grown in shade, since their foliage will scorch if they are subjected to sun. In the jungles where they grow, they are often seen in very deep shade.

In containers, they make superb house plants. The common name cast iron plant speaks to their durability in less than ideal conditions. Regular moisture, including increased humidity when they are grown as house plants, keeps them from getting stressed and becoming susceptible to spider mites.

Garden Value:

The bold texture and upright form of cast iron plants is invaluable in the garden, since there few other plants with this form and texture. Many have amazing flowers, produced at the base of the foliage, often in the winter months. While these flowers are rarely noticed in the garden, they can be quite attractive in the home.