Top Questions About Cast Iron Plants

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Questions About Cast Iron Plants

Asked by
Jeanie Carr on
April 24, 2015

Q. Can cast iron plants be cut back to the ground?

We experienced more snow and ice this winter than is usual. My cast iron plant leaves were pushed down to the ground and have not recovered their shape. Can cast iron plants be cut back to the ground?

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
April 24, 2015
Certified Expert
A.

I would trim back any damaged leaves at the soil level. You can gently pull up the leaves and determine if they are damaged or broken.
You can trim away any damaged leaf tips, though this can be tedious.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm

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Asked by
redbettys on
May 1, 2015

Q. how do you kill overgrown Cast Iron Plant

I have Cast Iron plants outside in Louisiana and they need to be killed off in some areas.

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
May 1, 2015
Certified Expert
A.

You can cut the plants off to the soil surface and apply a herbicide directly to the open wounds of the plant. You may need more then one application.
The rhizomes can be dug up, but this can be difficult.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm

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Asked by
Jenyo on
November 30, 2015

Q. Cast iron plant is turning yellow and dying

Move to Colorado Springs from Jax, Fl and dug up some of my grandmother’s cast iron plants from my shaded yard. I wasn’t able to bring very much of the plants’ original dirt with it so I bought a huge planter, filled the bottom of the planter with mulch (I did this to cut down on the weight and to make drainage better) put fertilized potting soil and then the plant. My plant is dying and I don’t know why. I love this plant. It’s a part of my home and a huge part of my grandmother’s remembrance to me. I’ve always been GREAT with plants, indoor and outdoor.

Thank you,
Jen

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
December 2, 2015
Certified Expert
A.

Your plant is likely stressed from moving from outdoors to indoors.
Yellowing leaves can indicate a watering issue, to much or to little.
Also could indicate insects or disease.
I would lean to the dry side for the plant, make sure the pot is well draining.
Also I would treat the plant with Neem Oil.
Neem Oil works as an insecticide and fungicide and is safe for people and pets.
It is a good idea to treat the plant when it come from outdoors.

Here are some links for you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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Asked by
H130730 on
May 26, 2016

Q. Cast Iron Plant

The rear surfaces of our leaves have small black specks and the plant is not a happy one the. The leaves have brown tips and some need removing. Any help.

Answered by
kh0001 on
May 29, 2016
A.

Interesting, because Cast Iron plants don't typically suffer from any diseases. Black spot fungus is the most common ailment that causes the symptoms you describe (assuming the black specks are actually part of the leaves and not insects). At a minimum, you'll want to remove all the affected leaves. If the spots are all over the entire plant, it might be necessary to use a fungicide (no guarantees, though).

These articles may help you:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/black-spot-fungus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm

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Asked by
deborah.gwynne3 on
December 29, 2016

Q. Houseplant aspidistra

The leaves on my very old aspidistra plant are turning brown. Even the new leaves turn brown quickly. Why is this?

Answered by
Alisma on
December 29, 2016
Certified Expert
A.

Brown leaves on this plant can be a result of overwatering or underwatering (check the soil with your finger to make sure it's dry before you water), salt buildup in the soil, or over-fertilization. Please see these articles for help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/signs-of-over-fertilization-in-houseplants.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
April 18, 2017

Q. Cast Iron Plant

My landscaper planted cast iron plants where they are shaded by my redwood trees. This was about three weeks ago and they didn’t look very good to me at the time. The points of the leaves are brown and withered. Shall I remove them? Cut off the tips? Will new leaves grow? They are about 18″ tall right now and I have three of them all in a row. I thought this was a plant I wouldn’t have to worry about but now I am.

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
April 19, 2017
Certified Expert
A.

To much sunlight can cause the browning of the tips and entire leaves of the plants.
Since they are new plantings they will require regular watering to help become established with good root systems. Once established they will need little care.
I see some yellowing on the leaves and this is generally an indicator of watering issues.

You can prune dead or damaged leaves and these plants will generally grow back nice dark green leaves.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
April 29, 2017

Q. Cast Iron plant

How can I control the plant in my yard or completely dig it up and replant it in the back yard? Thank you for your help!

Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
April 29, 2017
Certified Expert
A.

Removing the new shoots as they appear will help control the spread of the Cast Iron Plant.
It is a spreading nature and will fill in areas quite quickly.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/cast-iron-plant/cast-iron-plants-information.htm

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