The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) earns its name. Famously tough and long lived, it carries broad, deep green, glossy leaves on upright stems and shrugs off the kind of neglect that would see off fussier plants. This is a well furnished specimen with seven or more leaves, ready to make an instant impact.

Happy in shade and low light corners where little else will grow, it is the ideal plant for hallways, north facing rooms and forgetful waterers. Quietly handsome and endlessly reliable.

Care at a glance

Light: Tolerates low light and shade well. Avoid direct sun, which can bleach the leaves.
Water: Water when the top few centimetres of compost dry out, and sparingly in winter. It dislikes sitting wet.
Humidity: Average rooms are fine.
Note: Generally considered one of the more pet tolerant houseplants, though it is still best kept out of reach.