aspidistra elatior (center)
This is one of the very few leaves left on my aspidistra. Despite it being named cast iron plant due to how tough it is, withstanding both shade and lack of watering, I haven't had any luck with it. The leaves keep drying at the ends and ultimately dying, so the plant usually has more rhizomes than leaves and needs to be strategically hidden from view, with only that one or two healthy leaves peeking out. From what I've read, other people experience similar problems, so it may have to do with the variety.
The white spots on the leaf are characteristic of the variety, they are not disease. I like to think it's Milky Way because I like the name and I think it matches my plant, but I'm not sure because the plant - or rather its remnants - must be about a dozen years old. I haven't done research on what a pure breed Milky Way is supposed to look like either.. for instance some people say that it's supposed to have both stripes and spots. Although I seem to recall that my plant used to have them both when I first bought it, young and perky, with a bunch of tall, healthy leaves.
2 comments:
This makes me think of Gracie Fields (god bless her absolutely Rochdale madness infused little self)....
http://ingeb.org/songs/foryears.html
I found the song on youtube. Funny, the miaowing cats and all :-) I wish I could play Tarzan of the apes in mine but it only has four leaves.. I like this plant but won't buy it anymore if it's had that reputation for over half a century. Thanks for pointing it out!
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