Species

Aspidistra elatiorCast Iron Plant

8 other cultivars

perennial

Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior 'Tokyo Skies'

$32.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Aspidistra elatior is an evergreen perennial native to the shaded woodland floors of southern Japan and Taiwan. It produces glossy, leathery, strap-like leaves from subterranean rhizomes and bears obscure, flesh-colored flowers at the soil line.

'Tokyo Skies' is distinguished by broad green leaves heavily flecked, splashed, and irregularly striped with creamy white variegation. The underlying foliage remains deep green, creating strong visual contrast in shaded sites.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides bold leaf texture and bright cream variegation in deep shade gardens and container arrangements.

Tolerates poor soil, dark shade, and period dry spells once established.

Offers dense evergreen shelter for beneficial soil invertebrates.

SpeciesAspidistra elatiorCast Iron Plant

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan, Taiwan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in partial to full shade with loose, well-draining soil.
Amend heavy or compacted soils with organic compost to ensure excess moisture drains freely.
Plant rhizomes at the same soil depth as they were growing in the container.
Water thoroughly at planting, then reduce watering to allow soil to dry partially between applications.

Pro Tip

Allow the potting media or upper soil layer to dry out between waterings to prevent rhizome rot, and keep foliage out of direct afternoon sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep plants in shade to preserve foliage patterning.
Provide well-draining soil media.
Clean leaf blades with water to remove dust when grown indoors.

Don't

Do not overwater or let roots sit in soggy soil.
Do not expose leaves to direct hot afternoon sunlight.
Do not cut back into old leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade Border AccentUnderstory Ground CoverContainer PlantIndoor Houseplant

Companion Plants

Heuchera Polystichum acrostichoides Asarum canadense Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant questions

What zones can Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant grow in?

Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant deer resistant?

Yes — Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant bloom?

Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant need full sun?

Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant does best in part shade.

Is Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tokyo Skies Cast Iron Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.