Aspidistra…you've come a long, long way

Flower & Garden Magazine, Feb-March, 1985 by Caroline B. Whitaker

The ancient aspidistra from China offers the coveted combination of a house plant that is not only indestructible but also prized for flower arranging. Its leaves offer remarkable qualities for simple, artistic designs.

Most people know aspidistra merely as an unobtrusive evergreen foliage plant. The British chose potted aspidistras to take into bomb shelters during World War II to lend a homey touch during the long waits. Comedienne Gracie Fields immortalized the plant with her musicl hall renditions of "The Biggest Aspidistra of Them All." In Vicotrian England, aspidistra became known as the "cast iron plant" of bank and hotel lobbies because it could survive neglect, cold drafts, summer heat, or being watered with brandy snifter remains and mulched with cigar stubs.

In Japan and China also, aspidistra has long been popular as a foliage plant. Books were written in Japan on how to make flower arrangements with three to 99 aspidistra leaves. Eventually aspidistra leaves became indispensable to Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging.

Botanically named Aspidistra elatior, it is a plant of the lily family forming clumps of evergreen leaves averaging ten to 20 inches long and two to four inches wide. In frost free climates, aspidistra is grown outdoors. It can survive low light, smog, dust, tree roots and similar hardships, where few other plants would survive. Occasionally it blooms, with flat, bell-like brownish flowers an inch across hidden in the foliage. Each spring a mature plant sends up many new leaves.

Aspidistra is not without a few growing requirements as a house plant. The worst hazard is overwatering. Allow plants to dry between waterings. Every five years or so, a plant needs dividing and replanting. Just chop it apart witha sharp shovel, and report the segments. In April, groom the plant to clean out dry leaves and get it off toa new season.

The variegated aspidistra, longitudinally banded or striped with cream or greenish white, is rarely seen but much desired. This streaked "sport" is believed to be caused by undernourishment. The variegation results from such a minimum of nutrients that it is difficult to produce the desired coloration. Recently a Japanese breeder reportedly has produced a strain showing consistent silver-cream streaking. Perhaps in a few years we will be able to obtain this form.

The uppermost aspidistra leaf in the pictured arrangement was a gold color, produced by standing it in a little water in a north window for six weeks. Its gold gradually ages to tan. To achieve the coor change, keep the water level constant. Aspidistra leaves may be glycerinized, skeletonized, bleached, or dried naturally by hanging in a cool dry room. Spray paint may be used on either fresh or dry leaves, if you desire such touches.

"Age cannot wither nor custom fade" the arranging possibilities of the aspidistra. If you don't have one of these versatile plants in your collection, it's time to add one.

You can make a quick table centerpiece from two aspidistra leaves, three roses or any other garden flowers, and some filler greens. The filler greens may be ferns, Asparagus sprengeri or other Asparagus "ferns," or yew or pine sprigs.

Cut the two leaves from the aspidistra, with stems as long as possible. Note that the central rib or vein bisects the leaf blade unevenly. One half is larger than the other. with thumbnail, split both sides of each blade into several inch-wide ribbons connected. Place stems upright on a needlepoint holder in a small compote. Adjust the ribbons to fall freely in graceful lines. Add flowers and filler greens. You can vary the pattern by making the ribbons only in the larger half of the leaf blade, leaving the rest whole.

The foliage is pleasantly pliable. Both stem and blade may be curved to suit your wishes. They will hold the shpae indefinitely if not overhandled. Leaf blades may be rolled, curved, twisted, shredded, furled, lopped, tied in knots. For deep curves, fasten a heavy florist wire (#18) to the back of the leaf rib with transparent tape. Such wire is available in florist shops.

Ordinary scissors can be used to cut the leaf into desired patterns. You can trim it to make it smaller, stylize it into a wedge shape or arrow, or give it jagged points.

Even the rib is usable. Strip away all vestiges of green from the central rib, leaving the full length. Run your fingers lightly over the rib to coax it into a pleasing curve. Condition it 30 minutes, immersed in cold water. Make at least three such "ribs." Add them to any arrangement to contribute a light rhythmic touch.