Aspidistra elatior 'Cast Iron Plant' - Often grown as a container, porch, or house plant, Cast Iron requires little maintenance. Native to China, this species makes a beautiful groundcover, where it is hardy, and gives a nice tropical look. The dark green, leathery looking leaves grow vertical to heights of about 20 to 30 inches. Cast Iron should be planted in moderate or even deep shade and protected from direct sunlight. When planted in direct sun, the plant tends to look bleached or stressed. Cast Iron should be watered regularly, but not over watered. In the Southern U.S. this is an heirloom plant.