Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
I use Cast Iron Plant in both garden beds and containers in sites that provide full to mostly shade and well-drained to slightly damp soils.

To plant, dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and two to three times the width of the root ball and fill it with water. If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If the water is still standing 12 hours later, improve the drainage in your bed, perhaps by establishing a raised bed. Turn and break up the soil removed from the planting hole. If the native soil removed from the planting hole is compacted or heavy clay, mix in organic compost at a 25 to 30% ratio to condition soil. Remove your plant from its container and carefully but firmly loosen the root ball. Set the plant into the hole you've prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil level. Pull your backfill soil mixture around the root ball in the hole, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. Then water thoroughly and cover with a one to two-inch layer of mulch.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
I feed Cast Iron Plant one time a year, in spring, with a well-balanced plant food containing a micronutrient package including iron and/or sulphur. This helps the foliage to maintain its very dark green color.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
Cast Iron Plant is insect and disease free and a very low-maintenance plant. Too much sun will scorch or discolor leaves so plant it in the shade!

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Cast Iron Plant requires little if any pruning. You can remove discolored or damaged leaves on an as-needed basis. When doing so, cut stem all the way to its base just above the ground. Removing damaged leaves will encourage new leaves to emerge.

Spencer Young · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
No pruning needed, just cut away dead or broken branches

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
The Cast Iron Plant is a plant that will grow in total shade, in the garden or in containers.