The Perennial Houseplant That's Almost Impossible To Kill (No Green Thumb Required)

If you're looking for a plant that you won't be able to kill, meet the cast iron plant — or as it's scientifically known, aspidistra elatior. This gorgeous plant, native to Japan and China, is known for its deep green foliage as well as its ability to survive in conditions that would challenge pretty much any other houseplant. It's a great option because it doesn't need the brightest window or round-the-clock care. In fact, it'll thrive just sitting in the background without much fuss at all, and it has a tolerance for low-light conditions, which makes it a great choice for spots or rooms where other plants wouldn't survive. There are many houseplants perfect for growing indoors, but the cast iron plant stands out for being both undeniably beautiful and incredibly resilient.

In fact, the only real threat to its health isn't neglect — it's quite the opposite. Overwatering, which is the watering mistake that's killing your houseplants more often than you realize, often happens because you've given your plants too much attention. Cast iron plants in particular actually prefer their soil to fully dry out between waterings, so giving them too much too often does more harm than good. Stick to watering only when the soil is dry, and this low-maintenance plant will reward you with year-round greenery.

One of the best things about the cast iron plant is you can quite literally "set it and forget it" — it'll be as content growing in a shaded corner as being put on display in a bright room. Plus, cast iron plants can even grow in the bathroom thanks to their tolerance for humidity. They are so flexible in part due to their rhizome root system, which stores water and nutrients and allows the plant to recover easily from not being watered or having enough light.

They're a great choice for the home as they are adaptable to many soil types, are perfectly happy to stay in the same pot for a long time, and are not poisonous for pets either. And when the time comes for them to be repotted (because eventually it will), all you need to do is place it in a larger container to encourage more growth. Alternatively, you can split the rhizomes to propagate even more plants. 

Further, the hardiness of this species makes it a beautiful plant to pair with more delicate ones. It has strong and bright upright leaves, which will make a lovely background for other flowering plants or ones with patterned foliage and texture. If you've ever struggled to keep your houseplants alive and thriving, the cast iron plant may be the most reliable option, requiring minimal care for a big botanical trade off.