Ep. 36 - Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior Plant Profile

Is Aspidistra the holy grail of hardy houseplants?

Since they’ve been called Spittoon plants in the past, they must be pretty cast iron. The Plant Daddies discuss this plant's surprising, lengthy, and poignant presence in British history, what to look for when you're buying one, and treat you to an argument about something they've agreed upon! Matthew is kind enough to include a book review of one he hasn't read.

Mentioned in this episode:

• classic houseplants from the Victorian Era, and the waves of popularity and obscurity they face

And since we talked about so many links this episode, here they are!

First, the George Orwell novel Matthew has not read, Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Then, the iconic 1960s British gardening personality, Thalassa Cruso (who we later discussed with Jane Perrone in Ep. 95!)

And lastly, the comedy song by Gracie Fields, The Biggest Aspidistra in the World