Aspidistra

Let’s applaud for the golden oldie greenery… Aspidistra! Aspidistra leaves are well-known nowadays by every floral designer. The great thing about the lanceolate Aspidistra leaves is that you can use them in a lot of creative ways! You can fold, twist, and cut the leaves in many ways, and the leaves will stay in an excellent condition for days.

The Rise and Fall of Aspidistra as Houseplant

Aspidistra, officially named Aspidistra Eliator, originally comes from eastern Asia. When it was brought to Europe in the 19th century, people were stunned about the low maintenance that this houseplant needed. Aspidistra rose in popularity so quickly that it became its own demise: it became a “symbol of dull middle-class respectability” because literally, almost any household had an Aspidistra plant. George Orwell wrote a novel called “Keep The Aspidistra Flying” And did you know that this greenery type even has its own song? “The Biggest Aspidistra in The World,” sung by Gracie Fields. We have found it on Youtube over here 😊

Aspidistra Leaves as Greenery in Floral Designs

Although its houseplant reputation might be questionable, Aspidistra leaves as greenery have amazing creative value. Floral designers can use the leaves in so many ways, that these fresh looking, big leaves can embellish every design style and every kind of floral design. At Holex we offer various Aspidistra varieties through our Holland and Miami webshops.

Aspidistra Eliator

The most common Aspidistra variety which has a matt-gloss dark green color.

Aspidistra Eliator Milky-way

This Aspidistra variety has little creamy yellow polka dots on its leaves.

Aspidistra Eliator Variegated

The Variegated Eliator Aspidistra has creamy yellow striped leaves. Each leaf differs in the amount of green and stripes. Very decorative!  Visit our webshop to see the current offerings, or contact your Account Manager if you have any questions about availability.

Design Suggestions with Aspidistra

Already said: Aspidistra leaves can be used in many, many ways. For example:

  • Folded Aspidistra leaves in a bouquet
  • Aspidistra leaves as a basis for a funeral design
  • Folded Aspidistra for a boutonniere
  • Folded and twisted Aspidistra at the outer sides of a bouquet

To give you more visual design ideas with Aspidistra we have created a Pinterest mood board, that you can visit over here.

Aspidistra and Ikebana

And did you know that Aspidistra is also used for the Japanese floral design style Ikebana? When you are interested to learn more about this, look for the hashtag #ikebana on Instagram, or search for “Ikebana” at Pinterest.

Origin

In the 19th century, the houseplant was introduced to Great Britain, where it became very popular: because Aspidistra needs little care and it can be placed almost everywhere in the interior. It is also known as Cast-iron-plant.

The name Aspidistra comes from the Greek word “aspis” which means “shield, or “aspidion,” which means little shield. When we look at the shape of the leaf, we can say this is a perfect fit!

Funny fact: in Holland, as an indoor plant, Aspidistra is also known as “Butcher’s Plant.” This is because Aspidistra thrives well in low temperatures and little sunlight, like in a butcher shop!

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