it's the first time i've ever seen one, i guess not that many people up here in the east coast know it exist. that's one beautiful plant, now i want one!

Not so easy to find, you might have to order it and pay the premium prices. My friend says
that these are easy get in Texas. Seams that Southerners use these as a landscaping item.

I believe Aspidistras were popular in Victorian England. They can tolerate low light (I believe?) and graced many a Victorian parlour.

But sadly it's just one of hundreds of houseplants that are hardly ever seen for sale anymore. I remember as a boy in the '70s one could buy so many lovely varieties of plants in almost any plant or florist shop or even department store.

I'm guessing it's because now the large, commercial growers just raise a few dozen 'popular' (i.e. fast and easy for them to grow) plants that make them the most profit.

Just as examples, when is the last time you saw the following, previously common houseplants for sale?
--Piggyback Plant (Tolmiea Menziesii)
--any variety of Episcia / Flame Violet (such as 'Chocolate Soldier', among many others)
--Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera Deliciosa)
--Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)
--Wax Plant (Hoya)

The Aspidistra didn't adapt to northern parlors after the advent of excessively heated homes. They remain a fairly common plant in warmer, humid climates, however, where they adorn the darkest areas of the landscape.

I used to grow a couple in big containers on my screened in porch in SC, but never brought them inside.

I have a variegated Aspidistra that I purchased at a nursery in Florida. I agree that they are much more common down south than in the north - I have NEVER seen one for sale in my northern home state. I do get the impression that the aspidistra does not like dry air or excessive heat just based on my personal experience.

Sans2014, one common name for it is the "cast iron" plant. I am told that's because it is well nigh indestructible. It is certainly durable in low lighted areas.

bjwpg, iv'e seen the philos you listed and the hoyas at lowes recently.

I usually see heart-leaf Philos & Hoyas at WM, when they have house plants. Lately though, 'Brazil' is around more often than the plain green leaf. (Not an all-year thing at the 2 smaller ones close enough to visit, because the house plant area is outside.)

I've been wondering what happened to grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) and Homalomena (if this has a common name, IDK or forgot.) The grape ivy used to be ubiquitous, hanging everywhere. Homalomena was in all of my old house plant books, though never a plant I remember seeing in person much except in pics.

Aspidistra is hardy here, but not a very attractive plant in the landscape, IMVHO. They usually look ratty. But maybe I only notice them if they're ratty? IDK which, not a plant I find very interesting. Potted specimens usually look better. I can't think of any other plant that I'd say that about.

Rhizo, if you come back to this, what are your thoughts on that? Winter damage @ edge of hardiness?

Anyone remember: Rat Tail cactus?

^I've only ever seen them on the Web. I've tried looking for them but have never seen one in the flesh! I've wanted one, but I guess it's a good thing I can't find it as I have no more room!

As far as the Aspidista, I've seen it a few times at Rona here and there. But now where else.

For the Heart Leaf Philodendron, the one I bought has been the only one I've ever seen! Brazil is all over the place though.

Tiffany, They do sell Variegated Aspidistra too you know, LOL
Fred

I live in north Norway. I have two pots of Aspidistra in my livingroom, got them from an old lady I used to visit. (she's dead now.) I keep them indoors, and they do fairly well, but have a tendency of brown leaf tips. We went on a three week vacation in January, and came home to 2 degrees celsius (!) in the house, a wonder the pipes weren't frozen. The heating had failed. Most of the plants had made it, however, so also the aspidistras. I guess it was because of them being bone dry! Had there been moist, they would have been history...

I just re potted my new Aspidistra because the soil was not drying out. It is now in a Clay
pot with extra Perlite added to the mix. Thanks for telling me about your plant, I'm glad yours
survived that cold spell!
Fred