Cobbler palm: care, location & propagation

The cobbler palm is considered an indestructible houseplant. The different types and varieties are therefore also ideal as beginner plants.

Despite the external similarity, the cobbler palm (Aspidistra) nothing to do with a palm tree. However, it is just as popular as a houseplant in the home and office. Here you can find out everything about the location, care and propagation of Aspidistra.

Cobbler palm: flower, origin and properties

At the cobbler palm (Aspidistra) is a genus of plants that is native to the tropics and subtropics of East Asia. It belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and comprises around 140 species, of which only a few can also be kept as houseplant. Probably the best known is

Aspidistra elatior. It is also known as the butcher's palm or iron plant because it is very robust and easy to care for and is considered indestructible. The dark green leaves sit on long petioles that grow out of the rhizome and do not sit on a stem. The herbaceous, evergreen plant can reach sizes of 80 centimeters and grows slowly. In nature, the cobbler palm forms bell-shaped flowers, which, however, are often not easy to see. They grow very close to the ground because the flower stalks are extremely short. That is also the reason why snails are used as pollinators in the cobbler palm. Comes in the room Aspidistra only very rarely to bloom.

The most beautiful species and varieties

There are still different types of cobbler palms, but they cannot be kept as houseplant. We are therefore introducing some varieties that have been bred by Aspidistra elatior have emerged.

• Aspidistra elatior "Variegata": The green leaves of this shoemaker palm are variegated or striped in white.
• Aspidistra elatior ‘Asahi’: Here, too, the white color plays a role. The tips of the leaves look like they have been painted white, the rest of the leaves are green.
• Aspidistra elatior ‘Lennon’s song’: The leaves of this variety are noticeable for their light central rib.
• Aspidistra caespitosa: This species has much narrower leaves than Aspidistra elatior. These are about 2 cm wide and up to 60 cm long.
• Aspidistra lurida 'Ginga': The one also under the name Aspidistra elatior The variety sold by Milky Way has green leaves that are finely sprinkled with white.

Planting cobbler palm: location, soil and procedure

The cobbler palm has no special requirements in terms of location and care. Regardless of whether you want to keep the cobbler palm in the bathroom or in the bedroom, it actually feels good anywhere. It likes it light or partially shaded, but can also stand in a shady place without any problems. Direct sun can damage the leaves. If you have a variety with white patterned leaves, it will need a little more light to keep its color. The cobbler palm wants to be warm all year round. Temperatures of around 20 ° C are ideal, but it can also be a little warmer. Lower temperatures are also tolerated, but it shouldn't get colder than 8 ° C, even in winter. When it is warm enough in summer, the cobbler palm likes to stand outside in a sun-protected place. Since it is not winter hardy, it must be brought back into the house when the temperature drops.

When planting, you should make sure that the pot has a drainage hole. Fill in a layer of expanded clay or potsherds so that the water can drain off. This prevents the formation of waterlogging. A high-quality potting soil, which can store water well, is suitable as a substrate for the cobbler palm. Here, for example, is ours Plantura organic universal soil from herbal ingredients. It does not contain peat and can store water and nutrients, which are then given off to the plants. If you mix in a third of sand, this increases the permeability even more.

Care of the cobbler palm

Caring for the shoemaker's palm is very straightforward, as the plant has no special requirements. A little water and fertilizer are enough to make the cobbler palm feel good. Occasionally, the leaves should be wiped with a damp cloth to keep them shiny.

Water, cut and fertilize

Water the cobbler palm regularly whenever the substrate is one third dry again. Rainwater or stale tap water should be used so that there is no excess lime. Give enough water without waterlogging. Any irrigation water that has run off should be removed from the coaster. If you forget to water it, there is nothing to worry about. The cobbler palm is frugal and forgives most of the care mistakes. Of course, it should not be completely neglected.

There is no need to cut the cobbler palm. If leaves change color, you can cut them off as soon as they are completely withered. Use a sharp tool and cut off the sheet at the base. Never cut in the middle of the plant, as this is where the new leaves will be formed. The shoemaker's palm can also be cut without any problems so that the shiny leaves can be used in bouquets or arrangements.

tip: Only in the case of the ‘Variegata’ variety, leaves that are only green and have no white parts should be removed. Otherwise it can happen that at some point only green leaves are formed.

Compared to other plants, the cobbler palm does not have a very high nutrient requirement, but should still be fertilized regularly. One application of fertilizer once a month is sufficient during the growing season. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants, such as ours Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizerthat you can simply mix into the irrigation water. With its nutritional composition, it is perfect for almost all green houseplants and ensures healthy leaves and roots.

You can repot the cobbler palm every three to four years in spring. Use a larger pot so that there is enough space for her roots.

Is the cobbler palm hardy?

The cobbler palm is not winter hardy and does not tolerate temperatures below 8 ° C. Nevertheless, it can be a little colder in winter at approx. 10 - 12 ° C. During this resting phase you can also water less and the plant will only grow more slowly. The cobbler palm is not fertilized in winter.

Cobbler Palm Gets Yellow Leaves: You Can Do That

If the cobbler palm has yellow leaves or brown leaves are increasingly showing, incorrect watering is often the cause.

• Waterlogging: Waterlogging causes root rot, which manifests itself in brown or yellow discolored leaves. Then repot the cobbler palm in fresh substrate and give it less water.
• Calcareous water: The lime content in the water can also lead to leaf discoloration, so-called lime chlorosis. Be sure to use water with little lime, such as rainwater.
• Direct sun: Individual brown spots on the leaves can also be caused by too much direct sunlight. The cobbler palm then needs a more shady place.

Propagate cobbler palm

To propagate the cobbler palm, it is best to divide the mother plant. The best time is spring. Lift the plant out of the pot and separate the rhizomes with your hands or with a knife. Make sure that each part has at least two leaves. Then plant the cobbler palms separately, or several together in a pot, for a bushier appearance. The temperature should be around 15 ° C at the beginning. The separated cobbler palms should be cared for like the mother plant, but initially not fertilized so that the roots develop strongly.

In our latitudes, it is unfortunately hardly possible to propagate the cobbler palm using seeds. Seeds are hardly ever traded. Since the plant rarely blooms and then does not produce any fruit, it is almost impossible to obtain seeds yourself.

Is the cobbler palm poisonous?

According to the current state of knowledge, the cobbler palm is not poisonous, neither for humans nor for pets.

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