Q: I have two large variegated aspidistras. This year they look dreadful. They get quite a bit of sun. Is there anything I can do to make them happier?

A: In my experience, aspidistra (also known as cast iron plant) needs partial to full shade. Otherwise the leaves become brown and tattered. You can scissor off damage as it appears. However, the clumps are easy to move so I recommend you put them in a better shade environment. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote, Dynamite or Milorganite