Question
Hi. I have had my aspidistra for more than seven years and have had no problems with it whatsoever. But recently, over the last few months or so, leaves have been turning yellow and I've had to snip them off at the base, above the soil. The shape of the plant is now changing and I want to know how to stop the problem.I don't over-water it and it's in the same position in the house that it's always been. Nothing's changed. Please help! Scout.

Answer
Scout,
Here's a few ways to help improve your plant's health...
1. How long has it been in the same pot?...You may want to pull your aspidistra (sometimes called "Cast Iron Plant") out of the pot and check to see if it is potbound (mostly roots not soil). This may be the cause of the yellow leaves...If it is potbound transplant it into a new pot 2-4" larger than the old one...Or divide the rootball and make 2 plants out of the one you have...
2. I find this way is the best way to water potted plants...Water your plant based on how much it weighs when thoroughly watered VS when it is ready to be watered again. Plants die from too frequent waterings, not from how much water you give them at one time. Pick up or lean the pot and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color. Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates from once a day to once a month or more...
3. Aspidistras like humid conditions...You can place the pot on top of a saucer filled with stones and water or spray mist the foliage weekly to increase humidity...
4. Do rotate the pot periodically to get even growth as the plant grows...
5. It is also good to fertilize it periodically with a good plant fertilizer (Miracle Grow, Peters, etc.)
Let me know what you think is the problem...Hope this helps.
Rick in southern New Jersey