Cast iron plant is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial reaching up to 2' in upright clumps. It is a good specimen for planting in dense shade. It makes a good evergreen "hosta substitute", especially for low light areas as well as indoors in pots. It is called barroom plant because of its ability to withstand spittoonish conditions and iron plant due to its ability to withstand neglect. Cast iron plants prefer partial to full shade and are intolerant of direct sun. It needs rich, well-drained soil and is drought tolerant, though it can tolerate dry and nutrient-poor soils as well as a variety of soil textures.